Using a proxy server on your smartphone gives you the chance to bypass site blocks and hide your real IP. Here's a clear guide for setting up a proxy on Android through WiFi and mobile networks, plus an overview of apps and tips for choosing a proxy.
Why you need a proxy on Android
A proxy acts as a middleman between your phone and websites. All traffic goes through an intermediate server that swaps your IP for its own. This approach solves several practical problems.
What a proxy does:
- Opens sites and apps that aren't available in your country
- Protects personal data when using public WiFi
- Bypasses blocks in corporate and school networks
- Lets you test sites from different geographic locations
- Reduces data usage through compression on certain servers
Public free proxies work unreliably and slowly. Worse yet, they can steal your data. Residential proxies, like those from GonzoProxy, use IPs from home users. Facebook, Google, and TikTok see these connections as regular traffic. The result is 90% fewer blocks. Server IPs get caught by anti-fraud systems right away, while residential ones pass all checks.
Where to enter proxy settings on Android
On Android there are three ways to connect a proxy server. The choice depends on your network type and goals.
- Built-in WiFi settings.
Setting up through a specific WiFi network is the easiest route. Works for almost all purposes, no need to install extra apps.
- Mobile internet settings.
APN settings for 3G/4G/5G internet. Bluetooth tethering is rarely used but also supports proxy.
- Special apps.
VPN clients with proxy functionality. Browsers with their own settings. Proxy managers from Google Play.
System settings work for all apps on the selected WiFi. To apply proxy only to specific programs, you'll need third-party apps.
Step-by-step proxy setup on Android via WiFi
Setting up a proxy through WiFi is the simplest way, no extra programs needed. Instructions work for Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus, OPPO, TECNO, and Infinix.
Step 1. Go to WiFi settings. Open "Settings" on the home screen. Find the "Network & Internet" section (might be called "Connections"). Select the active WiFi network your phone is connected to.
Step 2. Open network parameters. Tap and hold the network name for 2-3 seconds. Or touch the gear icon next to the name. In the menu, select "Modify network."
Step 3. Find advanced options. Scroll down to "Advanced options." Tap to see hidden options.
Step 4. Enable manual setup. In the "Proxy" section, change "None" to "Manual." Fields for entering data will appear.
Step 5. Enter server data. Fill in the fields. Hostname is specified as the proxy IP address. Port is entered as a numeric value (usually 1000-65535).
Step 6. Connection. Go to the browser, it'll ask for login and password, enter the credentials.
Step 7. Check. Go to whoer.net and check if the proxy is working.
Everything works!
Different brand features
Samsung uses the path Settings → Connections → WiFi → (long tap on network) → Manage network.
Xiaomi uses Settings → WiFi → (tap network) → Modify network → Advanced settings.
Google Pixel opens through Settings → Network & Internet → Internet → (gear on network) → Edit.
Why proxy on WiFi might not work
Common problems
- Data errors happen often, double-check IP, port, login and password
- Server might be unavailable, check status with provider
- Router blocking occurs in office and public networks
- Incompatible protocol happens because Android via WiFi doesn't support SOCKS
- VPN conflict is solved by disabling VPN before setup
How to fix? Restart phone and router. Re-enter data. Try another WiFi network. Change proxy server. Reset network settings.
GonzoProxy lets you choose the country and provider of the IP address. This is critical for TikTok, Facebook Ads Manager, and regional services with strict limitations.
Setting up proxy on Android for mobile internet
Setting up a proxy for mobile internet is more complicated. Android doesn't provide direct proxy input for 3G/4G/5G. The solution involves changing APN access point settings.
Instructions via APN
1. Open settings
2. Go to "Mobile networks"
3. Select your connection
4. Access Point (APN)
5. Tap "Add" at the bottom
6. Copy parameters from working access point. Make up your own name. Take APN from original point. Specify proxy as your server IP. Enter port from proxy. Fill in login and password if authorization needed.
7. Finish by saving and selecting new APN.
Why might it not work?
Operator sometimes blocks, many providers ignore the proxy field. Only HTTP works, while HTTPS and apps bypass APN proxy. Settings reset happens when operator overwrites APN through updates. Root needed on some phones where APN editing requires permissions
An alternative exists in the form of proxy apps. They work through VPN and don't depend on network type.
Using apps for proxy setup on Android
Apps give more options. SOCKS support, app selection for proxy, automatic server switching.
ProxyDroid
Old but reliable app. Supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4 and SOCKS5.
Pros include system proxy, app selection (with root), free use. Cons are outdated design, need root for full functionality.
Drony
Powerful tool without root requirement. Works through local VPN.
Pros are flexible rules, all protocols, network profiles. Cons are complex setup, 100 MB/day limit in free version.
Every Proxy
Simple app for beginners.
Pros are quick setup, server check, multiple profiles. Cons are need root for system proxy, ads, 3 profile limit.
Postern
Professional tool with proxy chains.
Pros include SSH tunnels, complex rules, settings export. Cons are complex interface, paid license.
Comparison table
GonzoProxy is compatible with all apps. HTTP and SOCKS5 supported. Connection takes 30 seconds.
How to disable proxy on Android
For WiFi
Go to Settings → WiFi. Long tap on network → Modify. Open advanced settings. Change proxy to "None." Save changes.
For mobile network
Go to Settings → Mobile network → APN. Select point with proxy. Delete values from "Proxy" and "Port" fields. Save settings.
In apps
Open program and tap "Stop" or "Disconnect."
Why disable? Low speed through overloaded server interferes with work. Problems with video and music occur regularly. Conflict with banking apps creates inconvenience. Geolocation errors show wrong data. Finishing work with service requires disconnection.
How to check if proxy works on Android
Open one of these services in your browser:
- 2IP.ru shows IP, country, city and provider
- WhatIsMyIPAddress.com determines connection type (residential/datacenter)
- IPLeak.net checks DNS and WebRTC leaks
Good Proxy
IP matches settings. Provider determined as residential or mobile. No WebRTC leaks. Ping is 50-200 ms. No blacklist records.
Bad Proxy
Country mismatch detected immediately. Type shows as datacenter. Ping exceeds 500 ms. Real IP leaks happen constantly. Frequent disconnections interfere with work.
GonzoProxy shows low fraud score. Services determine connection as residential or home user. Latency for Europe is 50-150 ms, for USA is 100-250 ms.
FAQ on Setting Up Proxy on Android
Why did internet become slower after proxy setup?
In residential proxies, speed depends on the end device providing the IP address. Each gadget in the network has its own bandwidth and different quality of internet connection.
To increase connection speed, do the following. Disable VPN if it's active simultaneously with proxy. Measure connection speed on different internet connections with and without proxy through services like Speedtest. Try switching proxy to another from the same region. Check your own internet channel quality, as it affects final speed.
Can I set up different proxies for separate apps?
Standard Android system settings apply proxy globally to all apps. For individual app setup, you'll need specialized solutions.
Drony app allows creating routing rules without root access. ProxyDroid provides detailed control but requires root permissions. Firefox and Opera browsers have built-in proxy settings independent of system parameters.
How to use proxy without root and apps?
Built-in Android capabilities are limited to proxy setup only for WiFi connections through system network parameters. The method mentioned earlier works without root and extra installations. To get proxy working on mobile internet without root, deal with APN (glitches with some operators), or install special programs that set up VPN tunnel.
Proxy connected but sites won't open. What to do?
Double-check you entered everything correctly. Enter login with password, IP address and port carefully so no extra spaces remain. Change DNS servers on device, use public ones like Google's (8.8.8.8 plus 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1). Check that proxy supports HTTPS for secure connections. Turn off VPN when it's running parallel with proxy.
Is it safe to enter proxy login and password in phone settings?
When using reliable commercial providers like GonzoProxy with official company registration and positive reputation, risks are minimal. Your login credentials are stored encrypted within Android system settings. Free public proxies from sketchy sources are absolutely not suitable for banking apps, payments or personal correspondence. When it comes to serious matters, only use verified paid services that have real company registration.
How to change proxy country or city without reconfiguring?
In GonzoProxy control panel, create new proxy with needed country or city. System will generate new connection parameters. Copy new IP address from panel.
Open WiFi settings on phone, find network with configured proxy. Replace proxy and save changes.
Why doesn't Android save proxy settings after reboot?
DHCP server on router can automatically rewrite network parameters on any reconnect. Mobile operators forcibly update APN remotely. Some Android firmware has bugs with remembering advanced network settings. Fix it like this - set static IP instead of DHCP for WiFi connections. Block APN auto-update through operator settings if function available. Use specialized proxy manager apps that save settings independent of system.
Conclusion
You can set up a proxy on Android with built-in tools or through apps. For simple tasks, WiFi system settings are enough. When working professionally, you'll need good proxies and special software.
Residential proxies provide stability and protect from bans. Real user IPs have low fraud scores and pass Facebook, Google and TikTok checks.
GonzoProxy is a professional solution. 20+ million residential IPs in 150+ countries. Traffic stored indefinitely. Access in 30 seconds without KYC. Targeting by countries, cities and providers. Support for 500+ tools. 24/7 tech support on Telegram.
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