Ever tried setting up a proxy server only to realize you don't know what proxy address your device is using? Whether you're troubleshooting network issues, setting up custom proxies, or simply checking if you're behind one, knowing how to find your proxy server address is the essential first step. Many users encounter this issue when configuring scrapers, managing account operations, or simply trying to access restricted content.
This guide walks you through how to locate the proxy address on Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, and iOS, along with tips for handling automatic configurations and PAC files. If you're looking for a high-quality, stable proxy solution beyond system defaults, IPcook's dynamic residential proxies offer clean, reliable IPs with full visibility and control.
A proxy server address is typically a combination of an IP address and a port number (e.g., 192.168.1.100:8080) that routes your internet traffic through an intermediary server. This address tells your device where to send web requests, and where the responses will come from. Without it, your system won't know how to connect through a proxy properly.
Knowing how to find your proxy server address is crucial in many real-world scenarios: setting up web scraping tools, bypassing geo-blocks, managing multiple online accounts, or simply testing network privacy. Whether you're manually configuring a SOCKS5 proxy or troubleshooting connection errors, identifying the correct proxy address is always step one.
So, where do you find it? Let's break it down by platform.
If you're using Windows 10 or 11, there are several ways to locate your proxy server address. Whether you're troubleshooting a network issue or preparing to scrape data, here's how to find it:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
💡 Note: If you see "Use setup script" enabled, your system is using an automatic configuration (PAC) file. You can view the script URL, but the actual proxy server might not be visible directly.
This view is especially helpful if you're running legacy apps that rely on system-wide proxy settings.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
netsh winhttp show proxyThis will show any WinHTTP proxy configurations, often used by enterprise apps or scrapers running without a browser context.
Whether you're setting up browser traffic or headless data requests, identifying the correct proxy address is essential. If your system shows "Direct access" or blank fields, no proxy is currently active.
Whether you're using a MacBook or an iMac, macOS provides a clear path to check your current proxy configuration. Here's how:
Click Details (or Advanced on older macOS) in the lower-right corner.
You'll see a list of available proxy types:
If any of these boxes are checked, it means a proxy is being used. The corresponding fields will show the proxy server IP address and port number.
💡 Note: If "Automatic Proxy Configuration" is enabled, your Mac uses a PAC file. You'll see a URL pointing to the config file, but not necessarily the exact IP address.
If you're trying to troubleshoot a connection issue or configure a new proxy tool, knowing how to locate your current proxy server address on mobile devices is crucial. Here's how to do it on both Android and iPhone.
Most Android phones allow you to view proxy settings for each Wi-Fi network individually. Here's how:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections).
Look for the Proxy option.
💡 Note: These settings apply only to the selected Wi-Fi network. If you switch networks, you'll need to check again.
To check your proxy settings on an iPhone or iPad:
Tap the (i) icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
If set to Manual, the proxy server's IP address and port will be shown.
📌 System Variations and Search Tips: Different Android manufacturers and iOS versions may slightly rename or relocate these settings. If you can't find them immediately, use the Search bar in Settings and type "proxy".
In some cases, you might follow all the steps correctly, but still can't locate the actual proxy server IP address. Here are the most common reasons — and what to do about them.
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.
.js script.return "PROXY 192.168.1.100:8080";On corporate, school, or public Wi-Fi networks, proxy settings are often controlled at the router or domain level. In these cases:
When standard system settings don't show the IP address, understanding the underlying configuration method is key. Whether it's a PAC script or a managed network, there's always a way to locate (or retrieve) the proxy server info, it just takes knowing where to look.
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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.
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