Computer Tips and Tricks
Get the latest posts via rss

Thursday 16 June 2011

Use a Proxy Server on Android 2.3

Like many other HTC Users, I am thoroughly enjoying the freedom and flexibility of my Desire HD. With the new Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) update last month, the usability has only made the experience even better.

As with many other Smart phone users, my phone has become an intricate part of my life and I take it everywhere with me. However where I work it is getting increasingly difficult to get a reliable signal. Or more importantly a HSDPA or even a decent 3G signal. Result: I have to opt for Option B; company WiFi.

The problem here is that my company's Internet connection goes through a proxy server and is heavily filtered. I have found dozens of similar complaints all over the Internet, with everyone asking "Can I set proxy settings for WiFi on Android." Every time I find a negative response. In addition the same people complain that no effort has been made by the Android developers to solve this issue.



What they fail to realise is: THEY HAVE!! And you DON'T need ROOT access to do it.

With Gingerbread (Android Version 2.3) there is now a place to add proxy settings on your WiFi. This has enabled me to add an anonymous proxy  to be accessed after my companies proxy server, resulting in unfiltered Internet browsing.

Here's how:

  • First use your menu button and select "Settings."
  • Select "Wireless & networks."
  • Select "Wi-Fi settings."
  • Switch on and Connect to your designated WiFi network.

  • Once connected press the Menu button again and select "Advanced."
Here you have a "Wi-Fi Proxy" option.

Enabling this allows an IP Address of a Proxy Server and Port to be entered.

TIP: The proxy settings in Android 2.3 can also be accessed in the Internet Browser settings.

Proxy servers can be found all over the web. One of the best sites I found was aliveproxy.com. These hold a list of fast proxy servers, along with their up time. I chose one with a 99+% up time and found it to be very fast and reliable.

There you go, you now have unfiltered Internet browsing on your Android phone through your companies/colleges/schools etc WiFi. This also comes with the added advantage of anonymization.

Long Live Android!

Additional - After some experimentation with various proxies, I have found that those using a different port from the corporate firewall you are trying to go through (hmm bypass), it tends to ignore the proxy completely. Best thing is trial and error.

Notes on Proxy Servers:

There are many types of proxy servers and choosing can be a bit confusing. The three types below are the most typical for this type of web access.

Anonymous Proxy (Recommended):

An anonymous proxy server also known as a web proxy, generally attempts to anonymize web surfing by hiding the original IP address of the end user. This type of proxy server are typically difficult to track, and provides reasonable anonymity for most users.

High Anonymity Proxy (Recommended for the more paranoid Android):

This type of proxy server does not identify itself as a proxy server and does not make available the original IP address. High anonymity proxies, only include the REMOTE_ADDR header with the IP address of the proxy server, making it appear that the proxy server is the client.

Transparent Proxy (Can be a quick fix):

A transparent proxy is a server that satisfies the definition of a proxy, but does not enforce any local policies. It means that it does not add, delete or modify attributes or modify information within messages it forwards. These are generally used for their ability to cache websites and do not effectively provide any anonymity to those who use them. However, the use of a transparent proxy will get you around simple IP bans. Further, your web browser does not require special configuration and the cache is transparent to the end-user. This is also known as transparent forward proxy.

Whichever type you choose, make sure it is safe, reliable and reasonably fast.

Want to test your proxy?

There are two simple tests to ensure your proxy configuration is working correctly:
  • The first is to visit an IP Lookup site which will tell you the IP Address and country location of the proxy you are using. Try ip-lookup.net. If you see the IP of the proxy you entered into the settings, you are working. This will also test the connectivity of the proxy. Remember a lot of free proxy servers can be unreliable and die after so many hours/days/weeks. So you may have to change proxies regularly.

  • The second test is to attempt to access a site that is normally blocked. Do this ONLY after the first test as site blocks are usually logged.
Happy Surfing!

50 comments:

Unknown said...

Good post. thanks for sharing computer tips and tricks. these tips are very useful for me. thanks again!! :)

Uk remote server backup

Paras said...

Hi. I added the proxy settings in my phone. After that WiFi worked only in my stock browser. No other app is able to access WiFi. Any clue as to what might be wrong?

Emalf said...

I have not tested this with other browsers as I only use the stock browser. However I have not had any issues with the WiFi on Apps after adding a proxy server.

Remember the proxy settings ARE part of the browser settings, NOT the Apps. If these could use a proxy, they would have settings of their own.

The only issues I have found are with the port number if it is not agreeable with my outbound connection, and if the proxy I am using has died.

I suggest trying other proxies, experiment with different ports and please let me know the results.

Emalf.

Anonymous said...

hi, that proxy and port option is not present on my nexus s. =( how do i proceed?

Bryan

Emalf said...

What version of Android is your Nexus running? My DHD is running 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) and has the option.

Anonymous said...

So, I'm a newbie at this...my message at work says cannot connect to server each time I try to access anything through the browser. So, tech support told me that I needed to add the proxy and port they gave me to get access. You're saying that I don't, but instead, go to a website and get a proxy ip address and a port and then I can surf unlimited and anonymously?
If so, do I add the ip address or the name of the proxy server?

Emalf said...

You add the IP Address, but if your connection isn't already working you should try your local proxy server and port first.

Anonymous said...

Nexus S, gingerbread. I need to be able to connect to our school wifi. Will it work? I need the password but the dude wont give it to me until im sure it will work

Emalf said...

This is NOT a crack to get around secured WiFi connections. This is a proxy bypass once you have an internet connection. Without a connection you can't get on to the internet.

Short answer - You need the Wifi Password.

Anonymous said...

Wow, thanks for pointing this out in an easy to follow manner. Now I can use the browser on my HTC Inspire 4G at work. Unfortunately it only works on the browser, not email or apps that I've tested, but it's better than nothing!

Emalf said...

That is the downside to it.

Thanks for reading, glad it helped.

Anonymous said...

My SE Xperia Arc running 2.3.3 but doesn't have this option. Any suggestion?

Emalf said...

There has always been limitations on Android on the Xperia's. Sadly, as this was one of my first choice of phones, before getting my HTC.

However there may be light at the end of the tunnel, there is an Android 2.3.4 update due this month for the Arc. Fingers crossed it has this feature and does what you need.

More info here: http://www.esato.com/news/article.php/id=2102

Emalf.

Anonymous said...

this is great - do you know about proxy support on the samsung galaxy s2? Am I required to root the phone?

Emalf said...

This is an option built into Android, the phones I have tried it on had NOT been rooted.

I have not tried this on the Galaxy s2. Sorry. Have a look and see if the option is already there.

Emalf.

Jan Sievers said...

thanks a lot. works for me on galaxy s2. root access is not required. finally i can use my phone in university. :)

Emalf said...

Glad it worked for you. Yes, not needing ROOT access is a great help.

Thanks for reading.

Emalf.

Alastor Tenjō No Gōka said...

Hell yea, your article should get more attention on google. Was gonna root my S2 when I saw your post. Thanks for this mate!

Emalf said...

Thank you, you're welcome. Pleased it worked for you.

Anonymous said...

Hi, it may be a stupid question but we have already had a proxy address (i.e. 46.50.111.222) and a port number (i.e 8080) adjusted in the browser in our company. When I want to open a site, the browser at the beginning asks for a user name and password(only for the fist time).
What should I do to use these anonymous proxies? Shortly replacing the proxy address and port number?

Anonymous said...

i have a Nexus S running Android 2.3.6 and i do not have the Proxy Option neither under Wi-Fi advanced setting nor in browser setting...

Sya Aishah Yusuf said...

Hi, i'm using xperia ray android 2.3.3 but it doesn't have proxy and port option... can you help me...

Emalf said...

Hi Everyone

Sadly if the option is not on your phone, then it is not available. This is not to say it will not be included in a future software update.

The only other alternative is to ROOT your device, and use a third party App. This is a task I can NOT advise you on, and you perform at your own risk.

I wish I could be more help. If anyone has any suggestions, please post here.

Jason said...

hi.. first of all thanks for the great input.
I would like to know how to get around in ice cream sandwich.

the interface is quite different from gingerbread and i'm unsure how to go about doing it.
Please advise. thanks

Emalf said...

Hi Jason.

I am yet to receive ICS on my phone, and haven't had the chance to try it out yet. As and when I do, I will update this entry.

Good Luck.

mobile app design said...

Hello

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon!

Emalf said...

Thanks for your comment, glad my blog helped. Keep checking back, more content coming soon. Thanks again for reading.

Anonymous said...

Buddy your blog and post is very nice...I knew this function and had great success on stock browser of My Sam Galaxy SII...But again the wifi doesnot work for any of the apps, like facebook, youtube, or even when updating downloaded games...So bro is there any way to tweek and use WiFi for Apps and youtube, Plz let me know..And also does ICS also has same problem regarding the Wi-Fi..????

Faeyza Collection said...

just try androidproxy available on market it should working with all apps.

Liu said...

Thanks for this post, it clears me a lot of doubts about android and using a proxy with it.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but there you are using an Android application but you still need Android proxy servers, or lists of IP addresses and ports of proxies to use it with them right?

Emalf said...

I was NOT using a third Party App, this is built in to Android's browser. Some other Apps, including the latest Twitter version, also have these options built into them. You DO NOT need Android Specific Servers, any proxy should work. Yes you do need the IP and Port numbers of the proxies, or you will be unable to use them. Try the link in the post.

Hope this helps, thanks for reading.

Anonymous said...

Hi,guess u skipped to answer this question: We have already had a proxy address (i.e. 46.50.111.222) and a port number (i.e 8080) adjusted in the browser in our company.

What should I do to use these anonymous proxies?
As i cannot access those proxy sites as my server blocks them too.

So, Do i have to put those proxy sites proxy IP in my phone or i cannot surf blocked sites with existing manual proxy server i gotta use.

Note: I can surf unblocked sites as of now with proxy server i use for official use but not proxy sites u mentioned as they are blocked.

Regards
Ash

vivekmech said...

my college internet is protected by proxy as well as credentials(which i have my own)i.e. HTTPS connection with authenication with high filteration of many websites specially mediafire and torrents, will the above method will work on my wifi.

opera mobile provides you a inbuilt feature of its own to enter the proxy ,port, user name , password and work easily on any proxied wifi network , but it cant bypass any blocked site unlike ur method. just VISIT http://123freshtricks.blogspot.in/2012/04/proxy-trick-in-official-opera-mobile.html

Anonymous said...

hi everyone. I have samsung galaxy ace and my phone is connected to a wifi server which is in an educational institute and phone is connected to wifi but i am not able to browse any website also i put the ip address in wifi setting but i could not find the proxy setting in browser internet option. please help.

Anonymous said...

hi i tried all of proxy server on my coputer browser and it is not working do you have any idea about that?

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have Samsung Galaxy S1, it has proxy settings. I can use the inbuilt browser using company provided IP address and port number. But facebook, gmail, gtalk applications shows no internet connection.

Can I use proxy settings given from AliveProxy web site to use these applications?

If yes, how to set. Please clarify.

thanks.

jose said...

tengo un sony experia sola 2.3.7 y eh hecho lo que me dics pero solo aparece dinamica, ip, dns esas cosas

Vinaya Natarajan said...

amazing.. worked like a charm for my S2.. :) thank u..

Anonymous said...

hi, that proxy and port option is not present on my phone.I'm using 2.3.7 =( how do i proceed?. Thanks

Unknown said...

Instead of using proxy websites i am using one of the most trusted VPN service provider i.e "Hotspot Shield" mobile internet security VPN. It ensures complete privacy of my online activities and enables me to browse the internet as an anonymous user.

Emalf said...

Daria

Thank you for adding that.
This post is now a couple of years old. VPN certainly seems the way to go now. Tunnel-bear seems to be pretty good too.

Emalf.

Kashif said...

proxy working only on browser but apps not working not connected to internet any solution.... to suggest me

Emalf said...

That is as stated in the Article. The proxy settings are in the browser and are ONLY for the browser.

You could try a VPN App as suggested in the comments above. Check the Google Play store. Tunnel Bear & Hotspot shield seem to be popular.

Thanks for reading.

Emalf

Anonymous said...

I have android 2.3.7, i find no wi-fi proxy on wi-fi settings anywhere. any clues?

Anonymous said...

Fantastic, and such clear instructions. Thank you.

Samsung Customer Care Number said...

Thank you. Your blog was very helpful and efficient For Me,Thanks for Sharing the information.

Denise said...

I was able to edit the proxy and the port and was able to access the wifi at my college but when I got home, I couldn't connect to my wifi. After tinkering with my phone, I found out that since the proxy my school uses is specifically made only for within the campus, I would have to remove the proxy and port settings every time and place it back on when I want to access wifi in school. Is there any other way to use the proxy only for that wifi and not for all?

samsung customer care number said...

NICE BLOG!!! Thanks for your valuable information,

games said...

Thank you

Free Web Proxies

Unknown said...

Good post. thanks for sharing tips and tricks on how to use a Proxy Server on Android 2.3.user. Instead of using proxy websites I am using from Zorba Proxy Network and it's working fine. still I will try to use proxy servers as per way.

Post a Comment