​How to configure a proxy in Android

Configuring a proxy on your Android device can help you browse through a specific network to access restricted websites, improve privacy, or improve network performance. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to configuring a proxy on your Android device.

1. What is a proxy server

A proxy server is an intermediary server that transfers data between a client (such as your phone) and the Internet. A proxy server can hide a user's real IP address, access restricted websites, or increase access speed through caching.

2. Why do you need to configure a proxy?

A proxy server allows you to access websites and content that are restricted by geolocation or network.

A proxy server can hide your real IP address and improve privacy and security.

Some proxy servers can speed up web page loading by caching technology.

In some organizations or homes, proxies can be used to monitor and filter network content.

3. How to configure a proxy on your Android device

Configure a proxy for a WiFi network

This is the most common way to configure a proxy on Android:

Connect to a WiFi network:

Open your Android device and go to Settings.

Select the WiFi option.

Connect to the WiFi network you want to configure a proxy for.

Modify network settings:

Press and hold on the name of the connected WiFi network.

Select "Modify network" or "Modify network configuration" (the specific options may vary depending on the device).

Tap "Advanced options" or "Advanced settings".

Set up a proxy:

In the "Proxy" option, select "Manual".

Enter the "Hostname" or "IP address" of the proxy server, and the "Port".

When done, tap "Save" or "Connect".

Configure a proxy using an app

Some apps can help you configure and manage proxy servers more conveniently, such as "ProxyDroid", "Shadowsocks", etc.

Download and install a proxy app:

Open the Google Play Store, search for and download the desired proxy app.

After installation, open the app.

Configure a proxy app:

Follow the app's instructions and enter the hostname or IP address of the proxy server, and the port.

Configure other settings, such as the proxy type (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS, etc.), authentication information, etc.

Start the proxy service.

4. Verify whether the proxy configuration is successful

After the configuration is completed, you can verify whether the proxy configuration is successful by the following methods:

Browser test:

Open your browser and visit a website that displays an IP address, such as "www.lunaproxy.com".

Check whether the displayed IP address is consistent with the IP address of the proxy server.

Application test:

Open your commonly used application and check whether it can access restricted content or networks normally.

5. Common problems and solutions

Unable to connect to the Internet:

Check whether the host name or IP address and port of the proxy server are correct.

Confirm whether your network connection is normal.

Slow speed:

Try to change the proxy server and choose a more stable and fast server.

Confirm the load of the proxy server and avoid using it during peak hours.

Specific applications cannot use the proxy:

Some applications may not support proxy connections. You can try using the global proxy tool.