If you've set up a proxy server on your Mac to browse the internet anonymously or for other reasons, but now want to disable it, the process is relatively straightforward. Whether you're using macOS Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, or the latest version, the steps to turn off proxy settings are similar. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Access System Preferences

First, open the System Preferences app on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder, or you can simply click the Apple logo in the menu bar and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Network Settings

In System Preferences, click on "Network" to access the network settings.

Step 3: Select Your Connection

On the left side of the Network window, you'll see a list of your network connections, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth PAN. Select the one you're currently using or the one you want to disable the proxy for.

Step 4: Configure Proxy Settings

Click on the "Advanced" button at the bottom right corner of the window. This will open a new window with various options.

Scroll down to the "Proxies" tab. Here, you'll see different types of proxy settings, such as Web Proxy (HTTP), Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS), SOCKS Proxy, and more.

Step 5: Disable Proxy Servers

To disable all proxy servers, uncheck the box next to "Auto Proxy Discovery" and "Automatic Proxy Configuration." This will ensure that your Mac no longer uses any automatically configured proxy settings.

If you want to disable specific proxy servers, such as the Web Proxy (HTTP), uncheck the box next to it. You can also click on the "Select a Protocol" dropdown menu and individually disable other types of proxies if needed.

Step 6: Apply Changes

After making your changes, click on the "OK" button to save them. You'll then need to click on "Apply" in the main Network window to apply the new settings.

Step 7: Test Your Connection

To ensure that the proxy settings have been disabled successfully, you can visit a website that displays your IP address. Compare the displayed IP address with the one you're expecting (your actual IP address, not the proxy's). If it matches, it means the proxy has been successfully disabled.

Disabling proxy settings on a Mac is a simple process that involves accessing the System Preferences, navigating to the Network settings, selecting your connection, and then modifying the proxy settings. Remember to test your connection after making changes to ensure that the proxy has been successfully disabled.