How to Configure Proxy in Proxy Switcher and Manager

November 5, 2025
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For data collection, multi-account workflows, or accessing region-specific content, it’s often more convenient to apply a proxy directly in the browser rather than via system settings. Proxy Switcher and Manager is built for this: it lets you switch between IPs on the fly, create separate profiles, and control connections without altering your OS network configuration. 

This guide covers installation and everyday use in Chrome–from choosing and configuring an intermediary server to validating the connection.

How to Use Proxy Switcher: Preparation

Have the following details from your provider ready:

  • Protocol type: HTTP(S) or SOCKS5;

  • IP address and port;

  • Username and password, if you’re using paid, higher-reliability services.

Before you start, make sure the IPs are alive (use the addon’s built-in checker). Note that the plugin doesn’t provide built-in IP rotation–switching is manual via the UI.

Install and Configure Proxy Switcher and Manager Extension

To configure the proxy switcher extension:

  1. Click the icon at the top right of the browser (next to the address bar) to open the addon.

  2. In the horizontal panel, select Manual Proxy. In Profile Name, enter a project label (for example, Test). Enter the IP address and port–the values will auto-populate the SSL and FTP rows.

  3. Set Server Type to HTTP, even if you’re using HTTPS or SOCKS5. The plugin routes connections through the browser's HTTP interface; this is required for correct traffic handling.

  4. To exclude specific resources from the new intermediary, list their addresses in Direct, separated by commas. Click the green checkmark to apply the configuration.

  5. When the browser prompts for authentication, enter your username/password and click Sign in. These credentials come from your service provider.

If you’ve saved multiple environments with different settings, choose the active one manually. Click the arrow next to Profile Name to open the list of saved configurations, then pick the profile you need.

Validate the Configuration

After enabling a new IP in Proxy Switcher and Manager, confirm the connection is active and the IP address has changed.

  1. Open the IP-check page using the link at the bottom of the addon window.

  2. Compare your current IP with the one specified in the plugin.

If the IP hasn’t changed, the intermediary is inactive or the input parameters are incorrect.

Common Issues and Fixes

Even with correct configuration in the proxy manager within Chrome, errors may occur. You can troubleshoot them yourself by understanding their causes.

What Happens

Possible Cause

How to Fix It

The IP does not change after activating the intermediary

The wrong profile is selected or incorrect parameters are specified

Check that the correct configuration option is selected. Reconnect the environment and refresh the page. Make sure the IP and port are entered correctly

The site does not open through the proxy set up in Proxy Switcher and Manager for Chrome

The server is unavailable or blocked

Make sure the IP is not blacklisted. Replace it with another one if necessary

Authorization error (407)

Incorrect username/password

Double-check the username and password in your provider’s dashboard and re-enter them in the browser’s authorization window

The connection is active, but websites load slowly or partially

Overloaded node, high latency, or limited bandwidth

Use another server with a lower load. Prefer paid solutions and proven services

The plugin does not save environments or resets settings

Software error or conflict with another proxifying addons

Remove conflicting plugins, reinstall the plugin, and re-add the necessary configuration after reinstalling

Conclusion

Proxy Switcher and Manager is a practical tool for managing connections in Chrome. It avoids OS-level changes, speeds up switching between IPs, and lets you route traffic through selected intermediaries. 

For consistent performance, choose high-quality solutions–static residential IPs from ISPs are a solid one. They provide stable connectivity and lower the chance of target sites restricting access.

FAQ

Can one addon handle multiple IPs at the same time?

No. Only one proxy profile can be active at a time. To use multiple connections concurrently, run separate browser environments with different settings.

Does the plugin include built-in proxies?

No. You add the IP and port yourself. There’s a Search button to discover free solutions, but they’re unstable and suited only for quick tests.

Can I use the extension in Incognito mode?

Yes, but you must enable it manually: open Chrome’s addons list, select the one, and toggle Allow in Incognito.

How do I configure a proxy via a .PAC file?

Open the PAC Script tab in the extension, choose to provide a URL or paste the PAC code directly, then save the settings.