How to Turn Off Proxy [Methods + Disadvantages]

A proxy server is a gateway between your computer and other gadgets to the internet. It adds privacy, protection, and efficiency on your end. 

However, there are situations when you need to turn off the proxy server when it starts to cause internet buffering , proxy problems with applications, and unfamiliar proxy error codes.

In this article, we have outlined step-by-step guides on how to turn off your proxy server and the disadvantages if you do it. 

How to Disable Proxy on Different Platforms

There are several ways to turn off the proxy on your device or browser. Here’s a detailed guide on disabling a proxy across different platforms:

Turn Off Proxy on a Computer

To quickly turn off a proxy, the computer's settings are the most direct method. Nevertheless, it's important to note that each operating system has its own unique procedure for disabling proxy settings.

We have outlined the most reliable ways to disable proxies on Windows and Mac computers.

Windows

Windows remains the most popular device operating system, with more than 1.4 billion monthly active devices running on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

If you’re part of the Windows user population, here’s how you can turn off the proxy:

1. On your Windows PC, click Start and select Settings

2. Choose Network and Internet.

3. Scroll down and click on Proxy.

Step 4: Switch Automatic Detect Settings to ON.

Step 5: Click Set up under Manual Proxy Setup.

Step 6: Set Use a Proxy Server to OFF under the popup options and click Save. 

MacOS

With its sleek and user-friendly operating system, it’s no surprise that MacOS holds a 15% market share globally among operating systems. Here's a simple guide if you're using MacOS and want to turn off the proxy:

1. Click on the Apple icon on the menu bar.

2. From the dropdown list, select System Preferences.

3. Choose Network.

4. Select the preferred network from the list of options on the left pane. Next, click on Advanced.

5. Locate and select the Proxies tab.

6. Uncheck all the options under Select a protocol to configure.

7. Click OK on the bottom right of the window to save.

Ways to Deactivate Proxy on a Browser

While using proxies in web browsers can have its advantages, there are also potential issues that users may encounter slow internet speed, compatibility issues, and security risks.

Here's how you can turn off proxy among top web browsers today:

Google Chrome

Chrome accounts for 64% of the global market share, making it the most preferred browser. Here’s how to disable the proxy using Chrome: 

1. Tap on Menu on Chrome’s toolbar.

2. Select Settings.

3. Click System from the options. Some Google Chrome versions display Show Advanced Settings instead. 

4. Click Open your computer’s proxy settings.

From here, follow the instructions from Step 5 under Windows or macOS above to turn off the proxy in Chrome.

Safari

Proxy server can sometimes cause connectivity issues when using Safari.  Here’s how to turn off the proxy using the browser: 

1. Using a Safari browser, tap Safari from the top menu, then click Settings.

2. Select the Advanced icon. 

3. From the tab, click Change Settings next to Proxies.

4. In the Proxies tab, uncheck all checkboxes. 

5. Click OK then Apply.

Mozilla Firefox

If you're experiencing proxy issues like  on Mozilla Firefox, one way to solve it is to deactivate your proxy.  Follow the steps below to to do this:

1. In the Firefox browser, click on three lines and select Options. 

2. Select the General section, scroll down to Network Settings, and click Settings. 

3. Select No Proxy or Auto-detect proxy settings for this network.

Ways to Turn Off Proxy on a Mobile Device

Much of the internet traffic comes from mobile devices. If you want to turn off proxy using your iOS or Android devices, follow the steps below: 

iOS 

Here’s how to turn off your proxy using iOS devices: 

1. Locate and tap Settings from the apps drawer.

2. Go to Wi-Fi and select the active network.

3. Scroll down, locate the HTTP Proxy, and tap Configure Proxy.

4. Check Off to disable the anonymous proxy tool on your device.

Android

If you’re an Android user who wants to turn off the proxy, here’s the list of steps: 

1. Open your app drawer and select Settings.

2. Choose Connections or Network & Internet in some Android versions.

3. Tap Wi-Fi.

4. Long press on the active Wi-Fi network to see more options.

In that case, all you need to do is tap Off to disable proxy.

Android

Disabling proxy on Android devices is similar to iOS but with some minor differences:

Step 1: Open your app drawer and select Settings.

Step 2: Choose Connections or Network & Internet in some Android versions.

Step 3: Tap Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Long press on the active Wi-Fi network to see more options.

5. Tap Manage Network Settings.

6. Choose Show Advanced Options.

7. Scroll down and tap Proxy.

8. Tap None and hit Save to disable the proxy server on your Android.

Disadvantages of Turning Off Your Proxy

Before turning off your proxy, it's important to be aware that it might cause possible drawbacks. Here are the most common disadvantages when you turn off your proxy:

1. Less protection from malicious websites. Proxy serves as another level of protection from cyberattacks and malware that would cause damage to your system.

2. Browsing is no longer anonymous. Proxy primarily masks the IP address while you’re trying to access your computer. All your information will be at risk without a proxy server, and hackers can track your IP address.

3. Inability to access websites with restrictions in some geographical regions. Disabling a proxy removes the ability to hide your IP address and spoof your geolocation, limiting access to geo-restricted sites.

4. Lower device performance. Since most of the necessary information is stored by proxies through the cache data, turning it off will make it more difficult for the server to load pages. 

Conclusion 

Knowing how to turn off a proxy server can be useful when faced with internet issues or application problems. However, it's important to consider the disadvantages of turning off your proxy.