How to Set Up a Proxy on Android — Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Configure HTTP and SOCKS5 proxies on Android. Covers Wi-Fi settings, per-app proxy apps, and ADB method for advanced users.

Setting Up a Proxy on Android

Android supports proxies through Wi-Fi settings, third-party apps, and even ADB commands. Here's every method, from simplest to most advanced.

Method 1: Wi-Fi Proxy Settings (No App Needed)

Step-by-Step

Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network & Internet → Wi-Fi)
Long-press your connected network → Modify Network (or tap the gear icon)
Tap Advanced Options (you may need to expand this section)
Under Proxy, select Manual
Enter:
Proxy hostname: The proxy IP (e.g., 45.77.100.20)
Proxy port: The port number (e.g., 3128)
Bypass proxy for: Leave empty or add localhost,127.0.0.1
Tap Save

Grab working proxy IPs from our free proxy list.

Limitations

HTTP proxies only — no SOCKS5 support
Only applies to the current Wi-Fi network
Some apps ignore the system proxy
Doesn't work on mobile data

Method 2: Proxy App (SOCKS5 + Mobile Data)

For SOCKS5 support and full device coverage, use a proxy app.

Drony (Free)

Install Drony from the Play Store
Open Drony → swipe to the Settings tab
Tap Wi-Fi → select your network
Set Proxy type to SOCKS5
Enter the proxy IP and port from our SOCKS5 list
Go back and tap Enable on the main screen

ProxyDroid (Requires Root)

If your device is rooted:

Install ProxyDroid
Set proxy type to SOCKS5
Enter IP and port
Toggle on — all traffic now routes through the proxy

SocksDroid (Free, No Root)

Install from Play Store
Enter SOCKS5 proxy IP and port
Tap Connect
Allow VPN configuration

Method 3: ADB Command (Developer Option)

For developers or advanced users, set a global proxy via ADB:

# Set proxy
adb shell settings put global http_proxy IP:PORT

# Remove proxy
adb shell settings put global http_proxy :0

This works for all apps and doesn't require root, but only supports HTTP proxies.

Method 4: App-Specific Proxy

Some apps have built-in proxy settings:

Telegram: Settings → Data and Storage → Proxy → SOCKS5 (full guide)
Firefox: Settings → scroll down → find proxy settings
Twitter/X: Doesn't support proxies natively — use Drony

Choosing the Right Proxy

Need	Proxy Type	Method
Simple browsing	HTTP	Wi-Fi settings
All apps	SOCKS5	Drony or SocksDroid
Single app (Telegram)	SOCKS5	In-app settings
Development/testing	HTTP	ADB command

Test proxy speed before configuring with our proxy checker.

Troubleshooting

No internet after setting proxy

The proxy is likely dead. Free proxies rotate frequently — grab a fresh one from our homepage and try again.

Only browser works, apps don't connect

Android's Wi-Fi proxy only affects apps that respect ProxyInfo. Many apps (games, messaging) bypass it. Use Drony or SocksDroid for full coverage.

Very slow connection

Use proxies sorted by speed on our homepage — fastest ones are listed first
Choose a proxy geographically close to you
Avoid peak hours (evenings in the proxy's timezone)

Can't set proxy on mobile data

Android doesn't support proxy settings for cellular connections through the UI. You need: - A proxy app (Drony, SocksDroid) - ADB method (limited to HTTP) - A VPN-style app that tunnels through the proxy

iPhone Users

If you also have an iPhone, check our iPhone proxy setup guide.

Security Tips

Free proxies are great for bypassing blocks and testing — not for banking or sensitive logins
Always use HTTPS websites through proxies
Consider our proxy vs VPN comparison for security-sensitive use cases
Our proxies are validated every 30 minutes — but free proxies shouldn't be trusted with passwords