Whether you’re concerned about privacy, looking to bypass geo-restrictions, or need to access a website securely, proxy settings are a powerful tool to route your internet traffic through an intermediary server.
However, there may come a time when you want to remove or delete these settings—whether to restore direct internet access, troubleshoot network issues, or simply stop using a proxy.
In this guide, we’ll explain what proxy settings are, why you might use them, and how to remove or delete them from different platforms, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
What Are Proxy Settings?
Proxy settings are configurations in your operating system or web browser that determine how your internet traffic is routed. When proxy settings are enabled, your internet traffic is sent through a proxy server (an intermediary server between your device and the website or service you’re accessing).
This means that instead of connecting directly to websites, all requests go through the proxy server, which acts as a middleman.
There are several reasons you might use proxy settings:
- Privacy and anonymity: A proxy helps mask your real IP address, providing a layer of anonymity.
- Security: Proxies can block malicious sites and protect your device from malware.
- Geo-restrictions: By using a proxy from another location, you can bypass geo-blocks and access content not available in your region.
- Network control: Organizations use proxies to monitor internet usage, restrict access to certain websites, and improve network performance.
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How Do I Remove Proxy Settings?
While proxy settings offer benefits, there may be times when you want to remove them, whether to troubleshoot connectivity issues or simply return to direct internet access. Below are the steps to remove proxy settings on different platforms.
For Windows (Windows 10/11)
- Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Network & Internet: Select Network & Internet from the menu.
- Go to Proxy Settings: On the left sidebar, click on Proxy.
- Disable Proxy: Under Manual Proxy Setup, toggle off the option Use a proxy server. If you have Automatic Proxy Setup enabled, toggle off Automatically detect settings as well.
- Save: Close the settings, and the proxy settings will be removed.
This should stop your computer from routing internet traffic through a proxy server.
For Windows (Older Versions, e.g., Windows 7/8)
- Open Control Panel: Press Windows + R and type Control Panel. Press Enter.
- Go to Internet Options: Click on Network and Internet, then Internet Options.
- Navigate to Connections Tab: In the Internet Options window, go to the Connections tab.
- Click on LAN Settings: Under the Local Area Network (LAN) settings, click LAN settings.
- Disable Proxy: Uncheck the box that says Use a proxy server for your LAN.
- Save: Click OK, then Apply, and you’re done.
For macOS
- Open System Preferences: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.
- Go to Network Settings: In the System Preferences window, click on Network.
- Select Your Network: Choose the network you’re connected to (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click on Advanced.
- Navigate to Proxies: Click on the Proxies tab.
- Disable Proxy: Uncheck any boxes under Select a protocol to configure (like Web Proxy (HTTP) or Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)).
- Apply Changes: Click OK, then Apply to save your changes.
The proxy settings will now be removed, and your device will connect directly to the internet.
For Google Chrome
Google Chrome doesn’t have its own proxy settings; it uses the system’s default settings. So, to remove proxy settings in Chrome, you need to adjust the system settings as described above for Windows or macOS.
However, if you are using a proxy extension in Chrome, here’s how to disable it:
- Open Chrome Settings: Click the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Go to Extensions: In the left sidebar, click Extensions.
- Disable or Remove Proxy Extension: Find the proxy extension you’ve installed and either toggle it off or click Remove to delete it.
For Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox Settings: Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of Firefox and select Settings.
- Scroll to Network Settings: Scroll down to Network Settings and click Settings.
- Disable Proxy: In the Connection Settings window, select No proxy to disable the proxy settings.
- Save: Click OK to save your changes.
This will remove any proxy configuration in Firefox and allow direct access to the internet.
For iPhone/iPad (iOS)
- Open Settings: Tap Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Wi-Fi: Tap on Wi-Fi, then select your connected network.
- Configure Proxy: Scroll down to HTTP Proxy and tap Off to disable the proxy.
- Save: Exit the settings, and your device will no longer use the proxy.
For Android
- Open Settings: Tap Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Wi-Fi: Select Wi-Fi and tap on the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
- Modify Network: Tap Modify network and then select Advanced options.
- Disable Proxy: Under Proxy, choose None to remove the proxy.
- Save: Tap Save to apply the changes.
How to Delete Proxy Settings?
In most cases, removing proxy settings is enough to stop your device from routing traffic through a proxy. However, if you want to completely delete proxy configurations or reset them, you can follow these additional steps:
- Clear Proxy Configuration Files: Some systems (like Linux or macOS) may store proxy configurations in specific system files. You can reset these configurations by editing or deleting the relevant files.
- Factory Reset (For Mobile Devices): If you have trouble removing proxy settings on iOS or Android, performing a factory reset will clear all network settings, including any proxy configurations. Make sure to back up your data before doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Proxy Settings
How do I remove proxy settings on Windows?
To remove proxy settings on Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and toggle off the Use a proxy server option. For older versions like Windows 7, you can disable proxy settings from Control Panel > Internet Options > LAN Settings.
How do I disable the proxy on my iPhone?
To disable the proxy on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, select the connected network, and scroll down to HTTP Proxy. Set it to Off.
Can I remove proxy settings in Chrome?
Since Google Chrome uses the system’s proxy settings, you need to disable proxy settings in your operating system. If you use a proxy extension, disable or remove it through the Chrome Extensions page.
How do I remove proxy settings on Android?
On Android, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, select your connected network, tap Modify network, and choose None under the Proxy section to disable proxy settings.
Final Thoughts
Removing or deleting proxy settings is a straightforward process, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or web browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
If you no longer need a proxy server or are troubleshooting network issues, following the steps outlined above will help you remove or reset your proxy settings, restoring direct access to the internet.
If you’ve used proxies for privacy, security, or content access, but need to disconnect, you can easily remove proxy settings to return to a direct connection.
