How to Configure Proxy Settings with Cinnamon Desktop on Linux Mint

Linux Mint, known for its user-friendly interface and stability, is a popular choice among Linux users. If you are using the Cinnamon Desktop environment and need to configure proxy settings, whether for privacy, security, or accessing restricted content, this guide will help you set up a proxy on your Linux Mint system.

Why Use a Proxy on Linux Mint?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. Configuring a proxy in Linux Mint can help you:

• Improve privacy by masking your IP address
• Bypass geo-restrictions on websites and services
• Enhance security by filtering harmful content
• Control network access in a corporate or institutional setting

Methods to Configure Proxy Settings in Linux Mint Cinnamon

There are multiple ways to configure proxy settings on Linux Mint Cinnamon, including:

1. Using the Cinnamon GUI (Graphical Interface)
2. Configuring Proxy via Environment Variables
3. Using a Proxy with Specific Applications
4. Setting up Proxy via Terminal for System-wide Use

Let’s go through each method in detail.

1. Configuring Proxy Settings via Cinnamon Desktop GUI

The Cinnamon Desktop environment provides a graphical interface to configure proxy settings easily.

Step 1: Open Network Proxy Settings

1. Click on the Menu button in the bottom-left corner.
2. Search for Network and open the Network settings.
3. In the Network Settings window, locate the Network Proxy tab on the left side.

Step 2: Choose a Proxy Configuration Method

You will see three main options:

• None: No proxy is used (default).
• Manual: Allows you to enter proxy server details manually.
• Automatic: Uses a PAC (Proxy Auto-Configuration) file.

Manual Proxy Setup

1. Select Manual.
2. Enter the proxy server details for different protocols:
   • HTTP Proxy: Enter the server address and port (e.g., 192.168.1.1:8080).
   • HTTPS Proxy: Enter details if different from HTTP.
   • FTP Proxy: Used for FTP connections.
   • Socks Host: If using a SOCKS proxy, enter the host and port.
3. If authentication is required, enable the “Use authentication” option and enter your username and password.
4. Click Apply system-wide to ensure the settings are used across the system.

Automatic Proxy Setup (PAC File)

1. Select Automatic.
2. Enter the URL of the PAC file provided by your network administrator.
3. Click Apply system-wide to activate the settings.

2. Configuring Proxy via Environment Variables

Another way to configure a proxy is by setting environment variables. This method is useful if you need the proxy to work in the terminal and command-line applications.

Step 1: Edit Bash Profile or Environment File

To apply the proxy settings for all users, edit the /etc/environment file:

sudo nano /etc/environment

Add the following lines, replacing <proxy_address> and <port> with your actual proxy server details:

http_proxy="http://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
https_proxy="https://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
ftp_proxy="ftp://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
no_proxy="localhost,127.0.0.1"

Save the file (CTRL+X, then Y, then ENTER).

Step 2: Apply Changes

For the changes to take effect, reboot your system or reload the environment variables:

source /etc/environment

3. Configuring Proxy for Specific Applications

Some applications require proxy settings to be configured separately. Here are a few examples:

1. Firefox Browser

1. Open Firefox.
2. Go to Settings → General.
3. Scroll down to Network Settings and click Settings.
4. Select Manual proxy configuration and enter your proxy details.
5. Click OK to apply changes.

2. Google Chrome & Chromium

For Chrome or Chromium-based browsers, start them with a proxy command:

google-chrome --proxy-server="http://<proxy_address>:<port>"

Alternatively, install a Chrome extension like “Proxy SwitchyOmega” for easier management.

3. APT Package Manager (for Installing Software via Terminal)

If you use apt to install software, configure its proxy settings:

sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/proxy

Add:

Acquire::http::Proxy "http://<proxy_address>:<port>/";
Acquire::https::Proxy "https://<proxy_address>:<port>/";

Save and exit.

4. Setting Up Proxy via Terminal for System-wide Use

If you prefer using the terminal to configure the proxy system-wide, you can use these commands.

Setting Proxy Temporarily in Terminal

For a temporary proxy (session-based), run:

export http_proxy="http://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
export https_proxy="https://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
export ftp_proxy="ftp://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
export no_proxy="localhost,127.0.0.1"

This setting is only active for the current terminal session.

Setting Proxy Permanently

To make the changes permanent, add the export commands to the .bashrc or .bash_profile file:

nano ~/.bashrc

Add:

export http_proxy="http://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
export https_proxy="https://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
export ftp_proxy="ftp://<proxy_address>:<port>/"
export no_proxy="localhost,127.0.0.1"

Save the file and reload the settings:

source ~/.bashrc

Testing Proxy Configuration

After configuring your proxy, test if it’s working.

1. Check IP Address via Terminal

Run:

curl ifconfig.me

This will return your public IP. If the proxy is configured correctly, it should display the proxy server’s IP instead of your real one.

2. Verify Proxy in Web Browser

Visit https://whatismyipaddress.com/ in your browser to confirm your IP address has changed.

3. Test APT Proxy Configuration

Run:

sudo apt update

If it fetches package lists successfully, the proxy settings are correctly configured.

Conclusion

Setting up a proxy on Linux Mint Cinnamon can be done through the graphical settings, environment variables, or individual applications. Whether you need a proxy for privacy, security, or bypassing restrictions, following these methods will ensure you have a smooth browsing and networking experience.

Would you like to automate proxy switching or troubleshoot common proxy issues? Let me know in the comments! 🚀