When you search “proxy” on the Chrome extension store, you will be offered hundreds of options. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming, but it can also cause concerns about whether they are safe and reliable.

It is not always easy to find a Chrome proxy service, and you may end up with one that is unstable, slow, or even harmful to your network security. So, in this article, we will go over the basics of Chrome proxy extensions and how to find the best one!

What is a Proxy Extension, and How is it Useful?

A proxy extension is a browser add-on or extension used to set up a proxy for the browser. Simply put, a proxy extension is useful for configuring your browser’s proxy. It comes in handy when you need to change proxies regularly and want to evade the hassles that come with it.

These extensions hide your IP address and are very fast, making it possible to quickly tweak your IP address so you can access a server with geo-restriction with just a few clicks. The good thing is that you won’t have to change your usual proxy setting to do this.

Switch off the proxy browser extension after gathering what you need from the other server. This will automatically change to your normal proxy service. Hence, proxy extensions are useful for anyone who needs to quickly switch between different locations to access geo-blocked content. They automate the proxy setup process.

Is a Chrome Proxy Extension Safe and Reliable?

A Chrome proxy extension, in a nutshell, shields the connection between your IP address and the sites you surf. However, technical difficulties are unavoidable, just as they are with any other type of networking solution.

The most typical proxy issue is having too many of your proxy IP addresses blocked. It is usually caused by not employing the proper type of proxy. Changing to a residential proxy server will most likely help.

Another common issue is when your proxy extension is not correctly configured for the Chrome browser. When this occurs, your proxy settings are most likely incorrect. You can change your network configuration in your proxy dashboard.

At times, your proxy may simply stop working. The best way to test this is to use the proxy on a different browser or device. If you are still facing the very same issue, the proxy company’s servers are most likely offline, and you’ll have to wait.

The security of Chrome proxy extensions can be another issue that you may encounter if you use unreliable extensions. In some instances, hackers and cybercriminals can use these extensions to leak users’ private information without their knowledge.

While there are several ways to test their connection security, almost all of them are too complex and difficult to work with. Therefore, to protect yourself, ensure that you use a proxy extension from a reputable company, such as Oxylabs.

Oxylabs: A Secure Chrome Proxy Extension

Oxylabs is one of the leading proxy providers, renowned for providing premium residential and data centre proxy services. With over 100 million IPs on their networks, Oxylabs covers countries in multiple locations like the USA, Europe, Canada, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

The dynamic IP mechanism ensures that certain websites do not place you on the blacklist. Such a tool is particularly valuable for web scraping or other strategic operations. Plus, you can use the Oxylabs real-time crawler for extracting difficult targets in real-time.

Oxylabs also provides static non-rotating residential IP addresses, allowing you to have the advantages of both datacenter and residential servers. And, because the IP addresses are obtained directly from ISPs, you will get an unrivalled service in terms of speed and reliability.

Oxylabs also provides a Chrome extension that works best with Oxylabs proxy servers and other proxy servers as well. This means that you can use it to manage proxies regardless of the proxy provider.

Also, this extension allows you to switch between different proxies or HTTPS with a one-click connection. Plus, it lets you add unlimited proxies and can lock your IP address to prevent IP blocks.

Something that stands out about this proxy extension is that users can change the proxy session without changing their username. This is a useful feature for those using Oxylabs Residential proxy.

Security Guaranteed

Aside from how easy it is to install and run the Oxylabs Chrome extension, the security factor cannot be overlooked. Security is assured with this proxy provider to ensure your online transactions and IP address are hidden.

It features a rotating IP mechanism that prevents you from being easily tracked by websites. Usually, your IP address is protected by a protocol that offers end-to-end security for online transactions and communications. You also don’t have to worry about your true online identity since Oxylabs hides your IP address under its IP address.

That being stated, you should not be worried about your network’s security when using Oxylabs proxy services. Whether you use a data centre or residential proxy, your online privacy and confidentiality are guaranteed by Oxylabs.

How to Use Oxylabs Proxy Extension

Simply go to the Web Store and search for the Oxylabs extension to install it on your Chrome browser. Click the “Add to Chrome” button, and it will automatically be added to the browser. You can also download it from the official website.

Now that the extension has been installed in the Chrome browser, the next step is to configure a proxy server. When you click the Oxylabs icon, then the “Add new proxy” button should be visible. Click the button and you will be taken to the Manage Proxies window.

To create a new proxy configuration, you must first enter some information. Each proxy setting will require a unique set of credentials, which you can obtain from the official website. An essential thing to remember here is to hit “Save Changes” once you are done configuring a proxy.

You can also add numerous proxies, allowing you to easily swap between proxy IP addresses. Simply click the “connect” button, and your connection will be redirected to the other proxy.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a Chrome Proxy Extension that is both secure and reliable, Oxylabs is the way to go. With a great uptime, top-notch security, and a massive proxy pool, you can rely on Oxylabs’ performance to meet your personal and business demands.