Chrome Proxy Setup for Windows & macOS (Step-by-Step)
David Foster
Setup Guides
Getting Started with Chrome Proxy Settings on Windows
Google Chrome, built upon the open-source Chromium project, is a titan among web browsers. Its widespread adoption across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Chrome OS speaks volumes about its versatility and performance. When it comes to network configuration, Chrome generally plays nice with your operating system's existing proxy settings – it inherits them automatically.
This means you usually don't need separate proxy configurations just for Chrome. However, Chrome does provide a convenient shortcut to access and modify your computer's system-wide proxy settings. Let's walk through how to do that on Windows 10 (and the process is very similar on Windows 11).
1. Launch Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots (1) in the upper-right corner to open the main menu.
2. Select Settings (2) from the dropdown list.
3. In the Settings menu on the left, find and click on System (3).
4. Under the System section, click the option labeled Open your computer’s proxy settings (4).
5. This action will take you directly to the Proxy section within Windows' Network & Internet settings.
6. Here, you'll see options for automatic and manual setup. The Automatic proxy setup (5) allows Windows to detect settings automatically (often used in corporate networks).
7. Alternatively, you can use a configuration script (often a PAC file). Enable the Use setup script (6) option, paste the script address into the field (7), and click Save (8).
8. For direct control, scroll down to the Manual proxy setup (9) area and toggle the Use a proxy server (10) switch to On.
9. Now, enter the specific proxy IP address (or hostname) and port number (11) provided by your proxy service (e.g., `rp.evomi.com` and `1000`). For authentication, Windows 10/11 often works best with IP whitelisting rather than username/password for system-level settings. Ensure you've authorized your current IP address in your proxy provider's dashboard. You can learn more about IP authentication methods here.
10. If certain websites should bypass the proxy, add their addresses to the box labeled “Use the proxy server except for addresses that start with the following entries... (12)”. It's usually a good idea to check the box for “Don’t use the proxy server for local (intranet) addresses (13)” if you need to access local network resources directly.
11. After entering all details, click the Save (14) button.
12. Depending on the proxy type and authentication method, the first time you browse, you might see a pop-up requesting your proxy username and password.
With these steps completed, your system-wide proxy settings are configured, and Chrome (along with other applications respecting system settings) will route traffic through the proxy.
Configuring Chrome Proxy Settings on macOS
Setting up proxies on macOS via Chrome follows a similar principle – Chrome directs you to the system's network preferences. Here’s how:
1. Open Chrome. Click the three vertical dots (1) in the top-right corner.
2. Choose Settings (2) from the menu.
3. Navigate to System (3) in the left-hand settings menu and click Open your computer’s proxy settings (4).
4. This opens the macOS Network preferences, usually focused on your active connection (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet). The proxy settings panel will be displayed.
5. Check the box for the proxy protocol (5) you intend to use (e.g., Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) or SOCKS Proxy). Quality providers like Evomi typically support both HTTP/HTTPS and SOCKS5 protocols. Let's assume HTTPS for this example.
6. Enter the proxy server address and port number (6) in the respective fields (e.g., `rp.evomi.com` and `1001` for Evomi's residential HTTPS).
7. If your proxy uses username/password authentication (common for HTTPS), check the Proxy server requires password (7) box. Then, enter your Username and Password (8) provided by your proxy service.
8. Click OK (9) to confirm the settings for this protocol.
9. Now, back in the main Network preferences window, click Apply in the bottom right corner to save all changes.
10. The first time you access a website requiring authentication through the proxy, macOS or Chrome will likely prompt you for the proxy username and password (10) you just entered.
11. Provide your credentials and click Sign In (11) (or similar) to proceed.
Important Note on SOCKS Proxies: If you plan to use the SOCKS5 protocol on recent macOS versions (like Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma), it generally works best with IP address authentication. This means you should whitelist your IP address in your proxy provider's control panel and leave the Proxy server requires password box unchecked in the macOS SOCKS Proxy settings.
Choosing and Using Proxies Effectively
While Chrome relies on system settings, understanding *which* proxy to use is crucial. Free or unreliable public proxies often come with risks like slow speeds, instability, data logging, or even malware injection. For tasks requiring privacy, security, or reliable access (like market research, accessing geo-restricted content, or managing multiple accounts), investing in a reputable proxy service is highly recommended.
Look for providers who offer ethically sourced proxies and transparent practices. Evomi, for instance, provides a range of high-quality proxy types based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy standards:
Residential Proxies: Real IP addresses from ISPs, ideal for tasks requiring high anonymity (starting at $0.49/GB).
Mobile Proxies: IPs from mobile carriers, great for mobile verification or social media automation.
Datacenter Proxies: Fast and affordable IPs from data centers, suitable for large-scale scraping or site access.
Static ISP Proxies: Stable, dedicated IPs from ISPs that combine speed and residential trust.
Using proxies from a trusted source like Evomi ensures your IP address remains masked, your connection is secure, and you avoid the pitfalls of unreliable free services. Many reputable providers, including Evomi, offer free trials so you can test the service before committing.
Once configured, you can verify your proxy is working by visiting an IP checking website like Evomi's free IP Geolocation Checker – it should display the proxy's IP address and location, not your own.
Getting Started with Chrome Proxy Settings on Windows
Google Chrome, built upon the open-source Chromium project, is a titan among web browsers. Its widespread adoption across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Chrome OS speaks volumes about its versatility and performance. When it comes to network configuration, Chrome generally plays nice with your operating system's existing proxy settings – it inherits them automatically.
This means you usually don't need separate proxy configurations just for Chrome. However, Chrome does provide a convenient shortcut to access and modify your computer's system-wide proxy settings. Let's walk through how to do that on Windows 10 (and the process is very similar on Windows 11).
1. Launch Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots (1) in the upper-right corner to open the main menu.
2. Select Settings (2) from the dropdown list.
3. In the Settings menu on the left, find and click on System (3).
4. Under the System section, click the option labeled Open your computer’s proxy settings (4).
5. This action will take you directly to the Proxy section within Windows' Network & Internet settings.
6. Here, you'll see options for automatic and manual setup. The Automatic proxy setup (5) allows Windows to detect settings automatically (often used in corporate networks).
7. Alternatively, you can use a configuration script (often a PAC file). Enable the Use setup script (6) option, paste the script address into the field (7), and click Save (8).
8. For direct control, scroll down to the Manual proxy setup (9) area and toggle the Use a proxy server (10) switch to On.
9. Now, enter the specific proxy IP address (or hostname) and port number (11) provided by your proxy service (e.g., `rp.evomi.com` and `1000`). For authentication, Windows 10/11 often works best with IP whitelisting rather than username/password for system-level settings. Ensure you've authorized your current IP address in your proxy provider's dashboard. You can learn more about IP authentication methods here.
10. If certain websites should bypass the proxy, add their addresses to the box labeled “Use the proxy server except for addresses that start with the following entries... (12)”. It's usually a good idea to check the box for “Don’t use the proxy server for local (intranet) addresses (13)” if you need to access local network resources directly.
11. After entering all details, click the Save (14) button.
12. Depending on the proxy type and authentication method, the first time you browse, you might see a pop-up requesting your proxy username and password.
With these steps completed, your system-wide proxy settings are configured, and Chrome (along with other applications respecting system settings) will route traffic through the proxy.
Configuring Chrome Proxy Settings on macOS
Setting up proxies on macOS via Chrome follows a similar principle – Chrome directs you to the system's network preferences. Here’s how:
1. Open Chrome. Click the three vertical dots (1) in the top-right corner.
2. Choose Settings (2) from the menu.
3. Navigate to System (3) in the left-hand settings menu and click Open your computer’s proxy settings (4).
4. This opens the macOS Network preferences, usually focused on your active connection (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet). The proxy settings panel will be displayed.
5. Check the box for the proxy protocol (5) you intend to use (e.g., Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) or SOCKS Proxy). Quality providers like Evomi typically support both HTTP/HTTPS and SOCKS5 protocols. Let's assume HTTPS for this example.
6. Enter the proxy server address and port number (6) in the respective fields (e.g., `rp.evomi.com` and `1001` for Evomi's residential HTTPS).
7. If your proxy uses username/password authentication (common for HTTPS), check the Proxy server requires password (7) box. Then, enter your Username and Password (8) provided by your proxy service.
8. Click OK (9) to confirm the settings for this protocol.
9. Now, back in the main Network preferences window, click Apply in the bottom right corner to save all changes.
10. The first time you access a website requiring authentication through the proxy, macOS or Chrome will likely prompt you for the proxy username and password (10) you just entered.
11. Provide your credentials and click Sign In (11) (or similar) to proceed.
Important Note on SOCKS Proxies: If you plan to use the SOCKS5 protocol on recent macOS versions (like Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma), it generally works best with IP address authentication. This means you should whitelist your IP address in your proxy provider's control panel and leave the Proxy server requires password box unchecked in the macOS SOCKS Proxy settings.
Choosing and Using Proxies Effectively
While Chrome relies on system settings, understanding *which* proxy to use is crucial. Free or unreliable public proxies often come with risks like slow speeds, instability, data logging, or even malware injection. For tasks requiring privacy, security, or reliable access (like market research, accessing geo-restricted content, or managing multiple accounts), investing in a reputable proxy service is highly recommended.
Look for providers who offer ethically sourced proxies and transparent practices. Evomi, for instance, provides a range of high-quality proxy types based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy standards:
Residential Proxies: Real IP addresses from ISPs, ideal for tasks requiring high anonymity (starting at $0.49/GB).
Mobile Proxies: IPs from mobile carriers, great for mobile verification or social media automation.
Datacenter Proxies: Fast and affordable IPs from data centers, suitable for large-scale scraping or site access.
Static ISP Proxies: Stable, dedicated IPs from ISPs that combine speed and residential trust.
Using proxies from a trusted source like Evomi ensures your IP address remains masked, your connection is secure, and you avoid the pitfalls of unreliable free services. Many reputable providers, including Evomi, offer free trials so you can test the service before committing.
Once configured, you can verify your proxy is working by visiting an IP checking website like Evomi's free IP Geolocation Checker – it should display the proxy's IP address and location, not your own.
Getting Started with Chrome Proxy Settings on Windows
Google Chrome, built upon the open-source Chromium project, is a titan among web browsers. Its widespread adoption across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Chrome OS speaks volumes about its versatility and performance. When it comes to network configuration, Chrome generally plays nice with your operating system's existing proxy settings – it inherits them automatically.
This means you usually don't need separate proxy configurations just for Chrome. However, Chrome does provide a convenient shortcut to access and modify your computer's system-wide proxy settings. Let's walk through how to do that on Windows 10 (and the process is very similar on Windows 11).
1. Launch Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots (1) in the upper-right corner to open the main menu.
2. Select Settings (2) from the dropdown list.
3. In the Settings menu on the left, find and click on System (3).
4. Under the System section, click the option labeled Open your computer’s proxy settings (4).
5. This action will take you directly to the Proxy section within Windows' Network & Internet settings.
6. Here, you'll see options for automatic and manual setup. The Automatic proxy setup (5) allows Windows to detect settings automatically (often used in corporate networks).
7. Alternatively, you can use a configuration script (often a PAC file). Enable the Use setup script (6) option, paste the script address into the field (7), and click Save (8).
8. For direct control, scroll down to the Manual proxy setup (9) area and toggle the Use a proxy server (10) switch to On.
9. Now, enter the specific proxy IP address (or hostname) and port number (11) provided by your proxy service (e.g., `rp.evomi.com` and `1000`). For authentication, Windows 10/11 often works best with IP whitelisting rather than username/password for system-level settings. Ensure you've authorized your current IP address in your proxy provider's dashboard. You can learn more about IP authentication methods here.
10. If certain websites should bypass the proxy, add their addresses to the box labeled “Use the proxy server except for addresses that start with the following entries... (12)”. It's usually a good idea to check the box for “Don’t use the proxy server for local (intranet) addresses (13)” if you need to access local network resources directly.
11. After entering all details, click the Save (14) button.
12. Depending on the proxy type and authentication method, the first time you browse, you might see a pop-up requesting your proxy username and password.
With these steps completed, your system-wide proxy settings are configured, and Chrome (along with other applications respecting system settings) will route traffic through the proxy.
Configuring Chrome Proxy Settings on macOS
Setting up proxies on macOS via Chrome follows a similar principle – Chrome directs you to the system's network preferences. Here’s how:
1. Open Chrome. Click the three vertical dots (1) in the top-right corner.
2. Choose Settings (2) from the menu.
3. Navigate to System (3) in the left-hand settings menu and click Open your computer’s proxy settings (4).
4. This opens the macOS Network preferences, usually focused on your active connection (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet). The proxy settings panel will be displayed.
5. Check the box for the proxy protocol (5) you intend to use (e.g., Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) or SOCKS Proxy). Quality providers like Evomi typically support both HTTP/HTTPS and SOCKS5 protocols. Let's assume HTTPS for this example.
6. Enter the proxy server address and port number (6) in the respective fields (e.g., `rp.evomi.com` and `1001` for Evomi's residential HTTPS).
7. If your proxy uses username/password authentication (common for HTTPS), check the Proxy server requires password (7) box. Then, enter your Username and Password (8) provided by your proxy service.
8. Click OK (9) to confirm the settings for this protocol.
9. Now, back in the main Network preferences window, click Apply in the bottom right corner to save all changes.
10. The first time you access a website requiring authentication through the proxy, macOS or Chrome will likely prompt you for the proxy username and password (10) you just entered.
11. Provide your credentials and click Sign In (11) (or similar) to proceed.
Important Note on SOCKS Proxies: If you plan to use the SOCKS5 protocol on recent macOS versions (like Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma), it generally works best with IP address authentication. This means you should whitelist your IP address in your proxy provider's control panel and leave the Proxy server requires password box unchecked in the macOS SOCKS Proxy settings.
Choosing and Using Proxies Effectively
While Chrome relies on system settings, understanding *which* proxy to use is crucial. Free or unreliable public proxies often come with risks like slow speeds, instability, data logging, or even malware injection. For tasks requiring privacy, security, or reliable access (like market research, accessing geo-restricted content, or managing multiple accounts), investing in a reputable proxy service is highly recommended.
Look for providers who offer ethically sourced proxies and transparent practices. Evomi, for instance, provides a range of high-quality proxy types based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy standards:
Residential Proxies: Real IP addresses from ISPs, ideal for tasks requiring high anonymity (starting at $0.49/GB).
Mobile Proxies: IPs from mobile carriers, great for mobile verification or social media automation.
Datacenter Proxies: Fast and affordable IPs from data centers, suitable for large-scale scraping or site access.
Static ISP Proxies: Stable, dedicated IPs from ISPs that combine speed and residential trust.
Using proxies from a trusted source like Evomi ensures your IP address remains masked, your connection is secure, and you avoid the pitfalls of unreliable free services. Many reputable providers, including Evomi, offer free trials so you can test the service before committing.
Once configured, you can verify your proxy is working by visiting an IP checking website like Evomi's free IP Geolocation Checker – it should display the proxy's IP address and location, not your own.
Author
David Foster
Proxy & Network Security Analyst
About Author
David is an expert in network security, web scraping, and proxy technologies, helping businesses optimize data extraction while maintaining privacy and efficiency. With a deep understanding of residential, datacenter, and rotating proxies, he explores how proxies enhance cybersecurity, bypass geo-restrictions, and power large-scale web scraping. David’s insights help businesses and developers choose the right proxy solutions for SEO monitoring, competitive intelligence, and anonymous browsing.
