How to Manually Setup HTTP Proxy in Firefox

Prerequisites

• Firefox browser (latest version recommended)
• Active TorGuard proxy service subscription
• TorGuard proxy username and password
• Access to TorGuard proxy network page

TorGuard Proxy Server Options

Step 1: Open Firefox Settings

Access Firefox settings using one of these methods:

1. Menu Method: Click the ☰ (hamburger menu) → Settings
2. Keyboard Shortcut:
   • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + ,
   • macOS: ⌘ + ,
3. Address Bar: Type about:preferences

Step 2: Navigate to Network Settings

In the Settings page:

1. Scroll down to the "Network Settings" section
2. Click the "Settings..." button

Step 3: Configure Manual Proxy

In the Connection Settings dialog:

1. Select "Manual proxy configuration"
2. Configure your proxy settings based on protocol:

For HTTP Proxy:

• HTTP Proxy: Enter TorGuard server (e.g., uk.proxy.torguard.org)
• Port: 8080
• Check "Also use this proxy for HTTPS"

For SOCKS5 Proxy:

• SOCKS Host: Enter TorGuard server
• Port: 1080
• Select "SOCKS v5"

Additional Settings:

• Check "Proxy DNS when using SOCKS v5" (for SOCKS5)
• Check "Do not prompt for authentication if password is saved"
• Check "Enable DNS over HTTPS" for extra privacy

Configure Proxy Exceptions

In the "No proxy for" field, add addresses that should bypass the proxy:

localhost, 127.0.0.1, 192.168.0.0/16, 10.0.0.0/8, .local

This ensures:

• Local development servers remain accessible
• LAN resources don't go through proxy
• Internal network services work properly

Step 4: Save Configuration

Click "OK" to save your proxy settings and close the dialog.

Step 5: Enter Authentication

When you first browse to a website:

1. Firefox will prompt for proxy authentication
2. Enter your TorGuard proxy credentials:
   • Username: Your TorGuard proxy username
   • Password: Your TorGuard proxy password
3. Check "Remember password" to avoid re-entering

Step 6: Verify Proxy Connection

Confirm your proxy is working:

1. Visit TorGuard's What's My IP
2. Verify:
   • IP address has changed to proxy location
   • ISP shows as proxy provider
   • "Protected" status is displayed

Advanced Configuration Options

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) Settings

For enhanced privacy, configure DoH:

1. In Network Settings, enable "Enable DNS over HTTPS"
2. Choose provider:
   • Cloudflare (default)
   • NextDNS
   • Custom: https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query

Automatic Proxy Configuration

For corporate environments with PAC files:

1. Select "Automatic proxy configuration URL"
2. Enter PAC file URL: http://proxy.company.com/proxy.pac
3. Click "Reload" to fetch configuration

System Proxy Settings

To use Windows/macOS/Linux system proxy:

• Select "Use system proxy settings"
• Configure proxy at OS level
• All applications will use same proxy

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication Keeps Failing

• Check credentials: Ensure using proxy username (not email)
• Password manager: Clear saved passwords in Firefox
• Account status: Verify active subscription
• Credential reset: Manage credentials

Websites Won't Load

• Server status: Check proxy server status
• Port numbers: Verify correct ports (8080 for HTTP, 1080 for SOCKS5)
• Firewall: Ensure proxy ports aren't blocked
• Try different server: Switch to another location

Some Sites Bypass Proxy

• Check exceptions: Review "No proxy for" settings
• WebRTC leak: Disable WebRTC in about:config
• DNS leak: Enable "Proxy DNS when using SOCKS v5"
• Clear cache: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Delete

Slow Browsing Speed

• Server location: Choose geographically closer server
• Protocol: Try SOCKS5 instead of HTTP
• Peak hours: Avoid congested servers during peak times
• Disable DoH: Test without DNS over HTTPS

Firefox-Specific Proxy Features

Container-Specific Proxies

With Firefox Multi-Account Containers:

1. Install Container Proxy extension
2. Assign different proxies to different containers
3. Isolate browsing contexts with unique proxies

about:config Tweaks

Advanced proxy settings in about:config:

Quick Proxy Switching

Keyboard Shortcuts

Create quick toggle:

1. Install Proxy Toggle extension
2. Set hotkey (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+P)
3. Toggle proxy on/off instantly

Bookmark Method

Create bookmarklets for different proxies:

// Enable proxy
javascript:void(Services.prefs.setIntPref('network.proxy.type', 1));

// Disable proxy  
javascript:void(Services.prefs.setIntPref('network.proxy.type', 0));

Security Considerations

1. HTTPS websites: Always check for padlock icon
2. Credential storage: Use Firefox master password
3. Public WiFi: Essential to use proxy on untrusted networks
4. WebRTC: Disable to prevent IP leaks
5. DNS leaks: Test regularly at DNS leak test

Manual Proxy vs VPN