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How to connect to a proxy on macOS?

Updated

This guide explains how to configure a Proxy-Cheap proxy using the built-in network settings in macOS.

Before starting, open your proxy in the Proxy-Cheap dashboard and have the following details ready:

  • Proxy server address
  • Port
  • Supported protocol
  • Username and password, if required

Important: Protocol and authentication availability depends on the proxy you purchased. Use the protocol and authentication method displayed in your Proxy-Cheap dashboard.

Open the proxy settings

  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
  2. Select Network, then choose the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection you are currently using.
  3. Click Details.

4. Select Proxies from the sidebar.

Select the proxy protocol

Turn on the setting that matches the protocol shown in your Proxy-Cheap dashboard:

  • For HTTP, turn on Web Proxy (HTTP).
  • For HTTPS, turn on Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS).
  • For SOCKS5, turn on SOCKS Proxy.

macOS displays the SOCKS5 option as SOCKS Proxy.

Only enable protocols supported by your proxy. If you are unsure which option to select, check the proxy details in your dashboard or contact our Support team.

Enter the proxy details

  1. Enter the proxy server address in the Server field.
  2. Enter the proxy port in the Port field.

Do not enter the server and port together. macOS provides a separate field for each value.

Username and password authentication

If your proxy uses username and password authentication:

  1. Turn on Proxy server requires password.
  2. Enter the username and password shown in your Proxy-Cheap dashboard.

IP whitelist authentication

If your proxy uses IP whitelist authentication:

  1. Leave Proxy server requires password turned off.
  2. Make sure your current public IP address has been added to the IP whitelist in your Proxy-Cheap dashboard.

IP whitelist authentication is only available for supported proxy types. It is not available for Rotating Residential proxies.

  1. Click OK to save the settings.

Test the connection

Open your browser and confirm that your public IP address has changed to the proxy IP and shows the expected location.

If the proxy does not connect:

  • Check that the server address and port were entered in the correct fields.
  • Confirm that you selected the protocol shown in your dashboard.
  • Check your username and password for extra spaces or typing errors.
  • If you use IP whitelist authentication, confirm that your current public IP address is on the whitelist.

Some applications do not use the macOS system proxy settings and may require a separate proxy configuration.

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