How to Set Up a Proxy Server on iPhone & iPad

Not sure how to set up a proxy server on iPhone and iPad? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The process is far from complicated, but it may still seem confusing for beginners.

The first step to setting up a proxy for an iPhone is to have the right servers. Only then can you feel the benefits of proxy addresses, which involve increased online freedom and privacy.

But before we go into the whole configuration process, let’s clarify what iOS proxies are and why you may want to use them.

What Is an iOS Proxy Server?

An iOS proxy server allows you to enter the world of the internet via a secret door. It connects you to all the desired websites and apps through its own IP address, enabling anonymous browsing.

This way, you can access and use the internet as you want without revealing your iPhone’s actual IP address to the destinations you visit.

By rerouting your requests through itself, an iOS proxy provides you with anonymity and privacy, which can be useful in various situations.

Reasons to Use a Proxy for iPhone

As we already mentioned, there are many ways a proxy server can help. While the most common reasons involve increased privacy online, there are many others just as equally important as browsing the web anonymously.

Here are just a few of them:

Bypassing Restrictions

Have you ever wished you could access a website or use a service that isn't available in your country? Or access your favorite apps at work or school that are otherwise blocked on those networks?

Well, with residential proxies in a supported location, you can solve your problem. They will make you look like another iPhone user from another location, helping you bypass the restrictions and access the desired content.

Getting Around IP Bans

Have you ever got an IP ban without doing anything wrong? It can be really frustrating, right? On the bright side, a reliable proxy server can help you circumvent the ban and regain access to the site or app as another iPhone user.

Enhancing Security

Using a reliable proxy server keeps your iPhone’s real IP address hidden. This way, you protect your iPhone and data from malicious actors on any Wi-Fi network you connect.

Things to Know Before Setting Up a Proxy Server on iOS Devices

Before starting the whole setup process, you need to pay attention to the proxy provider. A reputable one ensures high performance and anonymity for both its residential and datacener proxies.

Avoid free or public proxies from shady providers, as they can lead to a sluggish and unreliable connection and an increased data theft risk.

In addition, iOS doesn’t support SOCKS5 proxies, at least not natively. It requires using a third-party app or browser extension to ensure SOCKS5 protocol support. To avoid unnecessary complications and delays, stick to HTTP/HTTPS proxy servers.

Keep in mind that iOS only allows proxies on a Wi-Fi network. This means you won’t be able to use a proxy server on cellular data.

The whole configuration process happens in the Network settings. Accessing Network settings on an iPhone is simple, as explained below.

How to Set Up an iOS Proxy Server

For starters, you need to have a high-quality iPhone proxy server. Then, follow the steps below, and your proxy will be up and running before you know it.

2. Choose Wi-Fi (2).

3. Select your Wi-Fi network (with a blue checkmark on the left) and tap the blue info icon (3) on the right.

4. Scroll down and select Configure Proxy (4) under HTTP Proxy.

5. Choose Manual (5) configuration.

Tick Authentication (9) to authenticate your proxy server and enter your username and password credentials (10). If you’re using the whitelisted IP authentication method, you won’t have to do anything else after ticking Authentication.

Note: You can also choose the Automatic configuration option if your provider has sent you a link to the proxy configuration file.

6. Enter your proxy details in the Server and Port fields (6).

7. In the Server field (7), enter the hostname (if you’re using mobile or residential proxies like we do), or the IP address provided by your proxy provider. In the Port field (8), enter the numbers following the hostname or IP address, found right after the colon.

Tick Authentication (9) to authenticate your proxy server and enter your username and password credentials (10). If you’re using the whitelisted IP authentication method, you won’t have to do anything else after ticking Authentication.

8. Use an online IP checker to test your proxy server and ensure your IP and location have changed.

You’re now ready to use your iPhone proxy server for a more private online experience.

How to Turn Off Proxies on iPhone or iPad

After setting up a proxy server on your iPhone or iPad, it’ll route all your requests through itself. Still, apps that have automatic proxy detection won’t allow the connection. In that case, it’s best to turn off the proxy.

To do that, follow steps 1 to 5 and tap Off:

Open iPhone Settings - Click Wi-Fi - Choose your network - Select Configure Proxy - Choose Off.

How to Set Up a Proxy on Safari for iPhone

iOS Safari uses the iOS proxy settings, so you’ll have to use the system settings as described above. While you can probably find some apps that expand the iOS settings a bit, there's nothing that works specifically for setting a proxy in mobile Safari.

To Sum Up

Using the right proxies on your iPhone or iPad will improve your online experience and protect your data. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll no longer wonder how to configure proxy servers on iOS devices so you can start using them right away.