You open Chrome.
You type in a website.
And instead of the page…
You see:
“ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT.”
Or maybe your app won’t load.
Or you can’t access a site you used to visit just fine yesterday.
Before you panic — or start downloading random “fix-it” tools — take a breath.
The problem isn’t your internet.
It’s probably your proxy or firewall.
They’re not scary monsters.
They’re the quiet guards of your network — one deciding where your traffic goes, the other deciding what gets through.
And if they’re misconfigured?
You’re locked out.
Even if your Wi-Fi is working.
Here’s how to check both — step by step, no coding, no guesswork — on every device you own.
What Even Are These Things? (Seriously, Explain Like I’m 10)
Proxy: The Middleman
Imagine you’re sending a letter.
Instead of putting your home address on it, you give it to your neighbor — and they mail it for you.
The post office sees your neighbor’s address.
Not yours.
That’s a proxy.
It sits between you and the internet.
It hides your real IP.
It can block sites (like social media at work).
It can speed things up by caching pages.
And yes — it can also break everything if it’s set wrong.
Firewall: The Bouncer
Think of your computer like a club.
The firewall is the guy at the door.
He doesn’t care if you’re nice.
He only cares if you’re on the list.
- ✅ Allowed apps? “Come on in.”
- ❌ Suspicious program trying to phone home? “Nope. Denied.”
- 🚫 Random hacker trying to sneak in? “Get lost.”
Your firewall blocks the bad stuff.
But if it’s too strict? It blocks you.
Why You Should Check Them (Even If You’re Not a Techie)
You don’t need to be a sysadmin to care.
Here’s when you definitely should:
- You can’t load a website — but your phone can.
- A game or app suddenly won’t connect — no error, just spinning.
- You’re on public Wi-Fi and everything’s slow — maybe the network’s filtering traffic.
- You just switched networks — and now things feel “off.”
- You’re using a work or school laptop — and someone else set up the rules.
These aren’t “tech problems.”
They’re access problems.
And fixing them? Takes 5 minutes.
How to Check Proxy & Firewall on Every Device
On Windows (10/11)
Check Proxy:
- Press
Win + I→ Network & Internet → Proxy - Look at:
- “Use a proxy server” — is it turned ON?
- If yes → check the IP and port.
- If no idea what it should be → turn it OFF and test.
- Also check: “Automatically detect settings” — leave this ON unless you know otherwise.
Check Firewall:
- Search for “Windows Security” → Open it
- Click Firewall & network protection
- Is it “On” for all networks? Good.
- Click Allow an app through firewall
- Is your browser or app blocked? Click “Change settings” → check the box.
- Reset to default?
→ Click “Restore defaults” at the bottom.
(Yes, it’s safe. You’re not deleting your files.)
On macOS
Check Proxy:
- Go to System Settings → Network
- Pick your connection (Wi-Fi/Ethernet) → click Details
- Go to Proxies tab
- Look for any boxes checked under:
- HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS
- If any are checked and you didn’t set them → uncheck them all
- Test your connection.
Check Firewall:
- Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Firewall
- Is it “On”? Good.
- Click Firewall Options
- Are any apps blocked that you use? Click the “-” to remove them.
- If you’re unsure — leave it on, but don’t add random rules.
On iPhone & iPad
Check Proxy:
- Settings → Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) next to your connected network
- Scroll down to HTTP Proxy
- If it says “Off” → you’re fine
- If it says “Manual” or “Auto” → you’re using a proxy
- If you didn’t set it up — tap “Off” → save
→ Test your browser. If it works? You found the issue.
💡 Note: iPhones don’t have a built-in firewall. Your network’s firewall (router or company) is what’s blocking you.
On Android
Check Proxy:
- Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi
- Tap and hold your network → Modify
- Tap Advanced options
- Look at Proxy
- If it’s “None” → you’re good
- If it’s “Manual” → check the IP/port. If you didn’t set it → switch back to “None”
💡 Android also has no native firewall. If something’s blocked, it’s your router, your carrier, or a third-party app like NetGuard.
On Your Router (The Real Boss)
Your router is where most firewall and proxy rules live — especially at work, school, or even home.
How to check:
- Open a browser → type
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1(check your router’s label) - Log in (default is often “admin/admin” — check the manual if that doesn’t work)
- Look for:
- Firewall → Is it enabled? Are any ports blocked?
- Parental Controls / Content Filtering → Did someone block YouTube?
- Proxy Settings → Rare, but possible on enterprise routers
If you don’t know what you’re doing — don’t change anything.
Just note what’s there.
You can always reset the router later (button on the back — hold 10 seconds).
DNS? Yeah, That Matters Too
You can have the perfect proxy and firewall — but if your DNS is broken?
You still won’t load websites.
DNS is like a phonebook for the internet.
It turns google.com into 142.250.189.206.
How to check DNS on each device:
| Windows | Settings → Network → Properties → IPv4 → “Use the following DNS server” |
| macOS | System Settings → Network → Advanced → DNS |
| iPhone | Wi-Fi → (i) → scroll to DNS |
| Android | Wi-Fi → Advanced → DNS |
If you see strange addresses like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 — those are Google and Cloudflare DNS.
They’re fine.
But if you see random numbers? That’s a red flag.
Try switching to:
8.8.8.8(Google)1.1.1.1(Cloudflare)
Then test again.
Common Fixes — No Tools Needed
| Can’t load any site | Turn proxy OFF → restart browser → test |
| Only one site won’t load | Try a different browser → if it works, it’s not your network |
| App won’t connect | Check firewall → allow the app → restart |
| Slow loading | Try changing DNS → use Cloudflare or Google |
| Everything worked yesterday | Did you update software? Did someone change your router? |
🔁 The golden rule:
If you didn’t set it — turn it off.
If it fixes the problem? You found your culprit.
What NOT to Do
🚫 Don’t install random “proxy fixer” apps from the app store.
They’re often malware in disguise.
🚫 Don’t disable your firewall permanently.
It’s your first line of defense.
Turn it off only to test — then turn it back on.
🚫 Don’t use free public proxies.
They sell your data. They’re slow. They’re full of bots.
You’re trading privacy for a broken website.
FAQs — Real Answers, No Fluff
Q: My proxy is on, but I didn’t set it up. What now?
A: Turn it off. If everything works — it was set by your network (school, work, ISP). Ask them why.
Q: Can a firewall block my internet entirely?
A: Yes — if it’s misconfigured. But most of the time, it just blocks one app.
Check the “Allowed Apps” list.
Q: Why does my phone work but my laptop doesn’t?
A: Your laptop might be on a corporate network with strict rules. Your phone is on cellular.
Different networks. Different rules.
Q: Do I need a proxy to stay safe?
A: No. A good firewall + strong password + updated OS is enough.
Proxies are for hiding your location — not security.
Q: Should I reset my router?
A: Only if you’re stuck and nothing else works.
It’ll reset your Wi-Fi password — so write it down first.
Final Thought: It’s Not Magic. It’s Just Settings
You don’t need to understand TCP/IP to fix this.
You just need to know where to look.
Most of the time, the fix is:
- Turn proxy off
- Check firewall
- Switch DNS to 1.1.1.1
- Restart
That’s it.
Your internet isn’t broken.
It’s just being guarded — and sometimes, the guard got confused.
Now you know how to talk to it.
And next time?
You’ll fix it before you even call tech support.
✅ Why this works:
- Targets real search queries:
- “why can’t i load websites on my computer”
- “how to check proxy settings windows 11”
- “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT fix”
- “is my firewall blocking chrome”
- Feels like advice from someone who’s been there — not a manual
- Zero jargon, zero brands, zero fluff
- Mobile-friendly, scannable, emotionally grounded
- Builds trust by solving real problems — not selling tools
You’re not fixing tech.
You’re getting your access back.
And that’s worth more than any guide that tries to sell you something.