Setting up a proxy on Mac OS

DeFio

Apr 04, 2025

Proxy

In this article, we'll walk you through how to set up a proxy on macOS so you can surf the web safely and anonymously.

#### The challenges of choosing a proxy provider for Mac

Choosing a proxy provider for Mac can be tricky: not all services are optimized for macOS, and the different types of proxies (HTTP(S) for browsers, SOCKS5 for other applications) are often poorly documented for this system. You can learn more about proxy providers in this <a href="https://app.cyberyozh.com/ru/blog/choosing-the-perfect-proxy-types-of-protocols-and-their-features" target=“_blank”>link</a>. You can learn how to choose and buy a quality proxy in this <a href="https://app.cyberyozh.com/ru/blog/how-to-choose-and-buy-proxies-on-app-cyberyozh" target=“_blank”>article</a>.
Well, we'll proceed with the configuration.

### How to set up a proxy on macOS

Setting up a proxy on Mac is quick and efficient in a few simple steps. With a proxy, you'll safely hide your IP address, access blocked content, and keep your data safe. Let's take a look at the setup process:

Open Network Settings:

Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen and select System Preferences.

![](/media/mdeditor/скрин 1_20250418075316784969.png)
Figure 1. The screenshot shows the macOS System Preferences menu, displaying the main window with the main sections of system settings.

Navigate to the Network section.

![](/media/mdeditor/скрин 2_20250418075403781699.png)
Figure 2. The macOS network settings interface, showing the network connection configuration panel, where basic proxy configuration is done.

Add a connection:

- Click on the “+” (plus) in the lower left corner.
- In the “Interface” field, select “Proxy.”
- In the “Proxy Type” field, select the “Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)” protocol.

Customize the settings:

Enter the data that your ISP provided:

![](/media/mdeditor/скрин 4_20250418145232643671.png)
Figure 3. Data from the proxy provider

![](/media/mdeditor/скрин 3_20250418075915310912.png)

Figure 4. Proxy server settings window containing fields for entering credentials, including login and password.

- Server address
- Port
- Account (login).
- Password.
- Click “OK.”
- Return to the main network settings window and click “Connect”.

### Manual VPN Setup (for advanced users)

For advanced users, efficient VPN setup via terminal is available - a powerful way to control the configuration when the ISP does not have an application ready.

**For OpenVPN:**.

- Install OpenVPN:
- Download and install Tunnelblick, the free OpenVPN app for Mac.
- Download the configuration files from your VPN provider.

**Customize Tunnelblick:**

- Open Tunnelblick and add a configuration file (usually with a .ovpn extension).
- Enter your login and password, if required.
- Select the configuration and click “Connect”.

Once connected, check to see if everything is working properly. To do this, open <a href="https://ifconfig.me" target=“_blank”>ifconfig.me</a> the address has changed, then everything is working. Everything is ready! Now your Internet traffic passes through the proxy server!

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