How to Use a Proxy on Android: Settings, Apps and VPN

Android lets you configure a proxy directly in Wi-Fi settings — no extra apps required. However, this built-in method only covers Wi-Fi traffic, not mobile data. For full device-wide coverage including all apps and mobile connections, you need a proxy app or a VPN. This guide walks through all three approaches so you can choose what fits your situation.

Method 1: Set a Proxy in Android Wi-Fi Settings

This is the simplest method and works on all Android versions with no additional apps. The limitation: it only applies to the specific Wi-Fi network you configure, and it does not affect mobile data connections.

1. Open Settings on your Android device
2. Tap Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung devices)
3. Tap Wi-Fi then long-press on your connected network name
4. Tap Modify network or tap the pencil icon on some devices
5. Tap Advanced options to expand the section
6. Under Proxy, change the dropdown from None to Manual
7. Enter the proxy Hostname (IP address) and Port
8. Tap Save

Open Chrome and visit the SitusProxy IP Checker to confirm the proxy is active. If the displayed IP matches the proxy server rather than your ISP connection, the configuration is working correctly.

Method 2: Use a Proxy App for Full Device Coverage

Android built-in proxy settings only cover Wi-Fi. If you need a proxy on mobile data, or if you want all apps — not just the browser — to route through the proxy, you need a dedicated proxy application. Drony is the most reliable free option and does not require root access.

Setting Up Drony on Android

1. Download Drony from the Google Play Store
2. Open the app and go to Settings then Networks
3. Select your Wi-Fi network or mobile data connection
4. Set Proxy type to HTTP or SOCKS5
5. Enter the proxy hostname and port
6. Go back to the main screen and toggle Drony to On
7. Accept the VPN permission Android requests — Drony uses this to intercept traffic

All traffic from all apps on your device now routes through the configured proxy, including mobile data connections.

Method 3: Use a VPN Instead of a Proxy

For most Android users, a VPN is a more practical solution than a proxy. A VPN covers all apps on all connections — Wi-Fi and mobile data simultaneously — and encrypts your traffic rather than just routing it. Setup is simpler: install the app, tap connect, and you are protected. NordVPN for Android connects in under three seconds and uses the NordLynx protocol, which is both fast and energy-efficient. It includes auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi networks and a kill switch that blocks internet if the VPN drops unexpectedly.

Important Limitations of Android Proxy Settings

Before relying on a proxy on Android, you need to understand these limitations. The built-in Android proxy setting only covers Wi-Fi — not mobile data. Some apps bypass the system proxy completely and connect directly to their servers regardless of your settings. An HTTP proxy does not encrypt your traffic, meaning your ISP can still see data volume and timing even if not the content. DNS requests may still go directly to your ISP DNS servers even with a proxy active, exposing which sites you visit. Run the DNS Leak Test after setup to check whether this is happening on your device.

How to Remove a Proxy from Android

To remove a proxy from a Wi-Fi network, follow the same steps used to add it. When you reach the Proxy dropdown, change it from Manual back to None and save. If you used Drony, toggle the app off on its main screen. If you used a VPN, simply disconnect from within the VPN application.

Frequently Asked Questions