How to Configure Proxyon Android Devices
Complete guide to configuring mobile proxies on Android. Learn how to set up HTTP proxies via WiFi and mobile data, handle authentication, configure SOCKS5 with third-party apps, and troubleshoot common issues across all Android versions.Last updated: October 17, 2025 · Compatible with Android 8.0-15+
Quick Summary
Android Proxy Configuration Methods
Android offers multiple ways to configure proxy settings depending on your connection type and requirements. Choose the method that best fits your use case:
Method 1: WiFi Proxy
Configure HTTP/HTTPS proxy through WiFi network settings. Works system-wide for apps that respect proxy settings.
Method 2: Mobile Data (APN)
Configure proxy through Access Point Name (APN) settings for mobile data connections (4G/5G/LTE).
Method 3: Third-Party Apps (SOCKS5)
Use apps like Drony, SocksDroid, or ProxyDroid for SOCKS5 support and advanced routing options.
Method 4: Per-App Configuration
Some apps (browsers, specific tools) allow proxy configuration within their own settings.
Method 1: WiFi Proxy Configuration (HTTP/HTTPS)
Best for: General browsing, testing, and apps that respect system proxy settings. This is the easiest and most common method.
Open Network Settings
Open your Android Settings app (gear icon). Navigate to Network & Internet or Connections(name varies by manufacturer), then tap WiFi.
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Screenshot: Android Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi
Requirements: Show settings menu path to WiFi settings
Note: Menu names vary by manufacturer. Samsung uses "Connections," Google Pixel uses "Network & Internet," Xiaomi uses "Wi-Fi."
Long-Press Your WiFi Network
Find your currently connected WiFi network (usually at the top of the list with "Connected" status). Long-press (tap and hold) the network name until a context menu appears. Select "Modify network" or "Manage network settings".
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Screenshot: WiFi list with long-press context menu showing "Modify network"
Requirements: Show connected network with pop-up menu visible
Alternative method: Some Android versions have a gear icon (⚙️) next to the network name—tap that instead of long-pressing.
Show Advanced Options
In the network modification screen, look for a checkbox or toggle that says "Advanced options" or "Show advanced options". Tap it to expand additional settings. Scroll down to find the Proxy section.
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Screenshot: Modify network screen with "Advanced options" checkbox/toggle
Requirements: Show expanded view with Proxy dropdown visible
Select Manual Proxy Configuration
Find the Proxy dropdown menu. By default, it's set to "None". Tap the dropdown and select "Manual".
Available proxy options:
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Screenshot: Proxy dropdown menu showing None/Manual/PAC options
Requirements: Show dropdown with "Manual" selected
Enter Proxy Server Details
After selecting "Manual," new fields will appear. Fill in your mobile proxy details:
Proxy hostname
Enter the proxy server IP address or domain name provided by your proxy service.
Proxy port
Enter the port number (common ports: 8080, 3128, 8888, or custom port).
Bypass proxy for
(Optional) Enter hostnames or IPs that should bypass the proxy. Leave blank to proxy all traffic.
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Screenshot: Manual proxy fields filled with hostname, port, bypass settings
Requirements: Show all three fields with example data entered
⚠️ Authentication Limitation (Android 8 and below)
Android 8 and earlier don't have username/password fields in WiFi proxy settings. You must use IP whitelisting (ask your proxy provider to whitelist your device's public IP). Android 9+ added authentication fields—if you don't see them, your provider must support IP authentication.
Configure Authentication (Android 9+)
If your proxy requires authentication and you're running Android 9 (Pie) or later, additional fields will appear below the proxy settings:
PAC URL (leave blank for manual)
Proxy username
Proxy password
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Screenshot: Authentication fields showing username and password inputs
Requirements: Show proxy username/password fields (Android 9+)
Save Configuration
After entering all proxy details, scroll to the bottom and tap Save. Android will reconnect to the WiFi network with proxy settings applied.
Configuration Complete! Your Android device now routes traffic through the mobile proxy when connected to this WiFi network.
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Screenshot: WiFi network details showing proxy is configured
Requirements: Show confirmation that proxy settings are saved
Method 2: Mobile Data Proxy via APN Settings
Best for: Using proxies on cellular data (4G/5G/LTE) instead of WiFi. Requires carrier-unlocked device or carrier permission to modify APN settings.
Navigate to APN Settings
Open Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections) → Mobile Network → Access Point Names (APN).
Important: Some carriers lock APN settings. If you can't edit, your carrier may not allow APN modifications.
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Screenshot: Settings path to Access Point Names (APN) screen
Requirements: Show navigation: Mobile Network → Access Point Names
Edit Your Current APN
Tap on your active APN (usually marked with a dot or checkmark). Scroll down to find:
Proxy
Enter proxy server IP or hostname
Port
Enter proxy port number (e.g., 8080)
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Screenshot: APN edit screen with Proxy and Port fields visible
Requirements: Show APN configuration with proxy fields
Limitation: APN proxy settings typically don't support authentication (no username/password fields). You must use IP whitelisting with your proxy provider.
Save and Restart Connection
Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right and select Save. Toggle Airplane mode on and off to restart your mobile data connection with the new proxy settings.
Method 3: SOCKS5 Proxies with Third-Party Apps
Best for: SOCKS5 proxy support, per-app routing, and advanced proxy configurations. Android doesn't natively support SOCKS5, so third-party apps are required.
Recommended Apps for SOCKS5
Drony (No Root Required)
Robust app supporting HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS4/SOCKS5. Works without root via Android VPN API. Allows per-app filtering and custom routing rules.
SocksDroid (Simple & Open Source)
Lightweight, free, open-source app. No ads. Simple interface for SOCKS5 configuration. Works via local VPN (no root needed).
ProxyDroid (Requires Root)
Powerful system-wide proxy with full control. Supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, SOCKS5. Requires root access for system-level routing via iptables.
Quick Setup: Drony (SOCKS5)
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Screenshot: Drony app showing SOCKS5 proxy configuration screen
Requirements: Show Drony interface with SOCKS5 settings filled
Verify Your Proxy Connection
After configuring your proxy, verify that traffic is routing correctly:
Check Your IP Address
Test Website Access
Visit several websites to ensure:
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your IP before and after proxy configuration to easily compare and confirm the proxy is working.
Critical Limitations & Important Notes
Not All Apps Respect System Proxy
Android proxy settings work at the network layer, but not all apps honor them. Browsers (Chrome, Firefox) typically work, but many apps bypass proxy settings entirely for security or performance reasons.
Solution: Use third-party apps like Drony or ProxyDroid (root) for more comprehensive app coverage, or use VPN-based proxy solutions.
Per-Network Configuration
WiFi proxy settings are saved per-network. You'll need to configure proxy separately for each WiFi network you connect to (home, office, public WiFi, etc.).
Authentication Support Varies
Android 8 and below: No username/password fields—must use IP whitelisting.
Android 9+: Username/password authentication available in WiFi proxy settings.
APN (mobile data): No authentication support—IP whitelisting only.
SOCKS5 Requires Third-Party Apps
Android has no native SOCKS5 support. You must use apps like Drony, SocksDroid, or ProxyDroid to configure SOCKS5 proxies.
Carrier APN Restrictions
Some mobile carriers lock APN settings and won't allow modifications. If you can't edit APN proxy fields, contact your carrier or use WiFi proxy / third-party app methods instead.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"No Internet Connection" or "Proxy Authentication Required"
Possible causes and solutions:
Slow Connection or High Latency
Solutions:
Some Apps Don't Use Proxy
Explanation and workarounds:
Can't Edit APN Settings
Solutions:
Still having issues? Try removing proxy settings entirely, restart your device, then reconfigure from scratch. This often resolves configuration corruption.
How to Disable or Remove Proxy Settings
WiFi Proxy Removal
Mobile Data (APN) Proxy Removal
Third-Party App (Drony, etc.) Removal
Open the app → Toggle proxy OFF → Optionally uninstall the app from your device if no longer needed.
Why Use Mobile Proxies on Android?
Privacy & Anonymity
Access & Testing
Account Management
Development & QA
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use proxy on mobile data instead of WiFi?
Yes, via APN settings. Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names, edit your APN, and add proxy details. However, APN proxies don't support authentication—you must use IP whitelisting with your proxy provider.
Does Android support SOCKS5 proxies?
No, Android doesn't have native SOCKS5 support. You need third-party apps like Drony, SocksDroid, or ProxyDroid to use SOCKS5 proxies.
Will all my apps use the proxy?
No. System proxy settings work for browsers and apps that respect them, but many apps (especially banking, VPN, and secure apps) bypass proxy settings. Third-party apps like Drony or ProxyDroid (root) offer better coverage.
My Android version doesn't have username/password fields. What do I do?
Android 8 and earlier lack authentication fields in WiFi proxy settings. You must use IP whitelisting—ask your proxy provider to whitelist your device's public IP address. Alternatively, upgrade to Android 9+ or use third-party apps.
Do I need root access to use proxies?
No. WiFi proxy and APN configuration work without root. Third-party apps like Drony and SocksDroid also work without root using Android's VPN API. Only ProxyDroid requires root for system-wide iptables-based routing.
Why is my connection slow after configuring proxy?
Proxies add latency since traffic routes through an intermediary server. Speed depends on proxy quality, distance, and load. Premium mobile proxies typically offer better performance than free/cheap alternatives.
Related Technical Resources
Mobile Proxy Guides
Use Cases & Solutions
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