How To Configure Firefox Proxy Settings

Firefox proxy settings allow you to change your IP address, access websites restricted by region, and bypass network limitations. This can be done via the browser’s internal settings or through a dedicated extension.

Step-by-Step Guide to Browser Proxy Settings in Firefox

Proxy settings in Firefox allow you to specify network parameters without affecting system-level settings. All changes apply only to the browser and do not impact other programs.

Here’s how to change proxy settings in Firefox: follow these steps:

1. Click the three bars in the toolbar and select “Settings”.

   

2. Scroll to the bottom of the Network section and click “Settings...”.

   

3. Select “Manual proxy configuration”, then enter the IP address and port in the appropriate field for your chosen protocol. In the future, to disable a new connection, simply select the “No proxy” option.

   

4. In the exclusion field, add any addresses that should bypass the proxy and connect directly, then click “OK”.

   

5. When connecting to websites, you will see a login and password prompt. Enter the required credentials in the pop-up window.

   

Configuring Firefox Extension

If you frequently need to switch servers, connect to different IPs, or set parameters only for certain sites, it's more convenient to use specialized tools. One of the proven solutions is a Firefox add-on like FoxyProxy. It supports working with multiple profiles and offers flexible traffic routing; with this add-on, you can also set up a new connection for a single site in Firefox.

How to set it up using an extension:

1. After installing the extension, click the FoxyProxy icon in the browser toolbar.

   

2. Select the “Options” item.

   

3. Go to the “Proxies” section and click “Add”.

   

4. Set a profile name, choose the protocol type, specify the IP address, port, username/password, and then click “Save” at the bottom.

   

5. Select the newly configured server in the extension’s main window.

   

After you finish Firefox proxy settings, all browser traffic will be routed through the specified server. Disconnecting and switching between IPs can be done with a single click in the main menu.

How to Fix Proxy Settings on Firefox

When using an intermediary, you may encounter connection issues, slow website loading, or data transmission failures. Below are the most common problems and ways to resolve them.

Slow Page Loading

If websites are loading slowly or freezing, this is usually caused by an overloaded host, a weak channel, or an unstable connection. This is especially typical for free or low-quality services.

To resolve the issue, it is recommended to buy IPv4 proxies — these operate on data center infrastructure and ensure high speed.

IP Address in Browser Did Not Change

Conflicts with other extensions, especially VPNs or network connection managers, are possible. You should also check if parameters are set at the OS level – Firefox may use system configuration if the corresponding mode is enabled.

“Proxy Server Refused Connection” Error

The server is not accepting the connection – either it’s down, not working, or configured on another port. Check the connection parameters and ensure authentication is set up if required.

The Site Doesn’t Open, But Other Browsers Work

Most likely, the browser retains old connection parameters or there’s an issue with the DNS cache. Resetting the configuration and clearing the DNS cache (via about:networking#dns and the “Clear DNS Cache” button) often helps.

Browser Constantly Requests Username and Password

To avoid repeated prompts, it’s best to use extensions that support authorization, such as FoxyProxy. In such software, the username and password are entered once and stored in the profile. Alternatively, use intermediaries with IP binding if such access is available from your provider.

Username and Password for the Proxy Are Not Accepted

If your credentials are not accepted, the issue is usually either a data entry error or the proxy server is set to a different scheme (for example, authorization by IP address instead of username and password). In such cases, request clarification from your provider or, if possible, update your credentials manually.

Automatic Proxy Configuration in Firefox (PAC/WPAD)

You can configure a proxy server in Firefox using automatic configuration. There are two options: PAC file and WPAD. Both allow the browser to independently determine when and through which server to route traffic. This is convenient, for example, if the intermediary is not always used but only for specific domains.

• PAC (Proxy Auto-Config) — a JavaScript file with a function that returns the required connection parameters depending on the website address. This file is hosted on a server, and the browser receives it via a link.

• WPAD (Web Proxy Auto-Discovery) — an automatic way to find a PAC file on the local network. It is used in corporate environments via DHCP or a DNS record.

To activate and enable this option, go to the section where you configured the network settings and select the URL field for auto-configuration. Enter the link to the PAC file, for example: http://example.com/proxy.pac, and save the changes by clicking Update.

After this, the browser will use the rules specified in the PAC file. If WPAD is enabled at the network level, the path to the file will be detected automatically, without entering a URL. Note, in such case, default Firefox proxy settings will be greyed out.

Conclusion

The Firefox browser supports all major methods of working with proxy servers – from manual configuration to automatic setup and extensions with flexible scenarios. This makes it possible to precisely control the connection, adapt it for specific tasks such as bypassing restrictions, changing IP addresses, working with geo-restricted services, or securing your traffic.

FAQ

Does Firefox support proxy servers with authentication (username and password)?

Yes, when you connect, a window appears for entering your credentials. For automatic authentication, it is more convenient to use extensions that support credential management.

Do proxy settings changes in Firefox affect other browsers or system connections?

No. The browser uses its own parameters unless the “Use system settings” option is selected.

Does the proxy server work when using Firefox's “Incognito” mode?

Yes, but for extensions, you need to manually enable access to private browsing mode.