Knowledge Base

Proxy Setup Guide: Step-by-Step Connection Setup with Windows and Browser Extension

After purchasing your proxy service, the first step is to properly set up this connection on your device. Proxy setup can be accomplished through different methods depending on your usage purpose and preferred platform. In this guide, we will examine in detail how to set up a proxy connection through the Windows operating system and browser extensions.

Required Information for Proxy Setup

Before starting the proxy setup, you need to download your service delivery file. This file contains the following information:

• Proxy Server Address (Hostname/IP): The address of the server you will connect to
• Port Number: Port information specific to each proxy connection
• Username and Password: Credentials required for authentication
• Protocol Type: HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5 protocol information

You can obtain your delivery file by clicking the "Download" button from your customer panel. This file presents all your proxy information in list format.

Proxy Setup on Windows Operating System

Proxy setup on Windows can be accomplished through two different methods: System-wide setup or application-based setup. Settings made system-wide route all your internet connections through the proxy, while application-based setup only allows specific programs to use the proxy.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 System Settings

Follow these steps for system-wide proxy setup:

• Open the "Settings" application from the Start menu
• Go to the "Network & Internet" section
• Click on the "Proxy" option from the left menu
• Find the "Manual proxy setup" section
• Turn on "Use a proxy server"
• Enter your proxy hostname or IP address in the address field
• Enter your port number in the port field
• Click the "Save" button

This method is suitable for basic HTTP proxy connections. However, for connections that require username and password or use the SOCKS5 protocol, browser extensions or specialized applications should be preferred.

Browser-Based Proxy Settings

If you want only your internet browser to use the proxy, you can manually configure it through browser settings. However, this method has limited features and is not practical for most users.

Proxy Setup with Browser Extension

Browser extensions are tools that simplify proxy management and offer user-friendly interfaces. This method provides the following advantages in particular:

• Quick proxy switching capability
• Ability to create multiple proxy profiles
• Automatic username and password storage
• SOCKS5 protocol support
• Using different proxies for specific websites

Recommended Browser Extensions

Popular and reliable proxy extensions include:

• FoxyProxy: Professional extension offering advanced features for Chrome and Firefox
• Proxy SwitchyOmega: Automatic proxy switching and profile management
• SmartProxy: Simple interface and quick setup

Step-by-Step Setup with FoxyProxy

FoxyProxy is one of the most widely used extensions. Setup steps:

• Install the FoxyProxy extension from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons page
• Click the FoxyProxy icon in the upper right corner of your browser
• Enter the "Options" or "Settings" menu
• Click the "Add New Proxy" button
• Select the proxy type (HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5)
• Enter the proxy address and port number
• Add the username and password from the "Authentication" section
• Give a meaningful name to the profile (e.g., "LivaProxy Mobile US")
• Save the settings

After completing the setup, you can activate or disable your desired proxy profile by clicking the FoxyProxy icon.

SOCKS5 Proxy Setup

The SOCKS5 protocol is a proxy type that offers UDP support and advanced security features. Since Windows system settings do not directly support SOCKS5, one of the following methods must be used:

• Browser extensions (FoxyProxy, SwitchyOmega)
• Specialized proxy management software
• Applications' own proxy settings (such as Discord, Telegram)

Application-Based Proxy Configuration

Some applications have their own proxy settings. For example:

Proxy Setup for Discord

To use a proxy in the Discord desktop application, you can add the following parameters to the application's shortcut properties:

• Right-click to enter the properties of the Discord shortcut
• Add the following parameter to the end of the "Target" field: --proxy-server=socks5://username:password@hostname:port
• Save the changes and restart the application

Proxy Setup for Telegram

The Telegram application offers direct SOCKS5 proxy support:

• Go to Settings > Advanced > Connection type
• Check the "Use SOCKS5 proxy" option
• Enter the server, port, username, and password information
• Test the connection and save

Proxy Setup on Mobile Devices

Proxy setup on Android and iOS devices is done through Wi-Fi settings:

Android Devices

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi menu
• Long press on the network you are connected to and select "Modify network"
• Open the "Advanced options" section
• Change proxy settings to "Manual"
• Enter hostname and port information
• Save

Note: Third-party applications may be required for proxies that require username and password on mobile devices.

iOS Devices

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
• Tap the (i) icon next to the network you are connected to
• Find the "HTTP Proxy" section and select the "Manual" option
• Enter server and port information
• If authentication is required, enable it and add the credentials
• Save

Post-Proxy Setup Checks

After completing the setup, it is important to verify that your proxy connection is working properly:

• IP Check: Check your visible IP address by visiting sites like "What is my IP"
• Connection Speed: Conduct speed tests with tools like Speedtest
• DNS Leak: Verify there are no DNS leaks with DNS leak test sites
• WebRTC Check: Check that your real IP is not leaking with WebRTC leak test tools

Common Setup Issues and Solutions

Connection Error

If you cannot connect to the proxy:

• Check the hostname, port, username, and password information
• Ensure that the information in the delivery file is entered correctly
• Check that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking the proxy connection
• Verify from your customer panel that your service is active and renewed

Slow Connection

If you are experiencing slow connection through the proxy:

• Check your own internet speed (test without proxy)
• Verify that the proxy type you are using is suitable for your needs
• Ensure you are not using too many simultaneous connections
• Check that you have not exceeded usage limits

Authentication Error

If you encounter username or password errors:

• Use the copy-paste method for information in the delivery file
• Ensure special characters are entered correctly
• Pay attention to case sensitivity
• Check that there are no space characters in your password

Security and Privacy Recommendations

To enhance your security when using proxy:

• Do not share your proxy credentials with anyone
• Only use trusted browser extensions
• Prefer sites that support the HTTPS protocol
• Take additional precautions against WebRTC and DNS leaks
• Regularly perform IP checks

Detailed Setup Guides

For platform-specific detailed steps of proxy setup, you can review our guides below:

• Windows Setup Guide: Details on system settings and command-line usage
• Browser Extension Guide: Installation of FoxyProxy, SwitchyOmega, and other extensions
• Mobile Device Guides: Detailed setup steps for Android and iOS

If you experience any issues during the setup process or need support for a specific use case, you can reach our 24/7 active support team by creating a support ticket from your customer panel or through our WhatsApp line.