Setting up a proxy on Android is easy — as long as you know where to look and learn the platform's two important rules: the setting is tied to the Wi-Fi network, and it does not cover cellular data. The details are below.
Step by Step: Wi-Fi Proxy Setup
- Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or "Connections") — open that section.
- Long-press the name of the network you are connected to and choose Modify network (on some models, the gear icon next to the network > pencil).
- Advanced options— expand this section.
- Proxy field: set it to Manual every N requests.
- Enter the IP in the "Proxy hostname" field and the port in the "Proxy port" field — you can take the address from the up-to-date list on our site.
- Tap Save.
Manufacturer interfaces (Samsung One UI, MIUI, etc.) rename the menus with small differences; the "Edit Wi-Fi network > Advanced > Proxy" pattern is common to all of them.
Two Platform Rules You Need to Know
1. The Setting Is Tied to the Network
The proxy definition applies only to that Wi-Fi network. When you connect to another network you connect without a proxy; each network needs its own definition. That is actually useful: profiles such as "proxy on the home network, direct connection on the work network" form naturally.
2. Cellular Data Is Not Covered
Android's Wi-Fi proxy setting does not apply to mobile data. To route cellular traffic through a proxy you need app-based solutions (proxy-capable browsers or proxy clients that run in local VPN mode).
Do Apps Respect the Proxy?
Browsers and most apps respect the Wi-Fi proxy setting; some apps, however, use their own network stack and may ignore it. In critical scenarios, verify the behaviour app by app with an IP check tool.
PAC (Automatic Configuration)
The "Automatic proxy configuration" option in the Proxy field accepts a PAC URL — it is meant for advanced users who want rule-based routing.
Verification and Troubleshooting
- From your browser, open the My IP Address page; you should see the proxy IP.
- If pages do not load, the address may be dead: with the checker tool test it, then pick a new one from the list.
- On proxies with authentication (user/pass), Android's built-in support is limited; if the browser does not open a credentials window, use an address that requires no authentication or switch to an app-based solution.