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How to Connect and Use a Proxy Server for Privacy and Anonymity

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. Using a proxy server can help protect your privacy and anonymity online by hiding your IP address and encrypting your traffic. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to set up and use a proxy server for improved privacy and security.

Why Use a Proxy Server?

There are several key reasons you may want to use a proxy server:

  • Hide your IP address – Your IP address can be used to identify your location and ISP. Using a proxy hides this, making it harder to track your online activity.
  • Bypass geographic restrictions – Proxies located in different countries can help you access region-restricted content.
  • Enhanced security – Proxy servers add a layer of encryption, protecting you from attacks and surveillance.
  • Faster speeds – Proxies may provide faster internet speeds by caching frequently accessed content.
  • Access blocked websites – Get around firewalls that restrict access to certain sites and services.

Choosing the Best Proxy Server

With so many proxy options available, how do you select the right one? Here are key factors to consider:

  • Anonymity level – Transparent, anonymous, elite, and encrypted proxies offer different levels of IP address hiding. Elite and encrypted tend to be the most private.
  • Data encryption – End-to-end encryption ensures no one, not even your proxy host, can access your traffic.
  • Jurisdiction – Avoid proxies hosted in countries known for surveillance (like the U.S.) for better privacy.
  • Bandwidth limits – Entry-level proxies often have strict monthly data caps. Paying more can get you unlimited bandwidth.
  • Connection speed – The proxy’s server infrastructure impacts speeds. Faster servers enable HD streaming and downloads.
  • Number of server locations – More server locations, especially across different countries, enhances accessibility and redundancy.

Some top-rated proxy services that excel across these criteria include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost.

How to Set Up a Proxy Connection

Once you select a proxy service, setting up a connection takes just a few quick steps:

1. Create a Proxy Account

  • Visit your chosen proxy provider’s website and sign up for an account. Many offer free trials so you can test the service.
  • Enter your email address and create a secure password. Payment details are required if signing up for a paid plan.

2. Download & Install Proxy Software

  • Download and install the proxy provider’s custom software on each device you want to route through the proxy. This is available for all major platforms.
  • The software automatically configures your device’s proxy settings to connect via their servers by default.

3. Log In to Your Proxy Account

  • Launch the proxy app and log in using your provider account credentials. This immediately activates the encrypted proxy connection.
  • Look for the proxy status icon in your system tray or menu bar to confirm you are proxied.

4. Change Your Virtual Location (Optional)

  • Within the proxy app, choose a server location from the available list of countries and cities to change your virtual IP address.

And that’s it! Your traffic is now routing through the proxy for enhanced privacy and security.

How to Use a Proxy for Daily Browsing

Once your proxy connection is set up, no special usage steps are required. Just go about your web browsing as normal. Here are some usage tips:

  • The proxy software routes your traffic automatically in the background. You’ll be proxied by default for all internet activity.
  • Websites and services will display content based on your set virtual location, not your real one.
  • Using HTTPS websites in combination with an encrypted proxy provides the highest level of browsing privacy.
  • Streaming sites like Netflix may detect your proxy and block access if using an IP address from an unsupported region.
  • Similarly, some websites actively block traffic from known proxy servers. In these cases, try changing your virtual location.
  • Temporarily toggling your proxy off easily reverts back to your normal non-proxied connection.

Removing Proxy Settings When Disconnecting

If you decide to disconnect from your proxy service, manually removing the associated settings prevents any conflicts with your default network connection’s internet access.

Follow these steps to remove proxy settings:

Windows

  • Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy
  • Turn off the toggle for “Use setup script” under Manual proxy setup

MacOS

  • Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies
  • Select No Proxy

iOS

  • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > (your connected network) > HTTP PROXY to OFF

Android

  • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > (your connected network) > Advanced > Proxy > None

Linux

  • Edit /etc/environment and remove all lines containing proxy server details

This will ensure your devices revert to using your normal IP address and DNS servers.

Conclusion

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