Home/ Blog/Proxy Server: What is it and how does it work?

Proxy Server: What is it and how does it work?

logo Hidemyacc circle

With the current surge in Internet usage, WiFi has become an indispensable part of daily life. A proxy server is essential to ensure safe and stable network access. So, what exactly is a proxy? What are its benefits, and is it easy to set up a proxy server? Let’s explore these questions together with Hidemyacc through the article below.

1. What is a Proxy Server? Benefits of using a proxy server

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a user's device and the internet. When you use a proxy server, your internet requests first go through the proxy, which then forwards them to the desired website. The response from the website is then returned through the proxy server to your device. This setup offers several benefits:

Proxy Server
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a user's device and the internet

Currently, proxy servers are widely used due to several benefits, including:

  • Managing and controlling Internet traffic closely
  • Maximizing bandwidth efficiency
  • Optimizing and enhancing Internet speed on various devices
  • Ensuring private and secure Internet access
  • Accessing restricted content and data sources

2. What features does a proxy server offer?

Now that we know what a proxy server is, it’s clear that it provides users with a wide range of essential Internet access and network management features.

Features

Function

Firewall and Filtering

A Proxy Server operates at the Application layer, Layer 7 in the OSI reference model, and allows for application control and filtering. When properly configured, it can improve security more effectively than a standard firewall.

Share connection with Proxy Server

A Proxy Server helps save bandwidth and improves efficiency in internet access. Instead of assigning each device its own internet connection, you can connect one or more proxies to the internet on behalf of multiple devices.

Proxy Server and Caching

Caching is a useful feature of a Proxy Server. It can improve network bandwidth and enhance scalability. The ability to respond to other devices is improved, and it also increases service capacity and accessibility.

3. Four types of proxy servers

Proxy servers are highly diverse and flexible, allowing users to manage personal information and use the Internet freely. This flexibility is evident as you can select the type of proxy that best suits your specific needs. Below are four commonly used types of proxy servers:

3.1. Transparent Proxy

This type of proxy uses your IP address to verify web access requests. Transparent proxies are mainly used in public places because they easily filter content thanks to the simple configuration of both server and client names.

3.2. Anonymous Proxy

An anonymous proxy acts similarly to an incognito browsing mode, allowing you to surf the web for personal purposes. This type of proxy grants you access to websites without exposing your IP address, helping to safeguard your data and leave no trace when visiting other websites.

3.3. Distorting Proxy

A distorting proxy also hides your IP and replaces it with a fake one. This helps you access websites that might otherwise be blocked.

3.4. High Anonymity Proxy

This is the most secure and private type of proxy. It frequently changes your IP address when accessing a website's server, making it more challenging to track your browsing and control Internet traffic.

4. How to Set Up a Proxy on Chrome Browser

To set up a proxy server in the Chrome browser, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Chrome browser and click on the three-dot icon => Then select "Settings."

Proxy Server
Steps to install Proxy for Chrome browser

Step 2: In the settings window, select "System" => Click "Open your computer’s proxy settings."

Proxy Server
Steps to install Proxy for Chrome browser

Step 3: In the "Manual proxy setup" section, toggle "Use a proxy server" from Off to On => Enter the proxy address you wish to use => Click "Save."

Proxy Server
Steps to install Proxy for Chrome browser

5. Should You Use a Proxy with the Anti-detect Browser Hidemyacc?

Most people use proxy servers to access accounts to avoid IP duplication. This makes it difficult for websites to detect when you are logging into multiple accounts on the same device. In reality, to create and manage multiple accounts, users not only need to change the IP address but also modify device parameters. Hidemyacc can help you accomplish this. With Hidemyacc, you can add a proxy to each profile, thereby changing the IP address along with other Anti-detect Browser settings, so the website perceives you as a new user. Just a few simple steps allow users to connect a proxy once per profile without needing to reconnect each time.

Read more: 

6. How to Use a Proxy in the Hidemyacc Browser

Using Hidemyacc and adding a proxy is also straightforward. You only need to follow the steps below:

  • Click on "New Profile."

  • Select the "Proxy" tab.

  • Choose the "Connection Type." There are six types to choose from: without proxy, HTTP Proxy, SOCKS4, SOCKS5, Tinsoft Proxy, TM Proxy.

Proxy Server
Choosing proxy type when adding to Proxy Manager

6.1. HTTP Proxy, Socks 4 Proxy, Socks 5 Proxy

  • Enter the IP and Port of the Proxy (username and password if necessary).

  • Click "Import" to automatically fill in the Proxy Server and Port (username and password if required).

  • Click "Check Proxy" to verify if it’s functioning correctly.

6.2. Tinsoft Proxy, TM Proxy

Since these two proxy types are specific to Vietnam, the connection methods are quite similar:

  • Enter the API key.

  • Select the desired IP location.

After reading this article, you should have a clearer understanding of what a proxy server is, its benefits, features, and how to set up a proxy on your device. Proxy servers play a crucial role in securing personal information and accessing the Internet safely. With the feature of using proxies to configure anti-detect browsers for altering digital fingerprints, Hidemyacc stands out as one of the best anti-detect browsers available. Contact Hidemyacc for the best advice and support.

Ads

Read more

SX.org Review: Real-World Testing of Mobile and Residential Proxies

SX.org Review: Real-World Testing of Mobile and Residential Proxies

Many people look for proxies on proxy marketplaces because of their competitive pricing and diverse IP pools, but whether the actual quality is as consistent as advertised is another question. SX.org is one such platform, offering Mobile, Residential, and Corporate Proxies alongside its own IP cleanliness rating system. In this review, I purchased and tested both Mobile and Residential Proxies, evaluating anonymity, speed, blacklist status, and CAPTCHA performance based on real-world results. Before getting into the tests, let us first look at what SX.org is, how users rate the platform, and what the service offers.

logo Hidemyacc circle
Browserscan review: features, accuracy, and pros/cons

Browserscan review: features, accuracy, and pros/cons

Changed your proxy but still facing account checkpoints? The issue might not be your IP address. Browsers silently share background technical details with websites, and Browserscan helps you uncover exactly what data is leaking. This article provides a comprehensive review of Browserscan, analyzing its fingerprint detection features, WebRTC checks, and Authenticity Score reliability. Learn when to use this tool alongside browser profiles to keep your account environments safe.

logo Hidemyacc circle
What is IP spoofing? How to spoof IP address safely

What is IP spoofing? How to spoof IP address safely

Most people assume that changing their IP address is enough to make a website treat them as a new visitor. However, an IP address is only one part of your online identity. If you want to learn how to spoof IP address safely for privacy, geo-testing, or multi-account management, simply switching IPs is not enough—browser fingerprints, DNS, and timezones can still leak real data. This guide explains how IP spoofing works, the best ways to change your IP, and how to maintain a consistent browser environment.

logo Hidemyacc circle
Top 6 whoer.net alternatives for fingerprint testing

Top 6 whoer.net alternatives for fingerprint testing

Whoer.net is a popular tool for checking IP addresses, DNS leaks, and browser fingerprints. However, it is not your only option. Depending on your needs, you might require a tool specifically designed for WebRTC leak detection, browser consistency evaluation, or deeper technical fingerprint analysis. In this article, Hidemyacc compares 6 outstanding whoer.net alternatives, helping you understand the key strengths of each tool so you can choose the best solution for your setup.

logo Hidemyacc circle
A detailed explanation of every Whoer.net test result

A detailed explanation of every Whoer.net test result

Whoer.net is a popular tool for checking your browser's anonymity and browser fingerprint, but many users only look at the Anonymity Score without understanding the meaning of WebRTC, DNS, or Timezone. This article explains every result in a Whoer.net test, shows which signs indicate an abnormal configuration, and helps you optimize your browser before managing multiple accounts.

logo Hidemyacc circle
Is Proxyium Safe? How to Access and Use It

Is Proxyium Safe? How to Access and Use It

A website you need to access is blocked. Your company network filters certain pages, your school Wi-Fi restricts access, or the content is only available in another region. You do not want to install additional software and only need to access the website temporarily. That is where a web proxy can be useful. Proxyium is one such service that works directly through a browser, but your traffic still passes through a third-party server. This raises an important question: Is Proxyium safe? This guide explains how Proxyium works, what information a proxy can potentially access, whether using Proxyium is legal, how to use it safely and which alternatives you can consider.

logo Hidemyacc circle