SOCKS5 Proxy for Vuze on macOS

Use TorGuard proxy with Vuze for anonymous BitTorrent downloads on macOS. This guide prevents your IP address from being exposed to peers and trackers.

Why Use Vuze with SOCKS5 on macOS?

Vuze is recommended for macOS users because:

Better UDP Support: Unlike uTorrent on Mac, Vuze properly supports UDP through SOCKS proxy
Advanced Features: More control over proxy settings and connection handling
Cross-Platform: Consistent experience across Windows, macOS, and Linux
Active Development: Regular updates and security patches

Prerequisites

What You'll Need:

Vuze client installed on macOS
TorGuard proxy service (included with VPN plans or standalone)
Proxy credentials from your TorGuard account

Important: Your proxy credentials differ from website login. Manage them at managecredentials.php

Step 1: Enable Advanced Mode

Switch to Advanced Interface

First, ensure Vuze is in Advanced mode to access all proxy settings:

Open Vuze application
Look for the mode selector in the interface
Select Advanced mode

Vuze Advanced Mode — Enable Advanced mode in Vuze

Step 2: Access Proxy Settings

Navigate to Proxy Configuration

Click Tools from the menu bar
Select Options...
In the left sidebar, click the arrow next to Connection to expand options
Click Proxy underneath Connection

Step 3: Configure SOCKS5 Proxy

Enter Proxy Details

1. Enable Proxy Features:

✓ Enable proxying of tracker communications [restart required]
✓ I have a SOCKS proxy

2. Server Configuration:

Host:

proxy.torguard.org or proxy.torguard.io
Or specific IP from proxy list

Port:

1080 (default)
1085 (alternative)
1090 (if others blocked)

Username:

Your proxy username

Password:

Your proxy password

3. Additional Settings:

✓ Prevent local DNS lookups
✓ Enable proxying of peer communications (outgoing connections only) [restart required]
✓ Inform tracker of limitation
SOCKS version: V5
✓ Use same proxy settings for tracker and peer communications proxy

Vuze Proxy Settings — Complete proxy configuration in Vuze

Step 4: Save and Restart

Apply Configuration

Click Save in the bottom left corner
Click File from the top menu
Select Restart Vuze
Wait for Vuze to restart with new settings

A restart is required for proxy settings to take effect properly.

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Verify Proxy Setup

Built-in Test:

Return to the Proxy settings page
Click Test SOCKS button
Look for "Connection OK" message

Test SOCKS Button — Test SOCKS button location

Connection OK Result — Successful connection test result

Additional Verification Methods

Confirm Anonymous Downloads

IP Check Torrent: Download a torrent IP checker to verify proxy IP
Connection Inspector: Use Vuze's built-in tools to monitor connections
DNS Leak Test: Ensure DNS requests go through proxy

If test shows "Connection OK" and your IP is masked, you're protected!

Troubleshooting

Connection Failed

Verify proxy server address is correct
Try alternative ports (1085 or 1090)
Check firewall isn't blocking Vuze
Ensure proxy service is active
Test with a different proxy server

Authentication Error

Double-check username/password (no spaces)
Use proxy credentials, not website login
Reset credentials at managecredentials.php
Verify service hasn't expired

Slow Downloads

Select a proxy server closer to your location
Check bandwidth limits in Vuze settings
Verify ISP isn't throttling proxy traffic
Test with different torrents/trackers

Reverting Settings

To disable proxy and return to normal:

Uncheck "Enable proxying of tracker communications"
Uncheck "Enable proxying of peer communications"
Save and restart Vuze

Support Resources

Need Help?

If you continue experiencing issues:

Note the exact error message from Test SOCKS
Check our proxy server status
Submit a ticket at support desk with test output

How to Setup SOCKS5 Proxy in Vuze on macOS