How to Use a Proxy on Android (Step-by-Step Guide)

Last updated: February 2026 | 7 min read | Based on real device testing on Android 11-15

Quick Answer: To use a proxy on Android, go to Wi-Fi Settings, tap your network, select Modify or Advanced, set Proxy to Manual, enter your IP and port, and save. For mobile data, use APN settings. For all apps including social media and games, use a proxy app like Super Proxy.

If you've ever wanted to browse more privately, get around network restrictions, or just stop websites from tracking your real IP address, a proxy is one of the simplest tools to use. And setting one up on Android is easier than most people expect.

This guide walks you through every reliable way to configure proxy settings on Android, explains when each method is best, and covers how to fix the most common issues. Everything is written in plain steps so you can follow along even if you've never used a proxy before.

What Is a Proxy, and Why Use One on Android?

A proxy server sits between your device and the internet. When you send a request to visit a website, it goes to the proxy first, which then passes it on to the destination. From the website's perspective, the request is coming from the proxy, not from your actual device.

That simple rerouting creates a few useful effects:

1. Your real IP address is hidden. Websites and apps see the proxy IP instead of yours.
2. You can appear to be in a different location. Useful for accessing content or services restricted to certain countries or regions.
3. Your connection is less traceable. Helpful on public Wi-Fi or when you would rather not hand your IP to every site you visit.
4. You can bypass network filters. Some schools, workplaces, or ISPs block certain sites. A proxy can route around those blocks.
5. You can manage multiple accounts or run automation tools. Proxies are commonly used to keep accounts isolated or route automated traffic through different IPs.

It is worth being clear about what a proxy doesn't do: it's not a full privacy solution. Unlike a VPN, most standard HTTP proxies don't encrypt your traffic. If full encryption is your priority, a VPN is probably a better fit. But for IP masking, location switching, and general privacy from websites, a proxy does the job well.

Which Method Should You Use?

There are three ways to set up a proxy on Android, and they are each very different from eachother. Before diving into steps, there is a quick look at how they compare:

Pick your method based on what you actually need. If you are just testing a website or doing a quick IP check, the built-in Wi-Fi setting is fine. If you need every app on your phone routed through the proxy, use a proxy app. Mobile data routing requires the APN method.

What You will Need Before You Start

You will need the details of a proxy server to connect to: a hostname or IP address, a port number, and in most cases a username and password. These come from whatever proxy provider you are using.

Some providers also offer IP-based authentication, which means you whitelist your device's IP and skip the login step entirely. This can make things slightly simpler if your connection has a stable static IP, but that is less common to find.

If you don't have a provider yet, we built CatProxies (catproxies.com) for exactly this kind of use. We offer residential IPs from a pool of 20M+ addresses, coverage across 195 countries, and plans starting at $2.5/GB. We also donate to cat shelters every month, because we think it's nice when a purchase does a little good on the side.

If you go with a different provider, just make sure they have a clear privacy policy and don't log traffic. Free, unverified proxy lists are tempting but often come with serious downsides: slow speeds, unreliable uptime, and in some cases providers that sell your data.

Method 1: Configure a Proxy for Wi-Fi (Browser Traffic Only)

This is the easiest way to configure proxy settings on Android if you only need browser traffic routed. The built-in Android proxy settings work per Wi-Fi network. Once configured, browser traffic on that network goes through your proxy. Note that most apps ignore these system settings, so if you need everything routed through the proxy, skip to Method 3.

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version, but the general flow is the same across most devices.

Step 1: Open Your Wi-Fi Settings

Go to Settings, then tap Wi-Fi or Network & Internet depending on your device. Find the network you are currently connected to and tap it, or tap the gear icon or arrow next to its name. On some phones (Samsung, for example) you need to long-press the network name to get to the modify option.

Step 2: Find the Advanced Settings

Look for an Advanced or More Settings section within the network details.

Step 3: Find the Proxy Option

Scroll down until you see a Proxy field. Tap it and change the setting from None to Manual.

Step 4: Enter Your Proxy Details

You will be prompted to fill in two fields:

1. Proxy hostname: Either an IP address (like 49.123.241.122) or a hostname (like us.proxyprovider.net).
2. Proxy port: A number, typically something like 8080, 3128, or 4220. Your provider will give you the exact one.

Some devices also show a Bypass proxy for field. You can leave this blank, or add any domains you want to access directly, separated by commas.

Step 5: Save and Authenticate

Tap Save. When you open your browser and visit a website, you may be prompted to enter a username and password. Enter the credentials from your proxy provider and sign in.

If your provider uses IP authentication, you won't see a login prompt. The connection will just work once your device's IP is whitelisted.

Quick tip: The proxy setting only applies to this specific Wi-Fi network. If you switch networks, you'll need to repeat the setup for the new one.

Pro Tip: If speed matters, use SOCKS5 proxies instead of HTTP proxies. They generally perform better for apps and automation tools, and most reputable providers support both protocols.

If Something Goes Wrong (Wi-Fi Method)

These are the most common issues with the Wi-Fi proxy setup:

1. Pages won't load after saving: Double-check the hostname and port. A single typo is crucial as the username and password fields are case sensitive. Make sure you did not add a bonus space at the start.
2. Browser keeps asking for credentials: Your proxy uses username/password auth. Enter the details your provider gave you and tick Remember if the option appears.
3. Proxy works in browser but not in other apps: Normal behavior. Most apps ignore system proxy settings. Use Method 3 if you need full coverage.
4. The username and password field does not appear when opening the browser: Sometimes the browser does not detect the proxy on the first attempt. If no login prompt appears after opening the browser and you are not asked to enter a username or password, the simplest solution is to restart the Wi-Fi or restart your phone, then repeat the steps from Step 1.

Method 2: Set Up a Proxy for Mobile Data (APN Method)

If the Wi-Fi proxy setup is not enough and you need cellular traffic routed too, you can do it through your APN (Access Point Name) settings.

Go to Settings, then SIM cards & mobile networks (or Connections, depending on your phone). Tap your SIM, then find Access Point Names. Tap the APN you are currently using and look for Proxy and Port fields. Enter your proxy details and save. Toggle mobile data off and back on to apply the change.

A few things to be aware of with this method:

1. Not all carriers allow APN modification. If your data stops working after making changes, revert them.
2. The APN proxy field does not support username/password authentication the same way Wi-Fi does. If your provider requires credentials, this method may not work for you.
3. This method is most useful if you're testing mobile-network-specific scenarios, since most everyday use cases are covered by Wi-Fi or a proxy app.

If the APN method doesn't work for your carrier or proxy setup, Method 3 handles cellular traffic too.

Method 3: Route All App Traffic Through a Proxy

Android's built-in proxy setting only affects browser traffic. If you want to set up a proxy on Android for all apps including social media, messaging, games, and background services, you need a third-party app that creates a local VPN tunnel and routes everything through the proxy.

Super Proxy (available on the Google Play Store) is a solid choice for this. It supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5, and doesn't require root access.

Step 1: Install Super Proxy

Open the Google Play Store and search for Super Proxy. Install it and open the app.

Step 2: Add a New Proxy Profile

On the main screen, tap Add proxy. Give the profile a name, then fill in:

1. Protocol: HTTP/HTTPS for standard web proxies, or SOCKS5 for a more flexible connection. Check what your provider supports.
2. Server: Your proxy's IP address or hostname.
3. Port: The port number from your provider.
4. Authentication: Choose Username/Password if required, or None if your IP is already whitelisted.

Step 3: Configure DNS (Optional but Recommended)

Super Proxy lets you choose how DNS requests are resolved. Leaving it on Proxy is the safest choice for privacy, since your DNS queries also route through the proxy. You can also switch to Cloudflare or Google DNS if you prefer a known public resolver.

Step 4: Save and Connect

Tap the save icon. Back on the main screen, select your profile and tap Connect. Android will ask you to approve the VPN connection. Once approved, all traffic on your phone routes through the proxy.

To turn it off, open Super Proxy and disconnect, or toggle the VPN notification off in your notification shade.

Most common problem for this method

You may see a “Connection unexpectedly closed (E2)” error after entering the proxy details. In most cases, this does not mean the proxy is broken.

The issue is usually related to the port or protocol. Some providers use different ports for SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies. If you entered a SOCKS5 proxy using an HTTP port, the connection can fail with this error.

If your provider states that the port is the same for both protocols, the specific IP or location you selected may not support SOCKS5. In that case, switch the protocol to HTTP or HTTPS and test the connection again.

How to Check If Your Proxy Is Working

Once your proxy is configured, visit an IP checking website in your browser such as whatismyip.com or whoer.net. If you see the proxy's IP address instead of your own, you are good to go.

If you still see your real IP, here are the most common causes:

1. Wrong hostname or port. Double-check the details against what your provider gave you.
2. Authentication issue. Make sure you've entered the correct username and password when prompted.
3. Wrong Wi-Fi network. The setting only applies to the specific network you configured it on.
4. App bypassing the proxy. If you used Method 1 and testing with an app other than your browser, that app may be ignoring the proxy. Use Method 3 for full coverage.
5. Carrier blocking the APN proxy. If you used Method 2 and data stopped working, your carrier may not support APN proxy modification.

When a Proxy Won't Work on Android

Even with everything configured correctly, some apps will never route traffic through a proxy. This is not a setup error; it is intentional behavior built into certain apps.

1. Certificate pinning. Many apps, especially banking, payment, and security apps, use certificate pinning. This means they only accept connections from a specific trusted server. A proxy breaks that chain, so the app refuses to connect entirely.
2. Banking and financial apps. Most banking apps detect proxy or VPN connections and block them as a fraud prevention measure. This is by design and generally cannot be worked around without rooting your device.
3. Apps with hardcoded connections. Some apps bypass Android's network stack entirely and connect directly to their servers. These apps simply don't see or use system proxy settings at all.

If you are trying to route one of these apps through a proxy for testing or development purposes, you'll generally need a rooted device and a tool like ProxyDroid. For everyday use, this limitation rarely matters since most apps do respect proxy settings or can be covered by a proxy app.

Proxy vs VPN on Android: Which One Do You Need?

People often compare proxies and VPNs because they both hide your IP address. The main difference is encryption. A VPN encrypts all traffic between your device and the VPN server. A proxy doesn't do that by default.

1. Use a proxy if: You want to mask your IP for a specific task, access geo-restricted content, manage multiple accounts, or run automation tools where speed and flexibility matter more than encryption.
2. Use a VPN if: You are on public Wi-Fi, you want all your traffic encrypted, or you need a consistent always-on privacy solution.

Many people use both at different times depending on what they need. There is no single right answer, and one doesn't replace the other.

FAQ: Android Proxy Questions

Does Android proxy affect all apps?

No. Default system proxy settings usually only affect browsers and apps that explicitly respect system network rules. For full coverage, use a proxy app like Super Proxy.

Can I use a proxy and a VPN at the same time?

Yes, though in most setups the VPN takes over routing and the proxy may be ignored unless configured to run inside the VPN tunnel. It is usually cleaner to pick one or the other for a given task.

Is using a proxy on Android legal?

Using a proxy is legal in most countries. What you do with it is a separate question. Using a proxy to bypass account bans or access content you're not authorized to use depends on the specific platform's terms and your local laws.

Can I use a free proxy on Android?

Technically yes, but with caution. Free proxy lists are often unreliable, slow, and in some cases actively harmful. Some free proxies log and resell traffic, which defeats the purpose of using one for privacy. A reputable provider is a much safer option.

How do I set up an Android SOCKS5 proxy?

Android's built-in Wi-Fi proxy settings don't have a protocol selector and default to HTTP. To use SOCKS5, you will need a proxy app like Super Proxy, which lets you choose the protocol when adding your proxy profile.

How do I disable the proxy on Android?

For Method 1, go back to your Wi-Fi settings, find the network, and change Proxy from Manual back to None. For Method 3, open Super Proxy and disconnect.

Wrapping Up

Setting up a proxy on Android is genuinely simple once you know which method fits your situation. Use the built-in Wi-Fi settings if you just need browser traffic rerouted. Use the APN method for mobile data scenarios. Use Super Proxy if you want full coverage across all apps without rooting your phone.

Whichever method you choose, verify it's working by checking your IP after setup. And if you're serious about privacy, pair your proxy with a provider that doesn't log traffic and has a clear privacy policy.How to Use a Proxy on Android (Step-by-Step Guide)