Android has become the dominant platform for smartphones. The mobile operating system announced that they have over 2.5 billion active users. Even though Android has more users than iOS, both platforms provide robust advantages.
We are aware of the need to safeguard our personal information while surfing the internet. Yet, we have very little control over the final destination of our data. Protecting one’s anonymity online is easy with an Android proxy server. It lets us bypass geo-restrictions on websites and conceals our IP address, making it harder to trace our online activities.
Setting up an Android Proxy Server
Proxy servers provide anonymous web browsing for leisure, business, or academic purposes. Using proxies, you may get into many different apps and search engines.
Depending on your needs, you can configure the proxy settings for mobile and Wi-Fi networks on any Android device. Follow these instructions, but remember that some steps may seem somewhat different on your device or version of Android. Worry not; nearly all gadgets share the same configuration options; the differences lie in the specific language or sequence of procedures.
First, let’s look at the steps for setting up a Wi-Fi proxy:
- Type “What’s my IP” into the Google Chrome search bar to find your IP address. Write it down. You’ll use this information to check if your proxy is working.
- To connect your Android to a wireless network, go to the network’s settings and tap Wi-Fi.
- Pick your preferred Wi-Fi connection and log on.
- Long press the linked Wi-Fi network and click on the “Modify network” option.
- Select the “Advanced” menu item.
- Tap on “Manual.”
- Enter your proxy server’s port number and hostname in the respective fields.
- Select “Save changes.”
- Repeat the first step. If your IP is different, it means that your proxy is working.
You have two options to disable a proxy while connected over Wi-Fi:
- Initiate a return to the “Manual” proxy setting and then turn off the connection.
- Under the “Manual” proxy settings, delete what you entered under the hostname and port number.
Now, let’s discuss the steps for setting up a proxy on your mobile network:
- Type “What’s my IP” into the Google Chrome search bar to find your IP address. Write it down. You’ll use this information to check if your proxy is working.
- Load your Settings app.
- Then, select “Mobile network” from the menu.
- Tap on the selected SIM card.
- Select “Access point names” and tap on the active APN.
- Input your proxy service’s proxy and port details. When prompted, enter the username and password for any application or search engine you want to access.
- Select “Save” in the upper right corner.
- To confirm, close your Settings app and open it again.
- Test your proxy on Google Chrome. The app should ask you for a username and password.
- Repeat the first step. If your IP is different, it means that your proxy is working.
To turn off the proxy for your mobile network, restore your previous APN configuration. Strip out the unnecessary details, such as proxy, port, password, and username. It’s up to you to delete whatever you’ve entered. Then, press the “Save” button.
Tips for Picking a Proxy Server for Android
A proxy server on your phone will act as an intermediary for all your data requests. Naturally, you realize how critical it is to settle on a reliable proxy service. You have the option of using either a private or public proxy. A private proxy requires payment, while a public one is available at no cost to everybody. Compared to public proxies, private ones offer superior performance and safety. A public proxy may not be trustworthy and may include advertisements.
Final Thoughts
Android places a premium on safety. With an Android proxy server, you may bypass location-based restrictions on websites. It’ll maintain the confidentiality of one’s online identity and activity. Proxy servers will generally function with web search engines. However, some apps may have compatibility issues. Some applications won’t work if their creators haven’t enabled the use of proxy servers. The only way to utilize a proxy with certain apps is by rooting your device. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks thoroughly before deciding whether or not to root your smartphone.