If you’ve been using a proxy server for browsing or managing your internet traffic, there may come a time when you need to disconnect from a proxy server or disable it temporarily or permanently.
Whether it’s for troubleshooting, improving connection speed, or simply turning it off for privacy reasons, the process of disabling a proxy server is relatively straightforward.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn off a proxy, disable proxy settings, and disconnect from a proxy server on various devices and platforms. Let’s dive into how you can do it.
Why Would You Want to Disable a Proxy Server?
Before we jump into how to disable proxy settings, it’s worth understanding why you might want to turn off a proxy:
- Privacy Concerns: Sometimes, you may want to stop using a proxy if you feel it’s interfering with your online privacy or if you suspect your proxy server is not secure.
- Troubleshooting: Proxies can sometimes cause issues with websites or services, like slow loading times, connection errors, or access restrictions. Disabling a proxy can help diagnose these problems.
- Speed and Performance: Proxies can slow down your connection because they act as an intermediary between your device and the websites you’re trying to visit. Disabling the proxy can speed up your browsing.
- Access Issues: If you no longer need to mask your IP address or bypass geographic restrictions, you might want to disable your proxy.
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How to Disable Proxy Server on Windows
For Windows users, here’s how to disconnect from a proxy server:
Option 1: Disable Proxy Using Settings (Windows 10/11)
- Open Settings: Press the Windows key and select Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, select Network & Internet.
- Open Proxy Settings: Click on the Proxy tab located on the left sidebar.
- Turn Off Proxy: Under the Manual Proxy Setup, switch off the toggle next to Use a proxy server. If you’re using an automatic proxy setup, you can turn off Automatically detect settings as well.
That’s it! Your proxy server will be disabled, and your internet connection will no longer route through a proxy.
Option 2: Disable Proxy Using Control Panel (Windows 7/8)
- Open Control Panel: Press the Windows key, search for Control Panel, and open it.
- Go to Internet Options: Click on Internet Options.
- Open Connections Tab: In the Internet Options window, click on the Connections tab.
- Click on LAN Settings: In the Connections tab, click on LAN settings.
- Disable Proxy: Uncheck the box next to Use a proxy server for your LAN.
- Save: Click OK to save your changes.
How to Disable Proxy on macOS
For macOS users, here’s how to disconnect from a proxy server:
- Open System Preferences: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.
- Go to Network Settings: In System Preferences, select Network.
- Select Your Network: In the left panel, choose the network you’re currently connected to (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Click Advanced: Click the Advanced button in the lower-right corner of the window.
- Disable Proxy: In the new window, click on the Proxies tab. Uncheck any box that is selected (for example, Web Proxy (HTTP) or Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)).
- Apply Changes: Click OK, then click Apply to confirm the changes.
Your proxy server will now be disabled on macOS.
How to Disable Proxy on Google Chrome
If you’re using Google Chrome, it doesn’t have its own proxy settings. Chrome uses the system’s proxy settings, so disabling a proxy on your computer will automatically disable it in Chrome.
For Google Chrome users, follow the same instructions as above for Windows or macOS to disable the system-wide proxy.
However, if you’re using a Chrome extension to manage proxies, you can easily disable the proxy by:
- Clicking on the extension icon in the top-right corner.
- Disabling or turning off the proxy service from the extension’s menu.
How to Disable Proxy on Firefox
Firefox also uses the system’s proxy settings, but you can manually disable it within the browser:
- Open Firefox: Launch the Firefox browser.
- Go to Preferences/Options: Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll Down to Network Settings: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Settings under Network Settings.
- Disable Proxy: In the Connection Settings window, select No proxy to completely disable the proxy.
- Save Changes: Click OK to save your settings.
How to Disable Proxy on Mobile Devices
For iPhone/iPad (iOS):
- Open Settings: Tap Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Wi-Fi: Select Wi-Fi and tap the i icon next to your connected network.
- Disable Proxy: Scroll down to HTTP Proxy and select Off.
- Save: Exit the settings, and your mobile device will no longer use the proxy server.
For Android:
- Open Settings: Tap Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Wi-Fi: Select Wi-Fi, then tap the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
- Advanced Settings: Tap Advanced to access the proxy settings.
- Disable Proxy: Set the proxy to None.
- Save: Exit the settings, and the proxy will be disabled.
How to Disconnect from a Proxy Server Using a VPN
If you’re using a VPN that routes traffic through a proxy server, disconnecting from the VPN will also disable the proxy.
- Open the VPN App: Launch the VPN app you’re using.
- Disconnect the VPN: Click Disconnect to stop routing your traffic through the VPN and proxy.
- Proxy Disabled: Once disconnected, the proxy server will no longer be used.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disabling Proxy Servers
How do I disable a proxy server on Windows?
You can disable a proxy on Windows by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and then turning off the Use a proxy server toggle.
How can I disconnect from a proxy server on macOS?
On macOS, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies, and uncheck any selected proxy settings.
Why should I turn off my proxy?
Turning off your proxy may help improve connection speed, avoid access issues, or troubleshoot connection problems. It also restores direct communication with the internet, bypassing the proxy.
Can I disable proxy for just one browser?
Yes! For browsers like Firefox or Chrome, you can disable proxy settings within the browser itself, or you can disable the system-wide proxy.
Final Thoughts
Turning off or disabling a proxy server is an easy task that can help improve your connection speed, fix browsing issues, or simply stop routing traffic through a proxy when it’s no longer needed.
Whether you’re using a proxy for privacy, security, or bypassing content restrictions, knowing how to disconnect from a proxy server on different devices and browsers can make your internet experience much smoother.
If you’re facing connection issues or just want to restore your direct connection, disabling the proxy is a quick fix that can save you time and headaches.
