The Easy Way: OpenVPN
Using OpenVPN provides the most reliable and comprehensive solution for a mobile proxy on smartphones. Unlike native proxy settings that often work inconsistently, OpenVPN routes every byte of data through your proxy connection, including apps that typically ignore system proxy settings, which is a big downside of other implementation options.
Here’s why OpenVPN is our recommended method:
- Complete Traffic Coverage: All apps and services use your proxy connection
- No Root or Jailbreak Required: Works on standard devices without modifications
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Same approach works on both Android and iOS
- Simple Setup: Takes just a few minutes with our pre-configured files
- Stable Connection: Rarely disconnects or requires troubleshooting
Setting Up OpenVPN Connect
Getting your Android or iOS mobile proxy device connected through OpenVPN is straightforward:
- Download Your Configuration File: Log into your ProxyBlocks dashboard and download the .ovpn configuration file for your selected mobile proxy. If you’re downloading on a computer, transfer the file to your phone.
- Install OpenVPN Connect: Download OpenVPN Connect either from your app store of choice, or as an APK and install the app.
- Import Your Configuration: Launch the OpenVPN app and import the previously downloaded config file. When using ProxyBlocks, there are no more login credentials needed.
- Connect to the Proxy: Slide the connection toggle. Your device might request permission to establish a VPN connection – approve this request.
- Verify Your Connection: Open a browser and visit an IP checker website. You should now see a mobile carrier IP address rather than your regular connection.
Once connected, you’ll notice a key icon in your status bar, indicating that all your device traffic is now routing through the mobile proxy. To disconnect, simply tap the profile again and slide the toggle off.
Native Android Mobile Proxy
If you prefer not to use OpenVPN or need specific functionality, Android offers several native proxy options:
Wi-Fi Proxy Configuration:
- Go to Settings → Wi-Fi
- Long-press on your connected network and select “Modify network”
- Expand Advanced options
- Set Proxy to “Manual”
- Enter your proxy host, port, and authentication details if required
- Save the settings
Limitations: This only affects HTTP/HTTPS traffic and only works on that specific Wi-Fi network. Many apps will ignore these settings as well.
APN Proxy Configuration: Some carriers allow proxy settings within the cellular connection:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile network → Access Point Names
- Select your active APN
- Look for Proxy and Port fields
- Enter your proxy details and save
- Restart your device
Limitations: Support varies widely between carriers, and like Wi-Fi proxies, this typically only affects HTTP traffic.
Advanced Options (for technical users):
- ProxyDroid (requires root): Forces all traffic through your proxy by modifying system routing tables
- Drony (no root required): Creates a local VPN interface that forwards traffic to your proxy
Native iOS Mobile Proxy
Apple’s ecosystem offers more limited native options:
Wi-Fi HTTP Proxy:
- Go to Settings → Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) icon beside your connected network
- Scroll down to “Configure Proxy” and tap “Manual”
- Enter server, port, and authentication details
- Tap “Save”
Limitations: Only affects HTTP/HTTPS traffic on that specific Wi-Fi network. Does not work with SOCKS5 proxies or on cellular connections.
Global HTTP Proxy (Supervised devices only): For corporate or managed devices, a global HTTP proxy can be deployed through Apple Configurator or MDM solutions. This requires complete device reset and enrollment in a management system.
Comparing Your Options
| Feature | OpenVPN Easy | Native Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| App Coverage | All apps, all networks | Partial; often HTTP-only |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy (2-3 minutes) | Simple for Wi-Fi, complex for global |
| Special Requirements | None | May need root or supervision |
| Bypass Risk | Nearly zero | High – many apps ignore settings |
| Latency Impact | Slightly higher (+~30ms) | Lower (no extra encryption) |
| Battery Impact | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Best For | Daily use, privacy, automation | Testing specific apps, development |
Advanced Tips
For power users looking to maximize their mobile proxy experience:
- Auto-Connect on Boot: Configure OpenVPN to automatically reconnect after device restart through the app’s settings menu.
- Split Tunneling: In OpenVPN Connect, you can exclude specific apps from the VPN tunnel if needed.
- Connection Profiles: Create multiple OpenVPN profiles for different proxy locations and switch between them as needed.
- Troubleshooting: If you experience connection issues, verify your proxy credentials are correct and try connecting to a different proxy server location.
Conclusion
For most users, the OpenVPN approach provides the simplest, most reliable method for using mobile proxies on smartphones. It ensures complete traffic coverage, works consistently across platforms, and avoids the common frustrations of partial proxy implementation.
By following the straightforward setup instructions above, you can have your entire phone’s traffic running through a high-quality mobile proxy in just a few minutes – no technical expertise required.