How to Set Up SOCKS5 Proxy in Firefox: Ultimate Guide

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you two methods to set up a SOCKS5 proxy quickly in Mozilla Firefox.

First, we’ll show you how to configure the proxy natively. Then, we’ll show you how to use a third-party extension named “FoxyProxy.”

Set up SOCKS5 Proxy natively on Firefox

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With that being said, let's start now:

Step 1: Go to Firefox’s settings

1. Click the Firefox configuration menu on the right to access the menu
2. Open Firefox’s settings by clicking on “Settings.”

Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom to access the “Network Settings”

Step 3: Check the “Manual proxy configuration” box. Fill the SOCKS Host field with your provider information (URL, IP, and port).

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If your proxy provider has an IP Whitelisting feature, you are now connected to your proxy.

You can test the proxy with https://browserleaks.com/dns.

As you can see, your IP address is hidden. But, when using a native proxy connection with Firefox, you have a DNS leak

The following section explains how to prevent this issue and be anonymous using a popular extension, “FoxyProxy.”

Set up SOCKS5 Proxy on Firefox with FoxyProxy

You just learned how to configure Firefox natively. However, you'll quickly realize this method has a few downsides:

• Compatibilities issues ;
• DNS leaks ;
• It is hard to switch between multiple profiles ;

This section will show you how to quickly enhance your workflow. We will use one of the most popular proxy extensions: FoxyProxy.

Head up to the FoxyProxy download page to download the extension, then follow our guide :

Step 1: Download the extension and add the extension to your browser:

1. Click on “Add to Firefox”
2. Review all the permissions granted to FoxyProxy and click on “Add” to confirm
3. Don’t forget to check the box to allow the extension to run in private mode if you need it. Then click on “Okay” to finish the installation

Step 1b (optional): Pin the extension directly to your toolbar for quick access

1. Click on the “Extension” ic
2. Click on the “Setting” icon
3. Select “Pin to Toolbar” to pin the extension to the toolbar for quick access

Step 2: Open the extension and click on “Options” to open FoxyProxy’s dashboard

Step 3: Head up to the “Proxies” tab to configure your proxy

Step 4: Connect to your proxy

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💡 The extension’s icon should change and indicate that you are now using the proxy. It should look like the following:

You are now all setup and can freely and anonymously browse the web.

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How to test your proxy connection

We cover two methods to use a SOCKS5 proxy in Firefox. How can we ensure that your proxy is enabled?

Luckily, It’s a simple verification. Head up to https://browserleaks.com/ip with and without the proxy activated. You will see that your IP is getting updated.

I can see that my new IP is different with the proxy enabled and that I’m well located in Spain as configured in my proxy.

You can also run a DNS Leak test to check if your DNS servers are safe:

Thanks to anyIP.io, I can see that both my IP and my DNS are located in Spain. Hence, my session is entirely located in Spain.

💡 For those who used FoxyProxy, you can also use the tool available directly in the extension:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

You may encounter a few common issues, such as :

My proxy is not connecting?

If you’re having trouble connecting to your proxy, check if you have the correct hostname/IP port.

Take the time to double-check your credentials (username/password).

Firefox keeps asking for a username and password

As mentioned, Mozilla Firefox is incompatible with SOCKS5 Proxy. SOCKS5 Proxy requires username and password authentication. Before using a proxy provider, ensure it can handle the IP Whitelisting authentication method.

Connection refused or server not responding

Suppose your credentials and proxy information are correct. In that case, I suggest contacting your proxy provider to check if their services are still working correctly.

How to quickly get SOCKS5 proxy using anyIP.io

You can access SOCKS5 proxies with ease through anyIP.io expanding network. Plus, the 24/7 support is here to assist you anytime, ensuring seamless service round the clock.

What is a SOCKS5 proxy, and how are they working with Firefox?

A SOCKS5 proxy is a type of proxy. It enables users to bypass network restrictions. They can also maintain their anonymity while browsing the internet.

SOCKS stands for Socket Secure. An internet protocol routes network packets between a client and a server through a proxy server. A SOCKS5 proxy will allow you to access geo-restricted content. It can also improve internet security and hide your IP address.

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