Have you ever tried fixing your internet connection or setting up a device, only to hit a wall because you didn’t know your proxy address? I’ve been there, totally clueless and clicking around endlessly, hoping to stumble upon it. It’s one of those tech terms that sounds way more complicated than it actually is. But once you understand what a proxy address is and how to find it, it becomes second nature.
That’s why I’m writing this guide—not just to answer the question “how can I know my proxy address”, but to make sure you feel confident every time you need to check it, no matter what device or browser you’re using. Let me walk you through it, just like I’d walk a friend through over coffee, with real steps, honest tips, and yes, even those “Oops, I didn’t know that!” moments.
✔ Works for Windows, macOS, browsers, and mobile
✔ Uses plain English and simple steps
✔ Includes tips, tables, and real-life uses
How Can I Know My Proxy Address on Windows?
Let me start with Windows because that’s what I use the most. And believe me, I’ve had my fair share of wrestling with proxy settings. Whether it’s my work laptop or home PC, I always start with two simple methods—through Settings and the Control Panel.
Using Windows Settings
I usually go this way when I need a quick peek. Here’s what you can do:
- Click the Start Menu, then go to Settings.
- Click on Network & Internet.
- Select Proxy from the left side menu.
Now, look under Manual Proxy Setup. If it’s on, you’ll see an IP address and port number. That’s your proxy.
One time, my work laptop wouldn’t connect to the Wi-Fi at a café. I checked here and found out my proxy was still set to the office one. Disabled it—and boom! Instant connection.
Using Control Panel
Old school? Maybe. But it still works like a charm.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to Internet Options.
- Under the Connections tab, click LAN Settings.
If the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box is checked, the address and port number are displayed right there.
This is usually more detailed than the Settings app and sometimes even shows settings that were hidden before.
How Can I Know My Proxy Address on macOS?
I’ve helped a couple of friends with their Macs too. While I’m more of a PC person, it’s not that hard to find the proxy settings on macOS. Here’s how I walked my cousin through it last month:
- Click the Apple Menu and go to System Preferences.
- Select Network, then choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, whichever you’re connected to.
- Click on Advanced, and then open the Proxies tab.
Now here’s the catch—Mac lists all kinds of proxies: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS, and more. You need to check which ones are enabled. The addresses and ports are usually next to them.
Table 1: Common Proxy Types in macOS and What They Do
| Proxy Type | Use Case | Visibility in Mac Settings |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP Proxy | Basic websites | Shown in Proxies tab |
| HTTPS Proxy | Secure websites | Shown in Proxies tab |
| SOCKS Proxy | App-level or torrent use | Shown in Proxies tab |
| Auto Proxy URL | Enterprise or school networks | Requires URL input |
A friend of mine once had issues with his school Wi-Fi. The IT folks had given him a .pac file. That file went right into the “Auto Proxy Configuration” field in the Proxies tab. Once added, his connection was stable again.
How to Check Proxy Settings in Browsers
I use Chrome all the time, and guess what—it doesn’t have its own proxy settings. It just redirects you to your system’s proxy setup. Here’s how:
Google Chrome
- Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings > System > Open your computer’s proxy settings.
This will open the default system settings depending on your OS.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is a bit different. It does have its own proxy settings.
- Go to Settings > General > Network Settings.
- Click Settings… under the Network section.
From there, you can see if it’s set to No Proxy, Auto-detect, or Manual configuration. Firefox is useful when testing network issues separately from system settings.
How to Find Proxy Address on Android and iOS
Let’s talk about mobile devices. While they’re easy to use, the proxy stuff is a bit hidden.
Android
- Go to Wi-Fi settings.
- Tap the connected network, then tap Advanced.
- Scroll to Proxy, and select Manual.
You’ll now see the hostname and port number. This is common in universities and some workplaces.
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the blue “i” next to your connected network.
- Scroll down to HTTP Proxy.
If it’s set to Manual, your proxy IP and port are listed there. I once helped my sister fix her iPad that couldn’t load Netflix. Turns out, a leftover proxy from her school Wi-Fi was still enabled.
Using Online Tools to Know Your Proxy Address
Sometimes I just want a quick check without digging into menus. Websites like WhatIsMyIP.com are lifesavers.
Table 2: Top Online Tools to Detect Proxy
| Website | Features | Free to Use |
|---|---|---|
| WhatIsMyIP.com | Shows IP, proxy status, ISP | Yes |
| BrowserLeaks.com | Shows headers, proxy detection | Yes |
| GeoPlugin.com | Detects IP location and proxy presence | Yes |
Just open any of these on your browser. If they say you’re behind a proxy or VPN, you’ll know it’s active.
Why It’s Important to Know Your Proxy Address
Now, why does any of this matter?
Well, if you’re trying to access region-locked content, work on a company network, or fix a no-internet issue, knowing your proxy address is half the battle. For students in universities, using the correct proxy is often the key to unlocking access to research libraries. For remote workers, it’s part of secure connections to office servers.
I remember once struggling to upload an assignment late at night. Nothing was working until I realized my old proxy from the campus library was still active. Turned it off—and submitted just in time.
FAQs
How can I know my proxy address quickly on Windows?
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and check the manual setup section.
Is it safe to disable a proxy server?
Yes, if you’re not on a work or school network, disabling it is usually fine.
How do I know if I’m behind a proxy?
Use sites like WhatIsMyIP.com or check browser/network settings for proxy configurations.
What is the difference between IP and proxy address?
Your IP is your device’s network ID; a proxy acts as a bridge between you and the internet.
Can I find proxy address using Command Prompt?
Yes, type netsh winhttp show proxy in CMD to view proxy info.
Why do schools and offices use proxies?
To filter content, enhance security, and monitor internet usage.
Does using a proxy affect internet speed?
Sometimes yes, especially if the proxy server is overloaded or located far away.