How to Remove Proxy in Chrome: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

October 27, 2025 by Staff Writer

When your browser starts acting strangely—loading pages slowly, displaying connection errors, or redirecting unexpectedly—one possible culprit could be a proxy setting gone wrong. While proxies are often useful for managing network traffic or maintaining privacy, sometimes they can interfere with normal browsing. That’s why knowing how to remove proxy in Chrome can save you a lot of time and frustration. Let’s dive into a simple, clear process to reset your browser and regain control of your internet connection.

Understanding What a Proxy Is and Why It Matters

Before you start adjusting Chrome’s settings, it’s helpful to know what a proxy actually does. Think of a proxy as a middleman between your computer and the websites you visit. When you connect through a proxy, your requests are routed through another server before reaching their destination. This setup can be beneficial for security, load management, or anonymity.

However, if a proxy is misconfigured or added without your consent—sometimes by software or a network administrator—it can cause delays, connection issues, or even security warnings. The good news? You can easily check and remove any unwanted proxy configurations directly through Chrome or your computer’s network settings.

Signs That a Proxy May Be Interfering with Chrome

You might not realize a proxy is active until your browsing experience changes noticeably. Here are some common indicators that it’s time to remove or reset your proxy settings:

Web pages take too long to load or fail to open.
Chrome shows messages like “No internet connection” even though your Wi-Fi is fine.
You’re redirected to unfamiliar websites or see odd pop-ups.
Your browser’s home page or search engine changes without permission.
You receive repeated connection errors while using public networks.

If any of these sound familiar, removing the proxy in Chrome might restore your normal browsing flow.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Proxy in Chrome on Windows

Chrome doesn’t manage proxy settings internally—it uses your operating system’s configuration. So, removing a proxy means changing the settings through Windows or macOS. Here’s how to do it in Windows:

1. Open Chrome Settings:
Launch Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Settings.

2. Access System Settings:
Scroll down and click System. Then select Open your computer’s proxy settings. This action will open the Windows proxy configuration panel.

3. Adjust the Proxy Settings:
In the Internet Properties window, navigate to the Connections tab and click LAN settings.

4. Disable Proxy Server:
Under Proxy server, uncheck the box that says Use a proxy server for your LAN. Ensure the Automatically detect settings box remains checked.

5. Save and Restart:
Click OK, then Apply, and restart Chrome to make sure the changes take effect.

That’s it! Chrome will now connect directly to the internet without routing through a proxy.

How to Remove Proxy in Chrome on macOS

If you’re using a Mac, the process looks slightly different but follows the same logic.

1. Open System Preferences and choose Network.

2. Select your active network connection (for example, Wi-Fi) from the sidebar.

3. Click Advanced…, then navigate to the Proxies tab.

4. Deselect any proxy options that are checked, such as Web Proxy (HTTP) or Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS).

5. Press OK and Apply to save your new settings.

After completing these steps, relaunch Chrome and test your connection by visiting a few websites.

Reset Chrome Settings to Default (Optional Method)

If the problem persists even after removing the proxy, resetting Chrome to its default state may help. This action clears unwanted extensions and restores original settings.

Here’s how:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset in your browser’s address bar.

2. Choose Restore settings to their original defaults.

3. Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

This won’t delete your bookmarks or saved passwords, but it will remove extensions and temporary configurations that could be causing trouble.

Manual Proxy Removal for Advanced Users

In rare cases, malicious programs can lock your proxy settings so you can’t modify them from Chrome or Windows menus. If that happens, you can remove proxy entries manually via the Windows Registry or command prompt. However, this should be done cautiously.

Method	Description	Command/Path
Command Prompt	Disable proxy using system commands	`netsh winhttp reset proxy`
Registry Editor	Delete proxy entries manually	`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings`
Group Policy	For enterprise users, reset enforced proxy settings	`gpedit.msc > User Configurations > Windows Components > Internet Explorer`

Always back up your system before editing registry files to avoid damaging important configurations.

Using Chrome Extensions to Detect Proxy Issues

Sometimes it’s not a system-wide setting but a browser extension that redirects your traffic. Certain plugins or add-ons can modify how Chrome connects to the web.

To troubleshoot:

1. Go to chrome://extensions/

2. Disable all extensions and restart the browser.

3. Re-enable them one by one until you find the culprit.

Once identified, remove the suspicious extension permanently.

The Role of Reliable Proxy Providers

Not all proxies are problematic. In professional environments, proxies are vital for managing traffic securely and efficiently. The issue usually arises when they are poorly configured or sourced from unreliable providers. Choosing a trustworthy proxy service ensures you have full control over your setup and can easily enable or disable connections when needed.

For users who require reliable and high-performance proxy solutions, Proxys offers a range of premium services suitable for both individuals and businesses. With transparent configuration options and real-time support, you can avoid the connectivity issues that often accompany free or outdated proxy sources.

Checklist: After Removing Proxy from Chrome

Here’s a quick list to confirm everything is functioning properly after you’ve made the changes:

✅ Pages load quickly without delays or errors.

✅ You can connect to websites you previously couldn’t access.

✅ Your IP and network configuration remain stable.

✅ Chrome doesn’t redirect unexpectedly.

✅ Automatic detection remains enabled for dynamic networks.

If all boxes are ticked, congratulations—you’ve successfully removed the proxy in Chrome and restored seamless browsing.

Troubleshooting: When Problems Persist

If your internet still doesn’t work after removing the proxy, the issue might not be Chrome itself. It could be related to:

DNS cache issues (flush it using ipconfig /flushdns).
Outdated network drivers.
A security program or firewall overriding your settings.
Malware that re-enables proxy configurations automatically.

Running a malware scan and checking your antivirus settings may help identify and eliminate the problem.

Conclusion: Regain Full Control of Your Browsing

Knowing how to remove a proxy in Chrome empowers you to manage your own connection efficiently. It’s not just about fixing slow pages—it’s about ensuring that your internet traffic isn’t being misdirected or limited without your knowledge.

By following these steps, you can reset your network path, restore your browsing speed, and maintain a safer, more transparent connection experience. And if you do decide to use a proxy later, make sure it’s one you can fully trust and configure easily—like the professional-grade solutions offered by Proxys.

With just a few clicks, you can take back control and enjoy a faster, smoother Chrome experience.