What You'll Need Before You Begin
Setting up a proxy on Mac is straightforward, but you'll need the right information first. Mac's system-wide proxy settings will apply to Safari, Mail, and most other applications that use system network settings.
Required Proxy Information:
Working Proxy IP Address
Example: 185.199.229.156 or proxy-server.example.com
Corresponding Port Number
Common ports: 8080, 3128, 1080, 80, 8888
Admin Access (if needed)
Some network changes may require your Mac password
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You can get a working proxy IP address from our constantly updated free proxy list.
Browse Free ProxiesStep-by-Step Configuration Guide (with Screenshots)
macOS provides system-wide proxy settings that will be used by Safari, Mail, and most applications. Follow these steps to configure your Mac to use a proxy server for internet connections.
Open System Settings
Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
For macOS Ventura+ (13.0+)
- 1. Click Apple menu () → System Settings
- 2. Look for the colorful icons interface
For macOS Monterey and earlier
- 1. Click Apple menu () → System Preferences
- 2. Look for the traditional grid layout
💡 Quick Tip:
You can also press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight and search for "System Settings" or "Network".
Navigate to Network Settings
In System Settings, click on Network in the sidebar (or find the Network icon if using the older interface).
What to Look For:
- • The Network section shows your current connections (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.)
- • You'll see your active connection with a green dot (connected status)
- • Select your currently connected network (usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
✅ Expected Result:
Your network connection details should appear on the right side of the window.
Access Advanced Network Settings
With your network connection selected, click the Details... or Advanced... button to access proxy settings.
Access Steps:
- 1 Ensure your active network connection is selected
- 2 Look for a Details... button (newer macOS) or Advanced... button (older versions)
- 3 Click this button to open the advanced network settings
Interface Differences:
macOS Ventura+ (13.0+):
Look for "Details..." button on the right side
macOS Monterey and earlier:
Look for "Advanced..." button in the bottom right
Configure Proxy Settings
In the advanced settings dialog, click on the Proxies tab and configure your proxy server details.
Configuration Steps:
- 1 Click on the Proxies tab in the advanced settings window
- 2 Check the box next to Web Proxy (HTTP)
- 3 In the Web Proxy Server field, enter your proxy IP address
- 4 In the Port field, enter the corresponding port number
- 5 Optionally, check Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) and enter the same details
Example Configuration:
Web Proxy Server:
185.199.229.156
Port:
8080
✓ Web Proxy (HTTP) - Checked
✓ Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) - Checked (recommended)
Save Settings and Verify
Click OK to save your proxy settings, then test the connection to ensure everything works correctly.
Final Steps:
- 1 Click OK to close the advanced settings dialog
- 2 Click Apply or OK in the main Network settings window
- 3 Enter your Mac password if prompted (admin access required)
- 4 Open Safari or another browser to test the connection
- 5 Visit our IP address checker to verify
How to Turn Off the Proxy
When you finish using the proxy, it's important to disable it to restore normal browsing speed and access. Mac makes this straightforward:
Quick Disable Method:
- 1 Return to System Settings → Network → [Your Connection] → Details/Advanced
- 2 Go to the Proxies tab
- 3 Uncheck Web Proxy (HTTP) and Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)
- 4 Click OK and Apply to save changes
⚠️ System-Wide Impact:
Remember that Mac's proxy settings affect all applications using system network settings. Forgetting to disable the proxy can impact your entire system's internet connectivity when the proxy goes offline.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Mac's system-wide proxy settings can sometimes cause unique issues. Here are solutions to the most common problems Mac users encounter:
"I can't connect to the internet after setup."
This usually means the proxy server is not responding or there's an issue with your configuration. Mac-specific troubleshooting steps:
Mac-Specific Troubleshooting:
- • Check if proxy settings were saved: macOS sometimes requires admin password to apply network changes
- • Try both HTTP and HTTPS settings: Some Mac apps require both to be configured
- • Check the proxy bypass list: Look for "Bypass proxy settings for these Hosts & Domains" and clear if needed
- • Restart network service: Sometimes required for changes to take effect system-wide
🛠️ Quick Test Method:
Use our proxy checker tool to verify the proxy is working before configuring your Mac. This eliminates guesswork and saves troubleshooting time.
"Some websites still know my location."
Mac's system proxy might not cover all network traffic, and some applications have their own network stacks. Here's how to maximize anonymity on Mac:
Mac-Specific Privacy Considerations:
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Safari Private Relay: iCloud+ subscribers have Private Relay which may bypass your proxy. Disable in System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Private Relay
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App Store Apps: Some Mac App Store applications may use their own network stack and bypass system proxy settings
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DNS Over HTTPS: Safari supports DoH which might bypass your proxy's DNS. Check Safari → Preferences → Privacy → DNS settings
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Proxy Type Matters: Transparent proxies don't hide your IP. Use elite proxies for better anonymity.
🔒 Mac Privacy Enhancement Tips:
Mac has built-in privacy features that can help, but won't prevent IP detection through system proxy alone:
Mac vs. Windows: Proxy Differences
Understanding how Mac handles proxies differently can help prevent configuration issues:
Mac Advantages:
- • Robust system-wide proxy support
- • Automatic proxy configuration (PAC) support
- • Per-network proxy settings
- • Built-in proxy authentication handling