Thanks to information technologies, we live in a world that is more interconnected than ever. However, many internet users do not know enough about processes that go on in web connections and how they constantly spill out private user information. With growing distrust in tech companies and awareness of malicious third parties, one must know about the importance of maintaining privacy on the internet.
To appeal to the increasing demand for online anonymity, proxy servers have emerged as one of the best solutions for businesses and private internet users. Thanks to its ease of use, dynamic pricing options, and unlocked access to any geolocation, these intermediary connections provide convenient benefits for all browsing sessions. Even better, access to additional IP addresses empowers many business processes like web scraping, social media management, and other data-sensitive procedures.
This guide covers the basic functionality of proxy services for easy and efficient navigation of cyberspace. Here you will find details on the most purchased proxy servers, as well as the benefits of mobile proxies as web privacy solutions. Lastly, there will be step-by-step guides for connecting to mobile proxies on your iPhone, plus setup instructions for your MAC device.
How Proxy Servers Hide Your IP
A proxy server creates an intermediary station that receives and customizes data packets to make it look like the sender of the connection request. The response from the website follows the same path, first reaching the proxy server before getting back to your private network.
This process covers the original IP address, supplied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which anonymizes the connection and lets you choose a different web access point. That’s right, not only do they keep connections anonymous, but proxy servers also enable access to content that might be restricted in your region.
The best proxy providers have millions of addresses across all regions. Finding the best provider for you may boil down to available location options, pricing, stability of the service, and even concentration of addresses in one area, a niche benefit for some use cases. Even if you see no value in safeguarding your browsing sessions, there are many business
operations like web scraping that do not work properly without web privacy solutions.
Types of Proxy Services
Although providers may offer unique and customized deals, most proxy services boil down to 3 main types:
Datacenter Proxies
Datacenter proxies are one of the most popular choices, especially for private users, due to a superior hardware setup and infrastructure. They are fast and cheap, and the servers are located in data centers for increased stability. While perfect for casual browsing, they are not the best option for data-sensitive company tasks. Because datacenter IPs are not tied to any physical location, their addresses may be flagged as bot traffic by visited websites.
Residential Proxies
Residential proxies provide anonymity by offering IP addresses, which are shared by real homeowners. This feature makes them one of the best covers for your online identity, as the makeup of the connection makes it nearly indistinguishable from real visitors. However, residential proxies are not as effective for casual browsing due to lower speeds, higher prices, and potential inconsistencies from the IP host.
Mobile Proxies
Mobile proxies take IP addresses from mobile devices connected to the cellular network. While more expensive than datacenter proxies, they offer the highest levels of protection and anonymity, as each connection originates from a mobile device in a remote location. Mobile proxies give the ability to access mobile-specific content and enhanced privacy. That being, their speed and reliability often depend on the mobile network they are connected to.
Proxy Servers on Apple Devices
This section covers step-by-step instructions on how to connect to proxy servers. In just a few minutes, you will be able to utilize these powerful tools with minimal hassle.
Connecting to a Proxy Server on MAC
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to access your proxy server on MAC:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
- In System Preferences click on “Network.”
- Select Wi-FI or Ethernet, depending on your network connection.
- Select “Advanced” in the bottom-right corner.
- Go to the to the “Proxies” tab.
- Check the box next to the type of proxy you want to use (HTTP, HTTPS).
- Enter the proxy server address and port number given by your provider.
- If your proxy server requires authentication, enter your username and password.
- Click “OK” and then “Apply” to save your settings.
- Go to an IP testing website to see if your address has changed and appears different when browsing.
Connecting to a Proxy Server on an iPhone
Here is how to connect to a proxy server on your iPhone:
- Go to the “Settings” app.
- Tap on “Wi-Fi” and click the network you are connected to. Restart your iPhone if you have persistent connectivity problems. Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is working.
- Scroll down and click “Configure Proxy.”
- Select “Manual” to enter connection details. Input the proxy server address and port number.
- Enter the proxy username and password.
- Tap “Save” to apply the changes.
Summary
In a world where data collection is rampant and user privacy is in grave danger, proxy servers offer a high level of anonymity without overloading the client with a complicated setup. Find a reliable provider that aligns with your goals and values and enjoy the benefits of the anonymous browsing experience!
