What is my proxy?

Your proxy

Detecting…

More about your connection

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server is a computer that sits between your device and the internet and forwards your requests on your behalf. The result shows whether your IPv4 connection appears to pass through one. If it does, websites may see the proxy’s IP address instead of yours.

How a proxy server works

Without a proxy, your browser connects straight to a website. With one, the browser sends the request to the proxy, which makes the request to the website and passes the response back. The website sees the proxy as the visitor.

How proxies are detected

Proxy checks look for traces that proxies commonly leave behind:

  • Forwarding headers: many proxies add HTTP headers such as Via, X-Forwarded-For or Forwarded, which can include your original IP address.
  • Known proxy addresses: IP addresses belonging to data centers, public proxies and VPN services are listed in reputation databases.
  • Mismatches: a hostname from a hosting company, or a location that doesn’t match your time zone or language.

Types of proxies

  • Transparent proxies pass your real IP address along in headers. They are often used by companies, schools and ISPs for filtering and caching.
  • Anonymous proxies hide your IP address but reveal that a proxy is in use.
  • Elite (high-anonymity) proxies hide both your IP address and the fact that a proxy is involved.
  • Reverse proxies sit in front of websites rather than users. Services such as CDNs use them to speed up and protect sites.

Proxy vs. VPN

Both change the IP address websites see. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for all traffic leaving your device, protecting it from your ISP and the local network. A proxy usually works per app or per browser, and plain HTTP proxies don’t encrypt anything. For privacy on public Wi-Fi, a trustworthy VPN is the better choice.

Frequently asked questions

What does Not detected mean?

Your connection showed none of the usual signs of a proxy. Most likely you are connecting directly. Some VPNs and anonymous proxies leave no visible traces, though, so a negative result is not a guarantee.

Is a VPN the same as a proxy?

Not quite. Both make websites see a different IP address. A VPN encrypts all traffic from your device to the VPN server, while a typical proxy only handles traffic from apps configured to use it and may not encrypt it.

How do I turn off a proxy?

On Windows, open Settings, then Network and internet, then Proxy. On macOS, open System Settings, then Network, select your connection, then Details and Proxies. In browsers, check for proxy extensions as well.

Why would I be behind a proxy without knowing?

Workplaces, schools, hotels and some mobile carriers route traffic through proxies to filter content or save bandwidth. Browser extensions and malware can also set a proxy without asking.