The internet has revolutionized the way we use to gather information, market, and connect with other people. According to HubSpot, as of October 2021, 4.55 billion people are active on social media; that’s more than half (56%) of the global population! However, the security issue is a big problem throughout the internet, and one of those issues is vulnerable IP addresses. This can easily be fixed through the use of proxy servers. But what are proxy servers?
There are two types of proxy servers – residential and datacenters; both have benefits and downsides. You get the choose which one fits your situation best. Proxy servers are the intermediary between your mobile device and a web server. Setting a proxy server on your mobile device is an excellent way to protect your actual IP address from a website. Proxy servers reroute your connection through multiple IP addresses, making the website receiving your web traffic unable to find your actual IP address. This is great if you want protection while surfing the internet, especially through public WiFi. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Android / iPhone
Contents
When it comes to Android and iPhones, configuring a proxy can be done in many ways depending on your connection. The steps between the two devices are very similar, making it very easy and hassle-free. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Method 1 – Setup Proxy on Android and iPhone for Mobile Data
If you are using your Android smartphone to access the internet through a proxy server. Please follow the steps below:
Note: Some steps may be different for newer and older devices.
- Navigate to Settings
This can be done by going to your home screen, swiping down, tapping the cogwheel icon, or searching for the settings app.
- Tap the Mobile Networks Option (may be called something else, for ex: mobile connections)
- Tap the SIM that you use for mobile data
If you don’t see your SIM, follow the steps below:
- Navigate to Your Settings
- Tap SIM card manager
- You should see your SIM by now and proceed with the steps as normal
- Tap Access Point Names or APM
- Tap the configuration option icon of your current APM
This will list the configurations you can make to your current APM. However, you only need to care about the proxy, port, username, and password.
- Fill the details
You can find the details of your proxy, port, username, and password from your proxy server provider. After entering the details, make sure to tap on save.
- Restart Your Mobile Data Connection
Turn off your mobile data connection and turn it back on again. This will make sure the proxy server details updates with your connection.
- Test it out!
To test if the proxy server is working. Go to whatismyipaddress.com. If it’s your first time using a proxy server, it will ask you your proxy username and password. You can fill this out using the details given to you by your proxy service provider. If the website shows your proxy server’s IP address, it’s working.
Keep in mind that this proxy server connection will only work for mobile data and only for that specific APN. If you switch your SIM or APN, it will not work.
Method 2 – Setup Proxy on Andriod and iPhone using WiFi
Note: Some steps may be different for newer and older devices.
- Navigate to Settings
This can be done by going to your home screen, swiping down, tapping the cogwheel icon, or searching for the settings app.
- Tap on WiFi (may be called connections)
- Tap the modify option for the WiFi you wish to set up a proxy on
If you don’t see the modify option, follow the steps below:
- Tap the WiFi you want to set up a proxy on.
- You should see a proxy option. If not, tap the Advanced option
- There you should see the proxy option.
- Navigate to the Proxy option and select Manual
- Fill the details
Here you need to fill out the following details: proxy, hostname, port, and unused sites (optional). The Unused sites option can be filled out if you want to bypass the proxy in a specific site. You can fill this option by typing the domain separated by a comma if you wish to bypass multiple sites (ex: google.com, youtube.com).
- Test it out!
To test if the proxy server is working. Go to whatismyipaddress.com. If it’s your first time using a proxy server, it will ask you your proxy username and password. You can fill this out using the details given to you by your proxy service provider. If the website shows your proxy server’s IP address, it’s working.
Keep in mind that each WiFi network has different settings, which means if you want to use a proxy server for another WiFi network. You need to follow all the steps again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you now know how to set up a residential and datacenter proxy on your mobile device on both Android and iPhone. If you use a different smartphone provider, the steps shown in this guide can be translated to all modern smartphones.