How to set up a proxy on Android phone: step-by-step guide

On Android there are three ways to connect a proxy server. The choice depends on your network type and goals.

1. 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.

2. Mobile internet settings. 

APN settings for 3G/4G/5G internet. Bluetooth tethering is rarely used but also supports proxy.

3. 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.