Support

Answers to common questions. Still stuck? Write to support@arcticproxy.com.

Getting started

What do I need?

Access to a SOCKS5, HTTP or HTTPS proxy server: your own, your company's, or one you rent from a provider. Arctic Proxy doesn't provide proxy servers. It runs on iPhone and iPad with iOS 17 or later, and on Macs with Apple silicon and macOS 15 or later. One purchase covers all of them.

How do I add my server?

Tap Connect on Home, or + on Servers. Paste what your provider gave you into Quick fill and the fields fill themselves. These all work:

host:port and host:port:user:pass
user:pass@host:port
socks5://, http:// and https:// links
A whole list, one server per line, or a CSV export (Servers › + › Import a list)
A QR code (Servers › + › Scan QR code)

Test the server, then tap Save.

Why does iOS ask to add a VPN configuration?

Sending your traffic through a proxy uses Apple's VPN system, so iOS asks you once to allow it, then to confirm with Face ID or your passcode. iOS says that network activity “may be filtered or monitored”: it says that for every VPN app. Arctic Proxy sends your traffic only to the proxy you added, and nothing to us.

When something doesn't work

The test says “Login failed”

Check the username and password. Some providers need a prefix in the username, such as user-. Some only allow the IP addresses you've registered with them: add your current address in your provider's dashboard.

The test says “Can't reach the server” or “No answer”

Check the address and port, and that the proxy is online. If your provider only allows registered IP addresses, add the one you're on now, especially after switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

The test says “Not a SOCKS5 server” or “Not an HTTP proxy”

The server is a different kind of proxy than the type you chose. Switch the type in the server's settings, or tap “Try as…” under the test result.

The proxy works, but some sites don't load

Some providers block certain sites, and some sites refuse traffic from proxies. Add those sites to your routing so they use your own connection: Home › Routing. “Check a site” there tells you how any address is handled, and why.

Home says “Waiting for your proxy”

You're connected with Always on, but your proxy isn't answering. Sites that use the proxy wait instead of going out without it, and Arctic Proxy keeps checking. Add a backup server so it can switch over by itself, or tap the button to disconnect.

Calls or games don't work through an HTTP proxy

HTTP and HTTPS proxies can only carry web-style (TCP) connections. Apps that use UDP, such as some calls and games, need a SOCKS5 proxy that allows UDP, or can skip the proxy through your routing.

Your data

How do I move my servers to a new iPhone?

On your old device, turn on Settings › iCloud › Back up to iCloud (and Include passwords if you want them too). On the new one, open Arctic Proxy and tap Restore from iCloud. The Mac app can restore the same backup from its menu or Settings › General.

Can you see my traffic or my servers?

No. We don't operate any servers, and the app has no account, analytics or ads. See the privacy policy.

Contact

Write to support@arcticproxy.com with your device, iOS or macOS version and what the app shows. Please never send passwords; we'll never ask for them.