Your proxy username and password are usually stored in your device settings, not sent to you in an email

A proxy is a server that sits between your device and the internet. When your employer, school, or internet provider routes your traffic through a proxy, you need credentials to connect — but those credentials live on your device, not in a separate account portal. If you set up the proxy yourself, you chose the username and password. If someone else set it up for you, you will need to find where it was stored or ask the person who configured it.

The location and method depend on what device you are using and which process needs the proxy. A proxy for your entire computer works differently from a proxy for a single web browser or app. This guide covers the most common places to look and what to do if you cannot find them.

Key Takeaways

  • Proxy credentials are stored on your device in network settings or within individual apps, not in a separate online account you can reset.
  • On Windows, check Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy; on Mac, check System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then Advanced > Proxies.
  • If a browser or app set up the proxy, the credentials are usually stored within that process's settings, not in your operating system.
  • If you did not set up the proxy yourself, contact the person or organization that configured it — they may have the password or be able to reset it.
  • Some proxies use your existing username (like your work email) rather than a separate proxy-specific password.

Finding proxy settings on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet. In the left sidebar, select Proxy. You will see two sections: Automatic proxy setup and Manual proxy setup. If Manual proxy setup is turned on, the proxy server address will be listed there, but the username and password field will be empty or hidden for security reasons.

To see the actual password, you cannot retrieve it from this screen — Windows does not display stored passwords in the proxy settings panel. If you set up the proxy yourself, you should have written down the password somewhere. If your workplace or school set it up, you will need to contact your IT department or help desk and ask them for the proxy credentials. They can either tell you the password or reset it and give you a new one.

Finding proxy settings on Mac

On macOS, open System Settings and go to Network. Select your active connection (usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click Advanced. Go to the Proxies tab. You will see checkboxes for different proxy types — Web Proxy (HTTP), find Web Proxy (HTTPS), SOCKS Proxy, and others. If any are checked, the proxy server address will be shown, but again, the password field will not display the actual password for security.

Like Windows, macOS stores the password but does not show it to you in the settings interface. If you need the password, check your own records or contact whoever set up the proxy. Some organizations store this information in a password manager or send it through a find channel when the proxy is first configured.

Finding proxy settings in your web browser

Most web browsers use the system proxy settings from your operating system (Windows or Mac), so checking your device settings first is usually the right move. However, some browsers and applications set up their own proxy independent of the system settings.

In Chrome, go to Settings > System > Open your computer's proxy settings. This will take you back to the Windows or Mac settings described above. In Firefox, go to Settings > General > Network Settings and scroll to the bottom. If a proxy is configured, you will see the server address, but Firefox also does not display the stored password. In Safari on Mac, proxy settings are in System Settings, not in Safari itself.

If a specific process (like Slack, Teams, or a VPN client) set up the proxy, look in that process's Settings or Preferences for a Proxy or Network section. Some applications store the proxy password within their own credential storage, separate from your device settings.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If the proxy was set up by your employer, school, or internet service provider, contact their IT support or help desk. Explain that you need the proxy username and password for your device or process. They can verify your identity and either provide the credentials or reset them. Most organizations have a standard process for this because employees and students regularly need to reconfigure devices or set up new ones.

If you set up the proxy yourself but forgot the password, check whether you saved it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass, or your browser's built-in password manager. Search for the proxy server address or the word "proxy" in your password manager. If you still cannot find it, you may need to reset the proxy on your device and reconfigure it with a new password that you write down or store securely.

Understanding proxy authentication types

Not all proxies use a separate username and password. Some proxies authenticate using your existing credentials — for example, your work email address and the password you already use to log into your company network. In this case, you would not have a separate "proxy password" to find; you would use your regular work login.

Other proxies use certificate-based authentication instead of a username and password. Your device stores a digital certificate that proves you are authorized to use the proxy, and no password is involved. If your organization uses this method, the certificate was installed on your device when the proxy was set up, and you do not need to retrieve a password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my proxy password myself?

No. Proxy passwords are not tied to an online account you can access. You cannot reset them through a website or self-service portal. If you forgot the password, contact the person or organization that set up the proxy — they control the proxy server and can reset your credentials.

Why does my device ask for a proxy password when I connect to Wi-Fi?

Your device is asking because it has a proxy configured for that network, but the stored password has expired, been changed, or is incorrect. Check your proxy settings to confirm the server address is still correct, then contact your network administrator for the current password.

Is my proxy password the same as my work or school password?

Not always. Some organizations use your work or school login for proxy authentication, but others create a separate proxy-specific password. Ask your IT department which one applies to you. If you are unsure, try your work or school password first.

What if I see a proxy server address but no username field?

Some proxies do not require authentication — they are open to anyone on the network. Others use certificate-based authentication instead of a username and password. If you are having trouble connecting, contact your IT support to confirm whether this proxy requires credentials and what type.

Can I remove the proxy if I do not need it anymore?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and turn off Manual proxy setup. On Mac, go to System Settings > Network > Advanced > Proxies and uncheck all proxy types. However, if your workplace or school requires the proxy, removing it may disconnect you from company or school resources. Ask your IT department before making changes.