How to Find Proxy Server Address on Any Device [Full Guide]

You may already have a proxy set up on your device but have no idea where to find the proxy server address. It is not always easy to locate because the address may be hidden in your system settings, browser configuration, or provided separately by your proxy provider.

In this guide, you'll learn how to find your proxy server address on Windows, macOS, mobile devices, and popular browsers. We'll cover how to identify the right address and port, why your proxy address may not appear, and how to check that your proxy settings are configured correctly.

What Is a Proxy Server Address

A proxy server address is the endpoint used to connect your device or application to a proxy server. It tells your system where to send requests when routing traffic through a proxy connection. A proxy address usually appears in formats like 192.168.1.100:8080 or proxy.example.com:8080. Without the correct address, your system cannot establish a proxy connection properly.

When configuring a proxy, you may see several related fields, including the proxy address, IP address, and port.

• Proxy address: Identifies the proxy server you want to connect to. It can appear as either an IP address or a hostname.

• Port: Specifies the connection point used by the proxy service. Common proxy ports include 8080, 3128, and 1080.

• IP address: Refers to the numerical address of a device or server. Your personal IP address is different from the proxy server address used for configuration.

In most cases, proxy configuration requires the proxy host/address and port provided by your proxy provider, not your personal IP address.

So, where do you find it? Let's break it down by platform.

How to Find Proxy Server Address on Windows

If you're using Windows 10 or 11, there are several ways to locate your proxy server address. System Settings offers the quickest option for most users, while Control Panel works well for those who prefer the traditional Windows interface. For advanced users, CMD provides a command-line way to retrieve proxy information directly. Let's look at each method.

Method 1. Check via System Settings

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.

2. Scroll down to the Manual Proxy Setup section.

3. If a proxy is enabled, you'll see the IP address and port number listed there.

Method 2. Use Control Panel

This method is useful if you prefer the traditional Windows network settings interface or need to check system-wide proxy settings.

1. Open "Control Panel".

2. Navigate to Internet Options > Connections > LAN settings.

3. If "Use a proxy server for your LAN" is checked, you'll see the address and port.

Method 3. Run a Command in CMD

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type: netsh winhttp show proxy

3. Press Enter.

This command displays the current WinHTTP proxy configuration, which is commonly used by applications that rely on system-level network settings rather than browser proxy settings. If the result shows "Direct access" or no proxy information, no WinHTTP proxy is currently configured on your system.

How to Find Proxy Server Address on macOS

On macOS, there are two ways to find your proxy server address. Checking System Settings is suitable for most users who want a visual way to view proxy details, while Terminal is better for advanced users who prefer using command-line tools to check network settings.

Method 1. Check in System Settings

Whether you're using macOS on a MacBook or desktop device, you can check your current proxy configuration through Network settings. Here's how:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).

2. Go to Network and select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

3. Click Details (or Advanced on older macOS) in the lower-right corner.

3. Open the Proxies tab. You'll see a list of available proxy types:

• Web Proxy (HTTP)

• Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)

• SOCKS Proxy

If any proxy option is enabled, the corresponding fields will display the proxy server address and port number.

Method 2. Check via Terminal

Before running the commands, make sure to use the exact network service name configured on your Mac.

1. Open Terminal.

2. Check your available network service names:

networksetup -listallnetworkservices

3. Use the service name from the list to check proxy settings:

networksetup -getwebproxy "Wi-Fi"
networksetup -getsecurewebproxy "Wi-Fi"

4. To check for an automatic proxy configuration (PAC) file:

networksetup -getautoproxyurl "Wi-Fi"

The results will display the proxy server, port, or PAC configuration URL if one is configured.

How to Find Proxy Server Address on Mobile Devices

Whether you are troubleshooting a connection issue or checking your network configuration, you can locate your proxy server address on both Android and iOS devices. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer or iOS version, as some settings may be renamed or moved. If the proxy option is not easy to locate, use the search bar in Settings and search for "proxy".

Method 1. On Android Devices

Android devices usually allow you to view proxy settings for each Wi-Fi network separately. Keep in mind that these settings apply only to the selected network, so you may need to check them again when switching to a different Wi-Fi connection.

Here's how:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections).

2. Tap Wi-Fi and select your active Wi-Fi network.

3. Tap Advanced or Modify network.

4. Find the Proxy option.

• If it is set to "Manual", you will see the Proxy hostname and Proxy port fields.

• If it is set to "None" or "Auto", no manual proxy address is entered, or an automatic proxy configuration may be in use.

Method 2. On iOS Devices

To check your proxy settings on an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the (i) icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.

3. Scroll down to the HTTP Proxy section：

• If set to "Manual", the proxy server's IP address and port will be shown.

• If set to "Auto", your device uses a PAC file (Proxy Auto-Configuration), and the PAC file URL will be shown instead.

How to Find Proxy Server Address in Browsers

Most browsers allow you to access proxy settings through their network or connection settings. Follow the steps below to find your proxy server address in different browsers.

Chrome and Edge

Chrome and Edge do not usually store a separate proxy configuration. Instead, they rely on your operating system's proxy settings. To find your proxy server address:

1. Open Chrome or Edge settings.

2. Search for "proxy" in the settings search bar and open your computer's proxy settings from the results. For example, in Chrome:

Firefox

Unlike Chrome and Edge, Firefox allows you to manage proxy settings directly within the browser. To find your proxy server address:

Step 1. Open Firefox Settings.

Step 2. Search for "Network Settings" or scroll to Network Settings, then click Advanced Settings.

Step 3. Select Configure Proxy.

Step 4. Under Manual proxy configuration, you can find the configured proxy host and port.

• If "Automatic proxy configuration URL" is selected, Firefox uses a PAC file, and the proxy server address may not be shown directly.

• If "Use system proxy settings" is selected, Firefox uses the proxy configuration from your operating system.

Can't See the Proxy Address? Common Scenarios Explained

In some cases, you may complete the steps correctly but still be unable to find the actual proxy server address. The following are the most common reasons and how to resolve them.

Automatic Configuration with PAC Files

If your device shows only a PAC (Proxy Auto-Configuration) file URL instead of an IP and port, this means the proxy settings are managed dynamically.

• PAC files contain scripts that define how web browsers or devices should choose a proxy.

• You won't see a direct proxy IP address in settings, but you can:

  • Open the PAC file URL (if accessible) to inspect the script.

  • Look for proxy rules containing a hostname or IP address with the port number.

Proxy Managed by Network Administrator

On corporate, school, or managed public networks, proxy settings are often controlled by network administrators through centralized policies. In these cases:

• The system may hide proxy details or restrict changes to the configuration.

• Proxy settings might not be visible even under advanced network settings.

• Your best bet is to contact the network administrator to request details, if permitted.

When standard settings do not show the proxy address, check how the proxy is configured. For example, a PAC file may contain proxy information, while managed networks may require administrator access to view the settings.

How to Verify Your Proxy Server Address Works

Finding your proxy server address is only the first step. You also need to verify that the address and port are valid and that your traffic is being routed through the proxy correctly.

A simple way to check is to send a request through the proxy and compare the returned IP address with your own. If the result shows the proxy's exit IP instead of your original IP address, the proxy connection is working as expected.

For example, you can use a proxy testing tool or run a request through the proxy:

curl -x "http://user:[email protected]:8080" "https://httpbin.org/ip"

If the request fails, check the proxy address and port first. Then verify your authentication details and proxy protocol.

Need an Easier Way to Manage Proxy Addresses?

If you do not have a proxy configured yet or need a replacement for an unstable proxy, getting proxy addresses from a provider like IPcook can be a more convenient option. Instead of setting up and managing proxy connections manually, you can access ready-to-use proxy addresses and the connection details you need.

IPcook provides ready-to-use proxy addresses with complete connection details, including host, port, and authentication information. You can find these details directly in the dashboard and use them to configure browsers, automation tools, and other applications. IPcook also provides a step-by-step proxy setup guide to make the configuration process easier, even if you are new to proxy settings. The dashboard also helps you monitor proxy usage, track connection status, and export reports when needed.

For automation workflows, you can use a one-line API integration and connect with popular tools like Scrapy and Puppeteer to quickly assign proxies. If you need multiple IPs but do not want to manage multiple proxy addresses manually, rotating Residential Proxies can automatically rotate IPs based on your requirements.

You can choose flexible pricing options based on your needs, with Residential Proxies starting from $0.3/GB and supporting both subscription and pay-as-you-go plans. IPcook also offers ISP Proxies and Datacenter Proxies for various connection requirements, along with team management features and customer support for large-scale use.

Conclusion

Knowing how to find your proxy server address is the essential first step before setting up or troubleshooting any proxy connection. Whether your goal is privacy protection, data scraping, or bypassing geo-restrictions, understanding your current proxy setup helps ensure you choose the right solution for your needs.

If you need a new proxy solution or a simpler way to manage your connections, IPcook offers flexible options for different scenarios. You can easily access ready-to-use proxy details and manage connections through a user-friendly dashboard.