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macOS Setup

3 min read

macOS allows you to configure proxy settings directly from the Network panel. Once enabled, these system-level settings are used by most browsers and internet-connected applications, making it simple to route traffic through a proxy.

Preparation: Have your proxy details ready

Before setting things up, ensure you have the following information:

  • InstantProxies IP address
  • Port number
  • Username and password for credential-based authentication

Alternatively:

  • Confirm that your public IP address is already authorized for IP-based authentication

If your setup uses IP allowlisting and you have not added your current environment yet, start with Authorizing Your IP Address.

macOS proxy configuration

Step 1: Access Network Settings

  • Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select System Settings (Ventura or later) or System Preferences (earlier versions).
  • Choose Network from the sidebar.

Step 2: Select active network

  • Choose your active network connection, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  • Click Details or Advanced, depending on your system version.
  • Open the Proxies tab.

Step 3: Manage proxy configuration

  • From the protocol list, enable Web Proxy (HTTP). Optionally, you can also enable Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS) if your setup requires it.
  • For each selected protocol, enter your InstantProxies IP address and port.
  • If you prefer using username and password authentication, enable Proxy server requires password and fill in your InstantProxies credentials.
  • Click OK or Apply to save your settings.

Your macOS device should now be routing traffic through the proxy.

Step 4: Confirm your proxy is working

  1. Open any web browser, such as Chrome or Safari.
  2. Visit an IP-checking site such as http://ip-check.net or https://whatismyipaddress.com.
  3. If the IP address shown matches your InstantProxies IP, your Mac is successfully using the proxy at the system level.

For a more direct validation step, continue to Verify Your Connection.

Troubleshooting

  • Having trouble connecting?

    • Ensure your proxy IP, port, and username or password are entered correctly.
    • For IP-based authentication, check whether your device’s real public IP is properly authorized.

  • Constant authentication prompts?

    • Check that Proxy server requires password is enabled and the credential fields are filled in correctly.

  • Some apps not working with the proxy?

    • System proxy settings on macOS apply to many applications, but not all. Browsers and many API tasks should work as expected, while some apps may still require manual proxy setup.

If issues continue, use Connectivity Troubleshooting.

Turn off proxy on macOS

  1. Open System Settings and go to Network.
  2. Select your active connection and open Proxies.
  3. Uncheck Web Proxy (HTTP) and Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS).
  4. Click OK or Apply to save changes.

This turns off the system proxy and restores direct internet access on your Mac.

Next step

After the macOS system proxy is working, continue to Verify Your Connection to confirm the runtime path. If you want browser-specific guides next, continue to Platform and Browser Setup.