In today’s digital environment, using a Proxy in your web browser is a savvy way to achieve essential privacy and security. When browsing the web, proxy servers frequently require the user to activate them each time they go online manually. However, you can save time and energy by configuring a proxy through your Chrome settings. 

Let’s break down how a proxy works, why you should use one, and most importantly, how to configure a proxy on Chrome.

What is a proxy, and how does it work?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. It serves as a bridge between end users and the sites they visit. They facilitate web requests and responses, performing as firewalls and filters. For this reason, proxy servers provide an extra layer of security to your internet connection. 

The risks of not using a proxy

The internet is like the open sea – vast and full of threats we may not see below the surface. Whenever you go online, it’s relatively easy for third parties and hackers to track what you do online, down to your location.

Every internet-connected device has an IP (Internet Protocol) address provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). This is a string of numbers that websites use to determine your general location, which is why you find that some sites you want to access are restricted due to your geolocation. Through tracking your IP, sites can collect information on your online activity through cookies and other data. This means they can implement targeted advertisements based on what you search for and buy online. 

Moreover, if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi, your data is at a higher risk of being hacked without a proxy server in place. Most public Wi-Fi hotspots don’t require any authentication to connect, allowing anyone to establish a connection. Hackers can gain access to unsecured devices through these open networks and carry out malware attacks or steal personal information. 

How does a proxy compare to a VPN?

VPNs and proxies both provide greater privacy than you may otherwise have, enabling you to browse the internet anonymously by concealing your IP address in various ways. 

Proxy servers primarily act as a gateway, making them an excellent tool for IP masking to allow users to bypass restrictions and monitoring by websites and other third parties. If your goal is to encrypt all your network traffic, a VPN would be a good option. 

How to use proxy in chrome

It’s faster and more efficient to configure your Chrome proxy settings automatically rather than manually activating your proxies every time you want to browse. If your proxy is already working in the background before you open your browser, then you will have less to worry about when you go online. Proxies are one of several ways you can protect your online privacy. There are a couple of ways to do this, depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, or if you go through your Chrome browser directly.

Configure chrome proxy on Windows

To configure a proxy server in Windows, launch Windows Explorer and enter internet properties into the search bar.

• Click the Connections tab in the Internet Properties control panel.
• Next, go to LAN settings and choose the first checkbox under Proxy server.
• Click Advanced to access your proxy options. Fill in your proxy address and port number in the HTTP box.
• Select the option to utilize the same proxy server for all protocols.
• Finally, to save your proxy settings, click OK and Apply.

Configure Chrome proxy directly

Since your Chrome browser connects to the network settings of your device, this is the simplest approach to configure your proxy server. Launch Chrome and click the settings button in the right-hand corner to access Customize and control Google Chrome.

Then, click Settings. After you’ve accessed the settings window, navigate to System and click on Open your computer’s proxy settings, which will open the network settings for your device.

You can then enter your proxy address and port number as shown above.

Configure chrome proxy on MAC

For Mac users, you can open your proxy settings via your Chrome browser like above, or click on the Wi-Fi button at the top of your desktop.

Next, click on Network Preferences, and in the network settings window, click Advanced at the bottom.

Click Proxies and check the box next to Web Proxy (HTTP). Once you’ve done this, you can fill in your proxy address and port number into the boxes.

Hit OK to save your settings. Select your proxy network from the Network Name dropdown box to connect.

You can verify your connection by going to ipinfo.io and checking that the IP address detected is from the correct server. 

Conclusion

Using a Chrome proxy will improve your browsing experience, providing you with privacy and safety while browsing. By setting up a Chrome proxy, you’ll save time by not having to configure your proxy settings each time you open the web.

The post How to configure proxy on Chrome appeared first on Unblockable Residential IPs & Data Center Proxies |.