Beginner’s Guide to Finding Proxy Server Address

When a website URL is typed into a browser, it usually connects to the site instantly. However, users may encounter various errors such as, “ERRPROXYCONNECTION_FAILED”, “Unable to connect to the proxy server”, or “The proxy server isn’t responding”. Outdated configurations, unavailable servers, or even device-specific settings may lead to these errors. To enable users to access the internet, the intermediary IP address must be obtained and verified first, after which it needs to be configured to provide seamless functionality.

With this guide, we hope to assist users facing any errors involving operation with intermediary servers. You will learn about their functionalities and where to find proxy server addresses on both mobile and desktop devices through easy to follow steps.

What Is a Proxy Server Address

A proxy represents an intermediate node in the data exchange network which works on behalf of a terminal device along with the Internet. In the middle of them is an intermediary node and it forwards requests or responses between client and server, while taking steps to anonymize:

• the original IP address of the client;
• client geo-location;
• information related to ISP and other technical identifiers used to recognize the user.

It is generally composed of an IP address and a corresponding port number. With some private services, one may need to provide a username and password to gain access. A point worth noting is that IP addresses are not always static — they are capable of rotating based on user-defined parameters or automated schedules. The port acts as a conduit through which information is exchanged.

Visually, an IP address is illustrated as a string of numbers divided by periods into four segments for IPv4, and six segments for IPv6. Each format has its unique use cases that you can learn about here. While a user is connected to an intermediary node, the proxy reveals the user’s numeric address instead of bearing their actual IP.

Where Is the Proxy Server Address Stored

As a baseline, most software and operating systems do not come pre-configured with an intermediary enabled. They will contain such information under these conditions:

• The user input the information manually.
• In certain network environments like enclosed or corporate networks, proxies are mandatory.
• Centralized IT systems push down such settings (e.g., through Group Policy).
• The device suffered from a malware infection that hijacked traffic.
• Background processes silently set specific parameters.

Both the user's “client-side” configurations as well as his “network-side” settings can be changed in a manner as to reset connectivity. In order to resolve this issue, it is vital to understand where these details are kept.

System level:

• Network configurations on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS;
• Windows registries.

Application level:

• Web browsers: some like Mozilla Firefox have standalone settings;
• Messaging applications: mostly found under “Network and Internet” or “Data and Storage” sections. Examples are Telegram and WhatsApp;
• Other applications: details can be found in .ini and .conf files that reveal configuration parameters.

In addition, routers can be set at proxy level. This is typical for business networks that have all internal traffic passing through a single server.

How to Find Proxy Server Address on Windows 11

All related details can be found on Windows 11 using system features, command prompt and registry editor.

Windows Internal Configurations

The operating system contains a “Settings” application which manages system setup and network configurations. Go to “Settings”, then “Network & Internet”, followed by “Proxy” to check for any configured nodes. Their corresponding IP address and hostname, if any, will be displayed in the relevant fields. This approach is also applicable for: how to find proxy server address for WiFi.

CMD

Relevant details can also be accessed through the Command Prompt, from the settings interface. Start the console as an Administrator and execute: netsh winhttp show proxy.

Windows Registry

To use the Windows 11 Registry, press “Win+R” and type regedit to launch it directly.

In the Registry Editor, navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ProxyServer.

Search for the “ProxyServer” value to access the corresponding IP and host.

How to Find Proxy Server Address of MacOS?

To check a node in macOS: Navigate to “System Preferences” and “Network”. In the newly opened window, choose the tab displayed on the screenshot. If settings were established earlier, the relevant IP and port information would be displayed on the right side.

As an alternative, you can execute this command in the Terminal: scutil --proxy.

How to Find Proxy Server Address on a Phone

The use of proxies is not restricted to computers; they are equally used on mobile phones and other handheld devices. They assist in hiding IPs, bypassing geo-restrictions, and even helping in the economizing of data. People connecting through phones to public networks frequently ask "how do I find my proxy server address on my phone". Essentially, they provide anonymity by safeguarding personal information while transmitting data.

Let us explore how such details can be retrieved across different mobile platforms.

Android

For Android devices, intermediary nodes are set for each individual Wi-Fi connection. To view them, go to Wi-Fi Settings and Advanced Options.

If such a node was set before, the associated IP and port will be visible.

Note: Android only shows preferences for the actively connected Wi-Fi network. App-specific nodes set will not be displayed in Wi-Fi settings because they are not system-wide.

How to Find a Proxy Server Address on an iPhone?

Navigate to “Settings”, then “Wi-Fi”. Now click the “i” icon next to the connected network. Scroll down to the HTTP section. If the “Manual” option is checked, the relevant IP address and port will be given.

In both Android and iOS systems, such configurations are displayed only for the currently connected Wi-Fi network. If automatic configuration (PAC file) is used, specific details may remain concealed.

How to Find Proxy Server Address in Browser Settings?

Not all browsers support manual configuration. Well-known browsers such as Opera, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge use system-wide configuration. Mozilla Firefox allows for independent configuration. Here’s how you can check it within FireFox:

1. Navigate to “Settings”. Find the “Network Settings” section. Click on “Settings”.

   

2. If manual configuration was previously selected, the relevant host and port will be shown in this section.

   

What to Do When the Proxy is Active but Not Visible

Most software applications and operating systems don’t work with intermediary nodes out of the box. Their configurations will contain such information only if:

• Applied via Group Policy (in Windows);
• Delivered through a PAC file (proxy auto-config script);
• Injected by third-party apps (such as VPN clients);
• Activated with environment variables or startup scripts.

In such cases, try the following steps:

1. Group policy editor. Navigate to “Internet Explorer” or “Network Settings” to check if a node is set at the policy level.
2. Check environment variables. For Windows 10 or later, check the system preferences or search for the environment variables. For Unix based systems, type: echo $http_proxy.
3. Review the application logs. Most applications log connection attempts. Review the application logs to see how it connects to the internet.
4. Examine config files. If you think an application uses a fake IP, open the configuration files with the extensions .ini or .conf and look for the entries such as proxy, http_proxy, or socks_proxy protocols.
5. Employ traffic analyzers. Programs such as Wireshark can help determine if a connection is made through a node and to what IP address.

Through these methods, it is particularly easy to locate the details of a server that you are trying to work on.

How to Get a Proxy Server Address If You Don’t Have One

There are multiple methods of obtaining an intermediary node if your device states that there is none available, but you require one for certain functions. Here are two ways to obtain it:

1. Buy from a trusted provider. Leverage the solutions with a good reputation. These typically have static and dynamic IPs, offer different protocols (HTTP , SOCKS5 etc.) and allow selection based on countries or regions.
2. Find free options. There are public lists available for anyone to access. Although this method is convenient and free, keep in mind the various issues such as poor connectivity, overload, and lack of security. Never use free solutions to transmit sensitive or personal data. If you want you can check this material for more information.

After configuration, ensure that it is functioning properly by testing with special checkers. Tools such as “What Is My IP” can assist in checking whether the node is functioning and if the connection is routed through it.

Conclusion

Depending on the device, you are able to find proxy server address in the system or network configurations. These can be tended to in Windows preferences, the smartphone’s Wi-Fi menus, browser internal settings, or application configurations. Knowing how to retrieve this information is critical for resolving connection problems, manually setting up a network, integrating with corporate servers, or to bypass restrictions while improving anonymity.