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Firefox Proxy Settings: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Learn how to configure a proxy server on Firefox.

firefox proxy setup thumbnail

This tutorial will guide you through the Firefox proxy settings. It will show you how to use a proxy on Firefox and how to disable it when you no longer need it.

How to Set Up a Firefox Proxy

Step 1. Open the Firefox Preferences.

You can do this by clicking on the button with three horizontal lines at the top right corner of the screen.

firefox proxy setup: preferences

Step 2. Open Network Settings.

You can either scroll down to the bottom of the page or start entering proxies into the search field. Then press the Settings… button.

firefox proxy setup: network settings

Step 3. Enter your proxy information.

Select the Manual proxy configuration option. Then, enter your proxy IP address and port number. If you’re using backconnect residential proxies, you’ll need to enter the address of your gateway proxy server instead of an IP address. Finally, press OK.

If your proxy provider supports several protocols, you can check Also use this proxy for FTP and HTTPS. For SOCKS5 proxies, you’ll have to enter the details into a separate field.

Note: If you have set up proxies in your Windows, macOS, or Linux distribution settings, you can select Use system proxy settings instead.

firefox proxy setup: proxy settings

Step 4. Authenticate your proxies.

Soon after you complete Step 3, Firefox will ask you for your proxy username and password. Enter them and press OK.

You will not need to enter the credentials if you have authenticated the proxies by whitelisting your IP address.

firefox proxy setup: authentication

Note: Firefox will remember your credentials if you check Do not prompt for authentication if password is saved in the Connection Settings (Step 3):

firefox proxy setup: remember authentication settings
Step 5. Test your proxies. Go to Show My IP to see if your IP and location have changed. If you want to test the proxies more thoroughly, you can read our article on how to test proxies. Congratulations! You have successfully set up proxies on Firefox!

How to Disable a Proxy in Firefox

Follow Steps 1 and 2 to open Connection Settings. Then, check the No proxy option. Finally, press OK.

 

firefox proxy settings: disable proxies

That’s it! You are no longer using a proxy server!

 

What to Do if the Proxy Server Is Refusing Connections on Firefox

Sometimes, after setting up a proxy server on Firefox, you might get the following error:

 

the proxy server is refusing connections error
There can be several reasons behind it, ranging from misconfigured LAN device settings to malware. However, if you’re getting this error on certain websites only, this might mean your proxy provider is deliberately restricting your connection. Websites like Amazon, Google, and Twitch are frequently blocked; in this case, you should contact the provider and ask to enable access.
proxy servers as houses

Frequently Asked Questions About Firefox Proxy Settings

A proxy is an IP address. When you use a proxy, all your connections go through it, and not directly to a website.

Press on the three lines at the top right, then go to Preferences, scroll down, and open Network Settings.

You can, but we strongly advise against it. Free proxies won’t work well, and they can harm you by stealing data or injecting malicious ads.

Picture of Chris Becker
Chris Becker
Proxy reviewer and tester.