• Private Internet Access, or simply PIA, also offers SOCKS5 proxy support in addition to its traditional VPN features.
• However, configuring and enabling SOCKS5 in PIA might not be exactly intuitive. We're going to show you exactly how to do it.
• Check out our VPN Troubleshooting section to discover more easy-to-follow guides.
• Find out more about Proxy servers to use them correctly

Besides its popular VPN service, Private Internet Access (PIA) also offers SOCKS5 proxy to its more tech-savvy customers who are inclined towards increased security/privacy.

However, configuring and using SOCKS5 with PIA might not be immediately obvious.

For that reason, we decided to create this short step-by-step guide that will guide you through the process.

Does PIA use SOCKS5 proxy automatically?

First and foremost, you’ll have to understand that the SOCKS5 proxy option isn’t enabled by default.

Instead, you’ll have to look around for it, configure it, and enable it manually.

We get it, you’d much likely prefer the elbow-grease-free version, but there’s nothing we can do about it, so buckle up.

How to enable PIA SOCKS5

Go to the Downloads category

Click the Re-generate button

Note that your default username and password combination won’t work with SOCKS5, so you’ll have to use the method above to ‘enable’ it.

Once you’ve jotted down the username and password, we can move on to the next step.

How to use PIA SOCKS5

Select Settings from the menu

Click the SOCKS5 radio button

Jot down the IP address of the proxy server

That’s all. In addition to PIA’s default VPN servers, using the SOCKS5 proxy will bounce your connection through an additional connection.

PIA

Need a VPN that comes with SOCKS5 proxy support? PIA could be exactly what you’re looking for.

As a result, you’ll benefit from increased privacy and a more secure connection.

PIA SOCKS5 Proxy not working?

A while ago, PIA posted a message letting its customers know that it identified an issue with the SOCKS5 proxy that could negatively impact connectivity.

If you notice that PIA has limited or no connectivity, try disabling the proxy and check again.

Is PIA SOCKS5 slow?

As we’ve explained before, using a VPN could slow down your Internet connection. That happens for a lot of factors, including but not limited to distance between you and the servers and encryption.

Naturally, bouncing your connection once more through yet another location (i.e. the SOCKS5 proxy) will further add to that distance and slow down your connection even more.

The bottom line is that a bit of slowdown is natural in this case. If you’re nearing the point where the VPN becomes unusable, try disabling the proxy or choose another server.

Final thoughts on PIA SOCKS5 proxy

All in all, if you want to boost your privacy/security, PIA’s optional SOCKS5 proxy has got you covered.

Although setting it up is not exactly intuitive, following the steps in our guide should let you enable and start using PIA’s SOCKS5 in no time.

Your connection is not secure - websites you visit can find out your details:

• 
• Your IP Address:
  

Companies can sell this information, alongside your location and internet provider name, and profit from it by serving targeted ads or monitoring your data usage.

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