How to Disconnect From a Proxy Server

Photo by James Harrison on Unsplash

If your internet suddenly feels “off” – websites won’t load, apps can’t connect, or your speed drops for no obvious reason – a proxy setting is one of the first things worth checking. Proxies can be useful, but they’re also a common cause of connection errors when they’re misconfigured, left enabled after a one-time task, or enforced by an old profile/extension.

This guide shows how to disconnect from a proxy server on Windows, macOS, iPhone/iPad, and Android, plus what to do if the proxy keeps turning itself back on.

Quick checklist before you disable a proxy

Before you flip anything off, do a quick sanity check:

• Is this a work/school device or network? Some organizations require a proxy for security and access control. Disabling it may break internal sites or VPN access.
• Are you on a corporate Wi-Fi network? The proxy may be required only on that network, not at home.
• Did you configure a proxy in your browser only? If yes, turning off the system proxy might not change anything.
• Did you install a “network” app, antivirus, or browser extension recently? These often modify proxy settings.

If you’re unsure, take a screenshot of your current proxy configuration (or write down the address/port) so you can restore it later.

What “disconnecting from a proxy” actually means

Disconnecting from a proxy server usually means stopping your device or browser from routing traffic through a proxy host. Once disabled, your traffic typically goes directly to the internet through your ISP/network (or through a VPN if you’re using one).

System proxy vs browser proxy vs an app/extension

• System proxy (OS level): Affects most apps on the device (browsers, messengers, system services).
• Browser proxy: Affects only the specific browser (or a specific browser profile).
• App/extension proxy: Some apps and extensions apply proxy rules internally and may override OS settings.

That’s why the “right” fix depends on where the proxy is enabled.

How to turn off a proxy on Windows 10/11

Windows can use either automatic proxy detection or a manual proxy. To fully disconnect, make sure both are off (unless you specifically need auto-detect for a managed network).

Disable it in Settings (Network & Internet → Proxy)

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet → Proxy.
3. Under Automatic proxy setup:
   • Turn Automatically detect settings Off (if you’re troubleshooting).
   • Turn Use setup script Off (if enabled).
4. Under Manual proxy setup:
   • Turn Use a proxy server Off.
5. Close Settings and restart the browser (or your PC if issues persist).

Tip: If you later decide you still need a proxy (for testing, scraping, or controlled routing), use a provider with clear setup details and stable endpoints – for example, see proxy server options here.

Alternative path: Control Panel / LAN settings (if Settings won’t stick)

If Windows Settings keeps reverting, check the older interface:

1. Press Win + R, type inetcpl.cpl, press Enter.
2. Open the Connections tab → LAN settings.
3. Uncheck:
   • Use a proxy server for your LAN
   • Use automatic configuration script (if set)
4. Leave Automatically detect settings unchecked while troubleshooting.
5. Click OK → Apply, then restart your browser.

How to turn off a proxy on macOS

On macOS, proxy settings live inside the active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). If you disable them for Wi-Fi, it won’t necessarily affect Ethernet (and vice versa).

System Settings → Network → (active network) → Details → Proxies

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
2. Go to Network.
3. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
4. Click Details (or Advanced) → Proxies.
5. Uncheck any enabled proxy types (commonly Web Proxy (HTTP), Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS), SOCKS Proxy).
6. Click OK/Apply.

Restart your browser. If you use multiple browsers, test in at least two to confirm it’s truly system-level.

How to turn off a proxy on iPhone / iPad (Wi-Fi)

On iOS/iPadOS, proxy settings are configured per Wi-Fi network. If you disable it on your home Wi-Fi, it may still be enabled on a café or hotel Wi-Fi network.

Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) → Configure Proxy → Off

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the (i) icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
3. Scroll down to HTTP Proxy / Configure Proxy.
4. Select Off (or set to None).
5. Re-open Safari/Chrome and try loading a site.

If the issue happens only on one Wi-Fi network, forget the network and reconnect (sometimes the network profile stores old settings).

How to turn off a proxy on Android (Wi-Fi)

Android proxy settings are also per Wi-Fi network. Turning off a proxy for one network won’t affect the others.

Wi-Fi network → Modify/Edit → Advanced → Proxy → None

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Internet / Wi-Fi (names vary by brand).
2. Tap and hold your connected Wi-Fi network (or tap the settings gear).
3. Choose Modify network / Edit.
4. Expand Advanced options.
5. Find Proxy and set it to None.
6. Save, then reconnect if needed.

If you’re using a “network optimizer” or security app, it may re-apply proxy settings – see the troubleshooting section below.

If the proxy keeps turning back on

If you disable the proxy and it reappears, the proxy is being enforced by something else. The most common causes:

Browser extensions / security software / device management profiles

• Extensions: Disable proxy-related extensions (or any “privacy,” “unblocker,” or “traffic controller” add-ons) and restart the browser.
• Security apps: Some antivirus/firewall tools route traffic through a local proxy for scanning.
• Managed devices (MDM): Work/school profiles can enforce proxy rules that you cannot permanently change without admin permission.

If this is a work device, don’t fight the policy – ask IT what the correct configuration should be.

Environment variables / unwanted changes (when applicable)

On some setups, proxy settings can be applied via scripts, startup tasks, or advanced network settings. If you suspect malware or “mystery” configuration changes:

• Run a reputable malware scan.
• Check recent installed apps and remove anything suspicious.
• Reset network settings (last resort, but often effective).

How to confirm you’re disconnected

You’ve successfully disconnected from a proxy when:

• Your OS proxy page shows Manual proxy OFF (and no setup script).
• Your browser has no proxy extension active.
• Websites load normally across multiple apps (not just one browser).
• The problem doesn’t return after a reboot or reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

If you want to keep using proxies for legitimate tasks later, it’s worth bookmarking a clear setup guide and using a provider with stable documentation – e.g., https://proxys.io/en/p/ipv4-proxies.

FAQ

Do I need to restart after disabling a proxy?

Often restarting the browser is enough. If your connection still fails, reboot the device and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Will turning off a proxy affect my Wi-Fi?

It won’t change your Wi-Fi signal, but it can restore normal routing so apps and websites connect correctly.

Why does mobile data work but Wi-Fi doesn’t?

Because proxy settings are frequently configured only on Wi-Fi networks (especially on iOS/Android).

Can a proxy be required on work or school networks?

Yes. Many organizations enforce proxies for security and compliance. Disabling it may block internal services.

What if I turned off the system proxy but Chrome still uses one?

Check Chrome extensions and any browser-level proxy settings. A proxy extension can override system rules.

Final thoughts

Disconnecting from a proxy server is usually quick – the main challenge is finding where the proxy is configured (system, browser, or an app). Once you disable it and confirm things are stable, you’ll know whether the proxy was the root cause of your connection issues.

And if you later need proxies again for safe, controlled routing (for testing, SEO tooling, automation, or geo-specific tasks), pick a provider with clear setup paths and predictable performance – it saves a lot of time when you need to switch configurations on and off.