Proxy servers play an important role in network use. They can not only help users protect privacy, but also improve access speed and bypass geographical restrictions. However, it is very important to know and view the IP address of the proxy server currently used by the computer, especially when troubleshooting or configuring the network. This article will detail how to check the IP address of the computer proxy server, including specific steps for Windows and Mac systems, as well as answers to some common questions.

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server is an intermediary server that sits between users and the Internet. The user's request is forwarded through the proxy server, and the target website only sees the IP address of the proxy server instead of the user's real IP address. This method can effectively protect the user's privacy and improve access speed in some cases.

Why do you need to check the IP address of the proxy server?

1. Network troubleshooting: If you encounter network connection problems, checking the IP address of the proxy server can help you determine the problem.

2. Security check: Knowing the current proxy server IP address can help you assess network security and ensure that there are no unknown proxy connections.

3. Configuration adjustment: When changing proxy settings or switching proxy servers, checking the current IP address can ensure that the configuration is correct.

4. Access Control: Some websites may restrict access to specific IPs. Knowing the proxy IP can help you adjust your access policy.

How to view the IP of your computer's proxy server

View the proxy server IP in Windows

Method 1: View through Settings

1. Open Settings:

- Click the "Start" menu and select the "Settings" icon (gear icon).

2. Go to Network and Internet:

- In the Settings window, click "Network and Internet".

3. Select Proxy:

- In the left menu, select "Proxy".

4. View Proxy Settings:

- On the Proxy Settings page, you can see the "Automatically detect settings" and "Manual settings" sections. If you use a manual proxy, you will see the IP address and port of the proxy server.

Method 2: View through the Command Prompt

1. Open the Command Prompt:

- Press `Win + R`, type `cmd`, and press Enter.

2. Enter the command:

- In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command:

```bash

netsh winhttp show proxy

```

- After pressing Enter, you will see the current proxy settings, including the IP address of the proxy server.

View the proxy server IP in the Mac system

Method 1: View through System Preferences

1. Open System Preferences:

- Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences".

2. Enter Network Settings:

- In System Preferences, click "Network".

3. Select Network Connection:

- Select the network connection you are using (such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet) in the list on the left, and then click "Advanced".

4. View Proxy Settings:

- In the Advanced Settings window, select the "Proxy" tab. Here, you can view the IP address and port of the proxy server currently in use.

Method 2: View through the terminal

1. Open the terminal:

- You can find "Terminal" in "Applications" -> "Utilities", or open it through Spotlight search.

2. Enter the command:

- Enter the following command in the terminal:

```bash

networksetup -getwebproxy Wi-Fi

```

- If you are using an Ethernet connection, replace `Wi-Fi` with `Ethernet`. This command will display the current proxy server IP address.

View the proxy server IP in Linux system

1. Open the terminal:

- You can open the terminal with the shortcut `Ctrl + Alt + T`.

2. View the environment variables:

- Enter the following command to view the current proxy settings:

```bash

env | grep -i proxy

```

- This will display all proxy-related environment variables, including the IP addresses of HTTP_PROXY and HTTPS_PROXY.

3. Using `wget` command:

- If you have configured `wget` to use a proxy, you can check it with the following command:

```bash

wget -e use_proxy=yes -e http_proxy=your_proxy_ip http://example.com

```

- Replace `your_proxy_ip` with your proxy server IP.

FAQ

1. How do I know if my proxy server is working properly?

You can check your IP address by visiting some IP address query websites such as `whatismyip.com`. If you have configured the proxy server correctly, the IP address you see should be the IP of the proxy server, not your real IP.

2. If I am not using a proxy, how can I check my real IP?

You can visit websites such as `whatismyip.com` or `ipinfo.io`, which will show your public IP address.

3. How do I change the IP of the proxy server?

In Windows and Mac systems, you can change the IP address of the proxy server through the proxy option in the settings. In Linux, you can edit the corresponding configuration file or use command line tools to update the proxy settings.

4. What are the risks of using a proxy server?

Using an untrusted proxy server can lead to data leakage or malware infection. Therefore, make sure to use a well-known and secure proxy service provider.

Checking the IP address of your computer's proxy server is an important step to understand your network connection and protect your privacy. Whether you are using Windows, Mac or Linux, the methods provided in this article can help you quickly find the information you need. By regularly checking the proxy settings, you can ensure smooth network security and access. I hope this article will help you better manage your network connections.