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Illustration of Android and iPhone traffic routed through a secure proxy hub for private and flexible mobile browsing. |
What is a proxy on mobile and why use it?
A mobile proxy is a server that sits between your phone and the websites or apps you connect to. Instead of contacting a site directly, your Android or iPhone sends the request to the proxy, which then forwards it and returns the response.
This means websites see the proxy’s IP address instead of your real mobile IP, which is useful for privacy, bypassing simple geo‑blocks, running SEO tools, and managing multiple accounts without logging in and out all the time.
If you don’t have your own proxies, you can grab a free fresh proxy list from our live tool and use any working IP:PORT combination in the steps below.
On desktop, many users prefer configuring everything at the operating system level instead of per‑device; if that’s your case, check our guide on how to use proxy on Windows 11 for a full system‑wide setup.
How to use proxy on Android (Wi‑Fi settings)
On Android, the most reliable way to use a proxy is to attach it to a specific Wi‑Fi network. Each Wi‑Fi network can have its own proxy configuration, which will be used by browsers and many apps when connected to that network.
Manual proxy setup on Android (IP:PORT)
Steps may vary slightly between brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel), but the logic is the same. Here is the generic Android 13/14 path:
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Tap Network & internet (or Connections / Wi‑Fi on some devices).
- Tap Internet or Wi‑Fi, then make sure you are connected to your desired Wi‑Fi network.
- Tap the gear icon (or long‑press the network name and choose Modify network).
- Tap Advanced options to reveal extra settings.
- Find the Proxy section and change it from None to Manual.
- In Proxy hostname, enter the server address (for example,
123.45.67.89). - In Proxy port, enter the port number (for example,
8080or3128). - Optionally, in Bypass proxy for, type domains that should skip the proxy (for example,
localhost, 192.168.0.0/16). - Tap Save to apply the proxy for that Wi‑Fi network.
The next time any app on your phone connects over this Wi‑Fi network, Android will attempt to send the traffic through the proxy. To disable it again, repeat the steps, set Proxy back to None, and save.
When to use app‑level proxy vs system proxy on Android
Some apps (for example, advanced browsers, SEO tools, or automation apps) allow you to set a proxy inside the app itself. This is called an app‑level proxy and it affects only that specific app.
Use a system proxy (Wi‑Fi‑level) when you want most apps to share the same IP for consistency. Use an app‑level proxy when you need one tool to have a special IP while leaving the rest of the phone on your normal connection.
How to use proxy on iPhone (iOS Wi‑Fi settings)
iOS supports HTTP/HTTPS proxies on a per‑Wi‑Fi basis. Each Wi‑Fi network can have its own HTTP proxy settings, which Safari and many other apps will respect when using that network.
Manual HTTP proxy on iPhone (IP:PORT)
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Wi‑Fi.
- Make sure you are connected to the network where you want to use the proxy.
- Tap the small (i) icon next to that Wi‑Fi network.
- Scroll down to the HTTP Proxy section and tap Configure Proxy.
- Select Manual.
- In Server, enter the proxy IP or hostname (for example,
123.45.67.89). - In Port, enter the port number (for example,
8080). - If your proxy requires login, enable Authentication and type your Username and Password.
- Tap Save in the top‑right corner.
To turn the proxy off later, return to the same screen, set Configure Proxy back to Off, and save. iOS will then connect to the internet directly again over that Wi‑Fi network.
How to test if your Android or iPhone proxy works
Before enabling the proxy, open your mobile browser and visit a “What is my IP” site like Whoer.net or a similar IP‑check tool and note the IP address and country you see.
Then connect to your Wi‑Fi network with the proxy enabled and reload the same site. If your proxy is working, the IP and often the location should change to match the proxy server. If nothing changes, your proxy details may be wrong, offline, or bypassed.
If you are tethering your phone as a hotspot to a computer and want to combine mobile and desktop techniques, you can also configure your desktop browser directly; see our guide on how to use proxy in Chrome, Firefox and Edge.
Common mobile proxy problems and how to fix them
- No internet after turning on proxy – Double‑check that the IP and port are correct and that your proxy provider says the server is online. If unsure, turn the proxy off; if internet comes back immediately, the proxy settings were the issue.
- Very slow connection – Public, free proxies are often overloaded and can be extremely slow. For serious SEO or account work, consider paid mobile or residential proxies instead of random free lists.
- Some apps ignore the proxy – Certain apps use their own networking stack or built‑in VPN and may bypass system proxy settings. Check if the app has proxy options inside its own settings.
- Proxy works only on Wi‑Fi, not mobile data – Native Android and iOS proxy menus apply primarily to Wi‑Fi networks. Some Android skins let you set a proxy for mobile data, but usually a VPN or special app is needed for full mobile‑data coverage.
Also remember that simple HTTP proxies do not encrypt your traffic. Your ISP and some networks can still see which sites you visit, and many services can easily detect and block abused proxy IP ranges. For stronger privacy or serious unblocking, it is often better to use a VPN; see our guide to the best VPN for Android and iPhone.
FAQ: Mobile proxy questions
Is it safe to use free proxies on Android and iPhone?
Free public proxies are usually not safe for sensitive work. Their owners can see and log all unencrypted traffic, and the IPs are often abused, slow, and blacklisted. Use them only for testing, never for logins, payments, or private accounts.
Does mobile proxy change IP for all apps?
A Wi‑Fi‑level proxy on Android or iPhone changes the IP for many apps that respect system proxy settings, especially browsers. However, some apps have their own networking logic and may still use your real IP unless you configure a proxy or VPN inside them.
Proxy vs VPN on phone – which is better?
A proxy mainly changes your visible IP address for certain connections but does not normally encrypt all traffic. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your whole device, protecting all apps that go through it, which is usually better for privacy and public Wi‑Fi.
Why is my proxy not working on Android/iPhone?
Typical reasons include: wrong IP or port, expired proxy, Wi‑Fi captive portals, or firewalls blocking the proxy’s port. Check your details carefully, test another proxy from a reliable source, and temporarily disable any firewall or “secure Wi‑Fi” features to see if they interfere.
Does mobile proxy work on mobile data?
Built‑in iOS proxy settings work only over Wi‑Fi, not cellular. On Android, some phones let you add a proxy for mobile networks, but it is not universal. For full mobile‑data coverage, using a VPN app is usually more reliable than system proxy alone.