macOS · Network & Internet
Configure network proxy servers
Proxy settings let you route web and other network traffic for a given network connection through a specified proxy server, either configured manually or automatically via a PAC file or auto-discovery protocol.
How to open Proxies
- Open System Settings → Network → select a network service → Proxies
- Choose the proxy protocol to configure, such as Web Proxy (HTTP)
- Enter the proxy server address and port, or provide a PAC configuration URL
- Add any required bypass domains, then click OK to apply
What you should know
- Support for HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS, FTP, and streaming proxy protocols
- Automatic proxy configuration via URL (PAC file) or auto-discovery
- Per-network-service proxy configuration, so different networks can use different proxies
- Bypass list for hosts and domains that should skip the proxy
Why it matters
Proxy configuration is most often required in managed corporate or school networks that route traffic through a filtering or monitoring proxy for security and compliance reasons. Getting it right ensures internal resources, VPN-gated systems, and internet access all work correctly, while an incorrect proxy setting can silently break internet connectivity in ways that look like a broader network problem.
Best practices
- Get exact proxy server details from your network administrator rather than guessing values
- Use the bypass list to exclude local or internal addresses that should not go through the proxy
- Prefer automatic proxy configuration (PAC or auto-discovery) when your organization provides it, since it adapts automatically
- Disable proxies you no longer need, since a stale proxy configuration is a common cause of intermittent connectivity issues
Common problems and fixes
- No internet access after configuring a proxy
- Double-check the proxy server address and port for typos, and confirm the proxy server is actually reachable and running.
- Some sites load but others do not through the proxy
- Check whether HTTPS proxy settings are configured separately from HTTP, since they can differ.
- Proxy settings do not apply to a specific app
- Some apps use their own network stack and ignore system proxy settings; check that app's own network preferences.
Tips and tricks
- Use the 'Exclude simple hostnames' bypass option to keep local network device access fast and proxy-free.
- Test the proxy in a browser first before assuming it is a system-wide configuration problem.
Frequently asked questions
Do proxy settings apply system-wide?
They apply to most apps that use the system network stack, though some apps may bypass system proxy configuration.
Is a proxy the same as a VPN?
No, a proxy typically routes specific protocols like web traffic, while a VPN usually encrypts and tunnels all network traffic.
Can I set different proxies for Wi-Fi and Ethernet?
Yes, proxy settings are configured per network service, so Wi-Fi and Ethernet can each have independent settings.
Related settings
- EthernetEthernet settings manage wired network connections through built-in Ethernet ports or USB and Thunderbolt adapters, including IP configuration, DNS, and connection priority relative to Wi-Fi.
- VPN & Network ProfilesVPN settings let you connect to a private network over an encrypted tunnel — common for remote work — while Network preferences let you manage multiple connection profiles, proxies, and advanced TCP/IP settings for different locations or services.
- FirewallThe built-in Firewall controls which apps and services are allowed to accept incoming network connections, adding a layer of protection against unauthorized access while connected to any network.
More Network & Internet guides for macOS
- Wi-Fi ConnectionWi-Fi settings let you join, manage, and prioritize wireless networks on your Mac, including hidden networks and networks that require a captive-portal sign-in.
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair and manage wireless accessories such as keyboards, trackpads, mice, headphones, and speakers with your Mac.
- AirDrop & HandoffAirDrop lets you wirelessly send files, photos, and links directly to nearby Apple devices without email or messaging apps, while Handoff lets you start something on one Apple device — like a browser tab or email draft — and pick it up instantly on your Mac.
- Screen Sharing & Remote LoginScreen Sharing lets you view and control another Mac's screen remotely (or let someone control yours), while Remote Login enables secure command-line (SSH) access to your Mac from another computer. Both are toggled independently under Sharing settings.
- Thunderbolt BridgeThunderbolt Bridge creates a direct, high-speed network connection between two Macs connected with a Thunderbolt cable, useful for fast file transfers or Target Disk Mode-style workflows without a router.
- Personal HotspotPersonal Hotspot settings let a Mac connect to the internet through a nearby iPhone or iPad's cellular data connection, either automatically via Instant Hotspot or by manually joining the hotspot network.