How to create your own proxy server in 2026: A step-by-step guide
Greetings, friends!
If you are wondering how to create your own proxy server, you've come to the right place. In 2026, privacy and IP address cleanliness have become critically important. Public services are often overloaded or banned, so the logical way out is to figure out for yourself how to make your own proxy server based on a reliable VPS. As a rule, this will be more profitable for you because, in addition to the proxy server, you can host additional tools for work on the VPS itself, and this will be a big plus for you.
In this article, we will update our old guides and look at the simplest and most effective way to create your own proxy on modern hardware and a current OS (Ubuntu 24.04).
Why should you create your own proxy instead of buying a ready-made one?
Elite status: Your IP belongs only to you. It is not marked in databases as "Proxy/VPN," as it is a clean data center address. Also, creating your own proxy server will allow you to rent it out.
Savings: Renting a VPS at MivoCloud (or other providers) will cost 5–7 Euros, which is often cheaper than high-quality individual proxies.
Speed: Using Ryzen-based servers with a 1 Gbps port, you will forget about delays (ping). In my tests, an Intel-based proxy gives an excellent 50-75 ms.
Video Instruction: Create proxy server in 5 minutes
For those who prefer to see once rather than read a hundred times, I have prepared a detailed video.
Preparation: What do you need to make your own proxy server?
For work in 2026, we do not need complex code compilations and will not have to spend a lot of time. We will need:
VPS with KVM virtualization; below will be a video I created where I use our Hourly Cloud servers.
OS Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Dante Server — the most stable software for SOCKS5 proxies.
Instruction: How to create your own proxy server in 5 minutes
Step 1: Connecting to the server
Open a terminal on your computer and connect to the rented VPS:
ssh root@your_server_IP
I use not just a terminal for connection, but the BitVise SSH client; it's not mandatory, but for me personally, it's a more convenient way to connect.
Step 2: Installing Dante
#updating Ubuntu 24.04 packagessudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y#Installing the Dante server
sudo apt install dante-server -yStep 3: Setting up the configuration
Delete the old file and create a new one:
#Deleting the old configuration file (if it was previously created)
sudo rm /etc/danted.conf#Creating a new configuration file
sudo nano /etc/danted.confInsert the following text (optimized for Ubuntu 24.04):
logoutput: /var/log/danted.log
internal: 0.0.0.0 port = 1080
external: eth0
socksmethod: username
user.privileged: root
user.unprivileged: nobody
client pass {
from: 0.0.0.0/0 to: 0.0.0.0/0
}
socks pass {
from: 0.0.0.0/0 to: 0.0.0.0/0
command: bind connect udpassociate
log: connect error
}
Tip: Check the network interface name with the ip add command. If you don't have eth0, but, for example, enp1s0, replace it in the external line.
Step 4: Creating a user (Authorization)
#Adding a user; you can change proxyuser to any desired name
sudo useradd -m proxyuser#With this command, you set a password for the user (if you changed their name, change it accordingly)
sudo passwd proxyuserStep 5: Opening ports (UFW)
sudo ufw allow 1080/tcpsudo ufw allow 22/tcpsudo ufw enable
Step 6: Launching
#restarting the danted server
sudo systemctl restart dantedsudo systemctl enable danted
Important nuance: Why don't I see the password entry window in the browser?
This is the most common question. Many modern browsers (Chrome, Edge) have technical limitations when working with SOCKS5 authorization. If you set everything up according to the instructions, but when trying to access the site you see an ERR_SOCKS_CONNECTION_FAILED or ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error — don't be afraid.
The fact is that Chrome often cannot "call" the login and password entry window for this type of proxy. If your proxy works in Telegram, but not in the browser, it means the server is configured correctly, and it's a matter of the browser's whims. You just need to try another browser, for example, Firefox.
How to correctly use your proxy?
1. Setting up in the browser (Proxy SwitchyOmega 3)
Link to SwitchyOmega 3 — Chrome Web Store
For Google Chrome, I use the Proxy SwitchyOmega 3 extension (shown in my video). It allows you to bypass browser limitations:
Create a new profile (Proxy Profile).
Select the SOCKS5 protocol, enter your server's IP and port 1080.
Important: Click on the lock icon to the right of the port field. Enter the created login (
proxyuser) and password there.Click Apply Changes and select this profile in the extension.
2. Setting up in Telegram (The easiest way)
Telegram supports SOCKS5 natively. This is the best way to check if your server is working:
Go to Settings -> Data and Storage -> Proxy.
Click Add Proxy and select SOCKS5.
Enter IP, port 1080, login, and password.
If you see the status "Available" and a ping (for example, 71ms) — congratulations, your "elite" proxy is working!
FAQ: Briefly about the main things
How to check the proxy? Best via Telegram or Firefox (it supports authorization better than Chrome). If you use Chrome, install SwitchyOmega.
Can I add several IPs? Yes, if your hosting provider provides several IP addresses, then you can safely use them all. Here at MivoCloud, you can rent additional IPs and write them in the
externalblock of the Dante config.Is it safe? Yes, only you will be on the dedicated IP, which excludes data theft or banning by services. The main thing is that you set up a user and used an authentication method; otherwise, you risk getting your VPS disconnected because bots get access to it and will use it for purposes that usually violate the ToS of any hosting company.
Conclusion
Now you know how to create your own proxy server and why it is the best solution for work and anonymity in 2026. Remember the nuances with browsers and use the right tools for connection. A clean IP on a powerful server is a guarantee that your requests will fly!
Author of the article — Anatolie Cohaniuc