Where is proxy settings on macOS?

1. Go to System Settings - Network2. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)3. Click Details (Wi-Fi) or the info icon4. Open the Proxies tab to view and configure settings

Can I use an Automatic Proxy (PAC) on macOS?

Yes. In the Proxies tab of your Network settings, enable Automatic Proxy Configuration and enter the URL of your PAC file.

What does bypass proxy settings mean?

Not all connections require a proxy; some websites, apps, or devices can connect to the internet without using a proxy server. You do not need to use proxy servers while connecting to these devices on your local network. You do not need to adjust the default bypass settings. Changing or removing these defaults may cause these local connections to fail or slow down as they are routed through the proxy.

Where can I find proxy server information?

Your proxy service provider will provide you with proxy server information, including the hostname, port number, and authentication credentials (such as a password and username).

Data Web Proxies Proxy Settings

MAC Proxy Settings: How to Set Up & Change Proxy Settings

Gulbahar Karatas

updated on Dec 15, 2025

See our ethical norms

Mac proxy settings allow you to control how your Mac connects to the internet through an intermediary server. Whether you’re on a MacBook or an iMac, knowing how to configure a proxy can help improve privacy and troubleshoot network issues.

This article will guide you through the steps of configuring a proxy on macOS devices and disabling proxies when not required.

Editor’s note: If you prefer to automate this process and switch IPs with a single click, we recommend using the dedicated proxy manager app provided by Bright Data.

How to change proxy settings in macOS Sonoma & Ventura

Step 1: Open system settings on macOS

Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.
Choose System Preferences from the dropdown menu.

2. Go to Network Settings:

In System Preferences, select the Network panel icon.

3. Click on advanced preferences:

On the left-hand side, select the connection you want to set the proxy for, such as “Wi-Fi network”.
In the Network window’s lower-right corner, click the Advanced Settings button.

In the advanced window, click proxies.

Step 4. Go to the proxies tab

macOS supports several proxy protocols, including:

Web Proxy (HTTP): Standard web traffic, input the server address and port number. Enter user name and password.
Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS): The same details needed to set up an HTTP proxy also apply to secure online traffic.
FTP Proxy: File transfer protocol traffic.
SOCKS Proxy: SOCKS-based traffic (e.g., SOCKS4 or SOCKS5)
Automatic proxy configuration: Input the script or URL for proxy configuration.
Auto proxy discovery: Configure proxy settings automatically.

Step 5: Enter proxy server and port information

Select Web Proxy (HTTP) and set up your proxy manually.
Enter the host name that your proxy provider has provided for the web proxy server.
Turn on “Proxy server requires password” and input the other proxy details.

For example; “ab.proxy.io:57454”. The port number is 57454, and the proxy name is ab.proxy.io:57454.

How to disable proxy on macOS?

To disable the proxy:

Navigate return to the “Proxies page” and uncheck the configured proxy settings.
Click OK, then apply.

How can I know if a proxy is active on my Mac?

Navigate to Network > Advanced > Proxies under System Preferences. You are not using a proxy server if the “Select a protocol to configure” box is left empty.
Alternatively, check your IP address on a website like WhatIsMyIP to see if traffic is being sent over a proxy.

Troubleshooting common macOS proxy issues

Proxy server not responding on Mac

Verify that the proxy server is online.
Confirm that the server address and port are correctly entered in System Settings → Network → Proxies.

Incorrect server or port settings

Make sure the proxy server address matches exactly what was provided (no typos or extra spaces).
The port number must match the proxy type.
If unsure, remove the settings and re-enter them from scratch.