How to Configure Proxy on iPhone

Learn how to configure proxies on your iPhone or iPad and access content without restrictions.

A proxy server sends all your connection requests to websites and apps through itself. You can use proxies to hide your IP address, change your perceived location to unblock and access content, and more. It’s also possible for someone to enable proxies without your knowledge for malicious purposes.

This article will show you how to configure your iPhone or iPad proxy settings to set up or disable an iOS proxy server.

Contents

How to Set Up an iOS Proxy Server
How to Use a Proxy on iPhone or iPad
How to Turn Off a Proxy Server on iPhone or iPad

How to Set Up an iOS Proxy Server

Step 1. Open your iPhone Settings.

ios settings app

Step 2. Select Wi-Fi.

ios settings wifi

Step 3. Select the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. It will have a blue checkmark on the left.

ios wifi preferences

Step 4. At the bottom of the page, under HTTP Proxy, select Configure Proxy.

ios configure proxies

Step 5. Select Manual Configuration.

ios manual configuration

If your proxy provider has given you a link to the proxy configuration file, you can select Automatic Configuration instead. Most commercial proxy providers won’t give you one.

Step 6. Enter your proxy server’s settings.

ios manual proxy settings

In the Server field, you’ll have to enter the IP address you’ve received from your proxy providers. If you’re using backconnect proxies (so, residential or mobile IPs), you’ll have to enter a hostname instead.

Example of an IP: 127.168.0.1
Example of a hostname: en.proxyprovider.net

In the Port field, enter the numbers that come after the IP or hostname. They will be separated by a colon.

Example of a port: en.proxyprovider.net:10000

You’ll also have to authenticate your proxy server. If you’re using the whitelisted IP method, there’s no need to do anything else. If you’re authenticating with a username and password, tick Authentication. It will expand and let you enter those credentials.

ios proxy setup credentials

Note that iOS won’t let you set up a SOCKS5 proxy server through the settings. This works only for HTTP(S) proxies.

Step 7. Test your proxy server.

Go to Show My IP to see if your IP address and location have changed.

If you want to test the proxies in more detail, we have an article on how to test proxies.

That’s it! You’ve successfully set up a proxy server on your iOS device!

How to Use a Proxy on iPhone or iPad

Once you’ve configured the proxy server on your iOS device, it will try to route all your connection requests through a proxy. It might not work with some applications if they’ve been programmed to ignore proxy settings.

Note that this only applies to the Wi-Fi connection where you have set up the proxies. Once you disconnect from it, or connect to a different Wi-Fi, you’ll stop using the proxy server.

How to Turn Off a Proxy Server on iPhone or iPad

Follow Steps 1-5. Then, simply select Off. A blue checkmark should appear on the right side.

ios proxy server off

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone Proxy Settings

What Is a Proxy Server?

A proxy server is an intermediary device that sends your connection requests through itself. So, instead of connecting to a website directly, you first go through a proxy server.

What Does HTTP Proxy Mean on iPhone Wi-Fi?

It means that you can set up your Wi-Fi to use a proxy server. Proxies help you hide your IP, change location, and do other things. Sometimes, they can be used by malware.

What Should My iOS Proxy Settings Be?

If you’re not on a work or school Wi-Fi, by default they should be disabled.

Chris Becker

Proxy reviewer and tester.

Modified: November 11, 2022