I Set Up My Own Proxy Server—Here’s Why and How You Can Too

Proxy servers may not get as much hype as VPNs, but they serve unique purposes that can give you more control over your internet activity. Whether it’s bypassing content restrictions, hiding your IP, or setting up content filters, a proxy can be a great tool.

 

If you've ever had your IP blocked while trying to grab concert tickets or access region-locked content, setting up your own proxy server might be the perfect solution. In this guide, I’ll explain why you might want one and how you can set it up yourself using Squid, a popular proxy server tool.

 

Why Use a Proxy Instead of a VPN?

• Control web traffic: Proxies can filter or log web requests.
• Mask your IP: Makes it appear you're accessing a site from another location.
• Bypass restrictions: Helps with blocked IPs or access-limited websites.
• Cache content: Frequently visited sites can load faster.

Types of Proxy Servers

• HTTP Proxy: Handles web traffic; ideal for filtering and caching.
• SOCKS5 Proxy: Works with various protocols including P2P, FTP, etc.
• Transparent Proxy: Monitors or redirects traffic without user knowledge; poor for privacy.

 

What You’ll Need

We’ll be using Squid, a free and open-source proxy server. It works on Linux, macOS, and even Windows (with some limitations).

 

Installing Squid on macOS

1. Open Terminal and install Squid:

   brew install squid

2. Initialize Squid’s cache directories:

   squid -z -f /opt/homebrew/etc/squid.conf

3. Start Squid as a service:

   brew services start squid

 

Allow Network Access

1. Edit Squid’s config file:

   nano /opt/homebrew/etc/squid.conf

2. Above the line that says:

   http_access deny all

   Add the following:

   acl localnet src 192.168.1.0/24
   http_access allow localnet

3. Restart the service:

   brew services restart squid

 

Block Websites Using Squid

You can block specific websites like YouTube using ACL rules:

 

acl blocked_sites dstdomain .youtube.com
http_access deny blocked_sites

 

Add this to your config file, then restart Squid.

 

How to Connect Devices to Your Proxy Server

Once your server is running, set your devices to use it:

 

macOS

System Settings → Network → Select Connection → Details → Proxies → Enable Web Proxy (HTTP) and Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS). Enter IP and port.

Windows

Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy → Manual Setup → Enter IP and port.

iPhone/iPad

Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap “i” → HTTP Proxy → Manual → Enter IP and port.

Android

Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Tap network → Proxy → Manual → Enter IP and port.

 

Need Help Choosing a Proxy Service?

If hosting your own server sounds too technical, consider a managed proxy service. Here are some top-rated ones:

• Oxylabs – 4.5★
• IPRoyal – 3.0★
• Storm Proxies – 3.0★

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With just a bit of effort, you can gain full control over your internet routing, privacy, and content access. Setting up your own proxy server might sound complex—but now you know, it’s surprisingly manageable.