Setting up a proxy might sound technical, but the process is straightforward once you understand the basics. Different devices and platforms have their own configuration methods, but the underlying principle remains the same.

In this article, we'll explain how to configure proxy servers on all major devices and platforms, help you choose the right proxy type for your needs, and cover common troubleshooting steps.

Also Read: What is Proxyon.io?

How to Use a Proxy Server on Any Device

Setting up a proxy might sound technical, but the process is straightforward once you understand the basics. Different devices and platforms have their own configuration methods, but the underlying principle remains the same.

In this article, we'll explain how to configure proxy servers on all major devices and platforms, help you choose the right proxy type for your needs, and cover common troubleshooting steps.

Which Proxy Server Type Should You Choose

Proxyon provides residential proxies with millions of clean IPs across 150+ locations, datacenter proxies, and IPv6 proxies. All plans support both HTTP(S) and SOCKS5 protocols with city-level targeting options.

Residential proxies use IP addresses assigned to real households. They're harder to detect and block, making them effective for web scraping and accessing geo-restricted content. Datacenter proxies offer faster speeds and lower costs, but websites can identify and block them more easily. Mobile proxies rotate through real mobile carrier IP addresses, providing the highest trust level but at a premium price. ISP proxies combine datacenter stability with residential legitimacy.

Dedicated proxies are assigned to a single user, while shared proxies are used by multiple users simultaneously. HTTP proxies handle standard web traffic, while SOCKS5 proxies support a broader range of applications and protocols.

Your choice depends on your specific requirements for speed, anonymity, scale, and budget. Proxyon.io operates on a pay-as-you-go model with a $5 minimum deposit, allowing you to use what you need and scale when ready.

How to Use a Proxy Server with Web Browsers

Google Chrome

Chrome uses your system's proxy settings by default. Open Chrome settings, navigate to System, and select "Open your computer's proxy settings." Enable manual proxy configuration, enter the proxy IP and port from your Proxyon dashboard, save the settings, and authenticate with your Proxyon credentials when prompted.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox allows direct proxy configuration without relying on system settings. Open Settings, navigate to Network Settings, choose Manual proxy configuration, enter the proxy details from your Proxyon.io account, and confirm. Restart Firefox to apply the changes.

For easier management, install FoxyProxy from the Firefox Add-ons store. Add a new proxy inside the extension with your Proxyon credentials, then enable it to route browser traffic through the proxy.

How to Set Up a Proxy Server on a Desktop Computer

Configuring a proxy at the operating system level routes all traffic through the proxy, not just browser activity. You'll find your proxy IP addresses, ports, and authentication credentials in your Proxyon.io account dashboard.

Windows

Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, and select Proxy. Enable manual proxy setup, enter the server address and port from your Proxyon dashboard, authenticate with your Proxyon username and password when prompted, and save the settings.

For system-wide configuration on older Windows versions, open Internet Options from the Control Panel, go to the Connections tab, open LAN settings, enable "Use a proxy server for your LAN," enter the proxy details from Proxyon, optionally bypass local addresses, and restart your computer.

macOS

Open System Settings, go to Network, select your active connection, and open Advanced settings. Under the Proxies tab, enable the appropriate protocol (HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5 depending on your Proxyon plan), enter the proxy IP and port, add your Proxyon authentication details, then apply the changes.

Linux

Temporary proxy configuration can be done through the terminal by exporting environment variables for HTTP and HTTPS traffic using your Proxyon proxy details. This applies only to the current session. To make the proxy persistent, add those export commands to your shell configuration file such as .bashrc or .bash_profile, save the file, reload it, and test the connection.

Final Words

Proxy servers provide practical solutions for privacy protection, content access, and data operations. Proxyon.io offers residential, datacenter, and IPv6 proxies across 150+ locations with a pay-as-you-go pricing model starting at $5. Once you understand which proxy type fits your needs and how to configure it on your device, the setup becomes routine.