How to Setup a Proxy Server?

A. Configuring a Proxy in System Settings

You can set up a proxy on macOS through system settings or by using a local proxy server.

• Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Click Details > Proxies.
• Enable HTTP Proxy or SOCKS Proxy and enter the server address and port.
• Click OK and Apply changes.

B. Setting Up a Local Proxy Server (Squid)

• Install Squid:
• Edit the Squid config file:

Add:

• Start Squid:
• Test with:

Setting Up a Reverse Proxy

A reverse proxy forwards client requests to backend servers.

A. Using Nginx

• Install Nginx:
• Edit the Nginx config file:

Add:

• Start Nginx:
• Open http://localhost:8080 to test.

B. Using Apache

• Start Apache:
• Enable modules:

Uncomment:

• Edit or create a virtual host file:

Add:

• Restart Apache:

Reversing a Proxy Server

To stop the proxy server:

System Settings: Go to Network > Proxies and disable the proxy.

• Squid Proxy:
• Nginx Reverse Proxy:
• Apache Reverse Proxy:

This will remove the proxy and restore direct network access.