What Is a Proxy Server and How to Set It Up — Octo Browser

What Is a Proxy?

When you connect to a website directly, your device sends a data packet containing your real IP address, just like a letter with a return address. Anti-fraud systems analyze that address: its history, reputation, type (residential or datacenter).

A proxy server fits in the middle of this process. It takes your request, “repackages” it, replacing your IP and other network signatures with its own, and forwards the request on your behalf. The site sees only the proxy server’s address, and the response follows back the same route.

Critically, a high-quality proxy not only changes the IP address, it also presents data that builds trust: real provider IPs, correct headers, and timestamps matching the chosen geo-location.

Proxy Server Types

The correct choice of a proxy server is the foundation of your success. Let’s look at the key proxy types. Proxies can differ:

By protocol:

• HTTP/HTTPS proxy servers: These operate at the application level and are designed specifically for browsing web pages. They “understand” only HTTP and HTTPS traffic. This is the most common proxy type, suitable for most tasks, e.g., website scraping or working with ad accounts.
  
  

• SOCKS5 proxy servers: A more versatile and anonymous protocol. It operates at a lower network level and can transmit any type of traffic without analyzing it. This can be traffic from games, messengers, torrent clients, or any other software. SOCKS5 is considered a more secure proxy server type because it does not transmit any information about itself in the headers.

By IP origin:

• Datacenter proxies: IP addresses from datacenters.
  Pros: High speed (up to 1 Gbps), low price.
  Cons: Zero trust from major platforms (Google, Meta). Their subnets have long been known and are marked as high-risk.
  Bottom line: Suitable only for the simplest tasks that do not involve dealing with anti-fraud protection measures.
  
  

• Residential proxies: IP addresses of home Internet users.
  Pros: High trust. You appear to websites as an ordinary person from the desired geo.
  Cons: Higher cost, speed can fluctuate.
  Bottom line: A must-have for affiliate marketing, SMM, and working with marketplaces.
  
  

• Mobile proxies: IP addresses from mobile network operators.
  Pros: Highest level of trust. Thousands of users may use the same mobile IP address, so blocking it is extremely risky for any service.
  Cons: Most expensive.
  Bottom line: The ultimate solution for working with the most “sensitive” traffic sources and for long-term account farming.

Never use free, public proxy servers for work. They are overloaded, listed in every blacklist, and most importantly unsafe. The owner of such a proxy server can intercept your data, including logins and passwords.

Quick proxy purchase: an overview of Octo Browser’s built-in Proxy Shop

Constantly searching for and testing proxy servers from different providers, managing subscriptions, and adding proxies manually to the browser can take a lot of time. Octo Browser solved this problem by integrating its own Proxy Shop directly into the browser interface.

Key advantages of Octo Browser’s Proxy Shop:

1. Time-saving: Purchasing and setting up a proxy takes just a few clicks. There’s no need to go to third-party sites, register there, navigate different dashboards, or copy any data.

2. Guaranteed quality and compatibility: Octo Browser offers access only to high-quality residential proxy servers from trusted providers. This minimizes the risk of encountering “burned” IP addresses from blacklists. The proxies are 100% compatible with the browser and ready to use.

3. Seamless integration: After purchasing, a proxy can be instantly added to any of your profiles directly from the dropdown list. No need to copy and paste anything.

4. Convenient management: All information about your proxy servers, including traffic usage, is available in the Proxies section. You can top up your balance and renew subscriptions there as well.

How it works: You can easily see the Buy Proxies button in Octo Browser. By clicking it, you get access to a section where you can choose your desired residential proxy provider and purchase proxy traffic. This functionality turns the routine task of managing consumables into a fast and convenient process.

How to Use Proxies

To get started, you will need the proxy server details: IP address (host), port, username, and password.

Windows

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings window.

2. In the left-hand menu, select Network & Internet.

3. Go to the Proxy section.

4. Under Manual proxy setup, enable Use a proxy server.

5. Enter the proxy server’s IP address and port.

6. Click Save. Upon the first connection, your browser will prompt you to enter the username and password.

Mac

1. Open System Settings (via the Apple icon or from the Dock).

2. In the sidebar, select Network.

3. Choose the active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click the Details button.

4. In the new window, click Proxies in the sidebar.

5. Select the protocol (Web Proxy (HTTP) / Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) / SOCKS Proxy).

6. Enter the IP address and port of the proxy server. If the proxy requires authentication, check the box and enter the username and password.

7. Click OK and Apply.

Android 

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the arrow or gear icon next to your Wi-Fi network.

3. Scroll down the network properties and in the Proxy menu select Manual.

4. Enter the proxy server’s IP address and port.

5. Tap Save or the checkmark.

Google Chrome

Chrome does not have a built-in proxy setup; it uses the system proxy settings.

1. Open Settings → search for proxy → click Open your computer’s proxy settings.

2. Configuration continues through the Windows/Mac interface (see above).

Firefox

Firefox allows proxies configured independently of the system settings.

1. Open Settings (three bars in the upper right corner).

2. Scroll down to the Network Settings section and click Settings... next to it.

3. Activate Manual proxy configuration.

4. Enter the proxy server’s IP address and port. Check the box Also use this proxy for HTTPS. If you are using SOCKS5, use the appropriate field below.

5. Click OK. Username and password will be requested at the first network access.

Octo Browser

Setting up a proxy is a key step when creating a profile.

1. Click Create Profile.

2. Click the Proxy line and select Set a new proxy.

3. From the dropdown menu, choose the type of proxy server.

4. Paste the proxy data in the format host:port:username:password into the IP or domain input field (the browser will parse them automatically), or fill in the fields separately.

5. Click the Check Proxy button. The system will display the real IP address and geo. Make sure the data matches your expectations.

6. If you purchased the proxy in the built-in Proxy Shop, simply select it from the list.

7. Save the profile.

Conclusion

Choosing a proxy is just as important as choosing a high-quality anti-detect browser. A reliable proxy provider is not the one with the lowest price, but the one that offers:

• Clean IPs: Addresses not flagged for spam activity and not featured in blacklists.

• Stability: High proxy server uptime and predictable speeds.

• Large proxy pools and precise targeting: The ability to choose any country, region, city, or even a specific ISP.

• Convenient management: A user-friendly dashboard, API for automation, and high-quality technical support.

Don’t try to save on critically important expendables. Investing in high-quality proxies and reliable software always pays off with stable performance, preserved accounts, and ultimately, your income.