by [Thomas Rankin](/content/author/trankin/index.html) Posted on [January 13, 2026 May 27, 2026](/content/proxies/setting-up-chrome-to-use-a-proxy-server/index.html)

Data breaches concern everyone who uses the Internet. Hackers are constantly looking for ways to access sensitive information. Using a reliable [proxy server](https://proxymesh.com/) is a trusted way to protect your data from cybercriminals. A proxy server provides both security and anonymity by masking your IP address and passing your requests through the proxy. This article covers setting up Chrome to use a proxy server.

### Authorizing/Authenticating

You’ll need to authorize your IP address to use the proxy. It will send your data requests and get back responses while protecting your identity. You can either authorize your IP address or provide basic access authentication.

With most proxy services, you can authorize your IP address to the proxy via the service’s dashboard. Or you can use the service’s account-management API.

#### IP address authentication

- On your dashboard, click a link that reads like “Add an IP.”  
- Fill and submit the form with your own IP address.

Now your IP address will be able to access the proxy without any further steps. If you add another IP to your proxy service account, it should be promptly authorized to the proxy. Be sure you do this first before you make requests from that IP to avoid a temporary block.

#### Basic access authentication

Besides IP address authentication, the other way to initiate HTTP proxy requests is [basic access authentication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_access_authentication). For this authentication, you’ll need your username and password to enter in your configuration below.

## Setting up the proxy

For either Windows or Mac, to set up a proxy in Chrome, just configure your computer system’s proxy settings.

#### For Windows:

_Step 1:_ Open your Google Chrome browser.  
_Step 2:_ Click the **Customize** button in the top right-hand corner and select **Settings**.  
_Step 3:_ On the **Settings** page, click on the **Advanced** link and then select **System**.  
_Step 4:_ Click on **Open your computer’s proxy settings**. This will take you to the **Proxy Settings** window.  
_Step 5:_ Under **Manual proxy setup**, turn on **Use a proxy server**. Enter the IP address and port number required for your [proxy server](https://proxymesh.com/) of choice.  
_Step 6:_ Click the **Save** button.

Below is a [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOb0_AY45vE) demonstrating the process.

#### For Mac:

_Step 1:_ Open your Google Chrome browser.  
_Step 2:_ Click the **Customize** button in the top right-hand corner and select **Settings**.  
_Step 3:_ On the **Settings** page, click on the **Advanced** link.  
_Step 4:_ Scroll down to **System** and click on **Open proxy settings**.  
_Step 5:_ Select **Web Proxy (HTTP)** and then enter the IP address and port number required for your [proxy server](https://proxymesh.com/) of choice. This information is obtainable from your proxy server provider.  
_Step 6:_ Select **Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)** and again enter the same IP address and port number. Click **OK**.  
_Step 7:_ You may also be required to enter your Mac user password. If so, click **Always Allow**. Then click **Apply**.

Alternatively, you can configure the proxy settings directly without going through Chrome. The [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMLK0cx7V_Y) below shows you how.

## Mobile device settings

#### On Android:

_Step 1:_ Go to **[Settings](https://www.howtogeek.com/295048/how-to-configure-a-proxy-server-on-android/)** and select **WiFi**.  
_Step 2:_ Long tap on the connected network.  
_Step 3:_ Expand **Advanced options** and select the **Proxy** option.  
_Step 4:_ Enter the IP address and port number of your proxy server. This information is obtainable from your proxy server provider. Tap **Save**.

#### On iOS:

_Step 1:_ Open **Settings**, then **WiFi**.  
_Step 2:_ Tap the connected WiFi network and then tap the **Manual** option in the HTTP Proxy section.  
_Step 3:_ Enter the appropriate IP address and port number required. This information is obtainable from your proxy server provider.

The process is described in greater detail in both [Proxy SwitchyOmega](https://www.howtogeek.com/293676/how-to-configure-a-proxy-server-on-an-iphone-or-ipad/#:~:text=Head%20to%20Settings%20%3E%20Wi-Fi,is%20set%20to%20%E2%80%B3%20target=) and [FoxyProxy](https://help.getfoxyproxy.org/index.php/knowledge-base/how-to-use-your-proxy-service-with-chrome-and-without-the-foxyproxy-extension/). When [paired with a good proxy server](https://docs.proxymesh.com/article/124-using-foxyproxy-with-proxymesh), Chrome will vastly simplify your proxy management..

## Maintaining online security

Security and anonymity are essential to protect your sensitive data when working on the Internet. A good solution is to use a [reliable proxy server](https://proxymesh.com/) combined with your Chrome browser. This combination has what is needed to provide you with a worry-free environment in which to complete your work.