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How it works

SlipStream GUI’s HTTP proxy server listens on 0.0.0.0:8080, making it accessible to other devices on your local network. This allows your mobile devices to use your PC’s VPN connection by configuring them to use your PC as a proxy.
The HTTP proxy port (8080) is accessible from your network, enabling seamless VPN sharing with phones, tablets, and other devices.

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Architecture

Mobile Device (Phone/Tablet)
    ↓ Wi-Fi → HTTP Proxy Request
Your PC (127.0.0.1:8080 / LAN_IP:8080)
    ↓ SOCKS5
SlipStream Client (127.0.0.1:5201)
    ↓ Encrypted Tunnel
SlipStream VPN Server

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Prerequisites

Before setting up mobile VPN sharing:
1

Same network requirement

Your PC and mobile device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
This will not work if your phone is on cellular data or a different Wi-Fi network.
2

VPN must be running

Start the VPN on your PC by clicking “Start VPN” in SlipStream GUI.
3

Find your PC's IP address

You need your PC’s local network IP address (see below for instructions).

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Finding PC IP address

You need to know your PC’s local IP address to configure the mobile device proxy.
Option 1: Using TerminalOpen Terminal and run:
ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1
Or:
ip addr show
Option 2: System Settings
  1. Open System Settings
  2. Click Network
  3. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
  4. Your IP address is displayed (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
The IP address will typically start with:
  • 192.168.x.x (most common for home networks)
  • 10.0.x.x (some routers)
  • 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x (less common)

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iOS configuration steps

Configure your iPhone or iPad to use your PC’s VPN connection:
1

Open Wi-Fi Settings

On your iPhone/iPad, go to Settings → Wi-Fi
2

Select your network

Tap the (i) info icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network
3

Scroll to HTTP Proxy section

Scroll down to the “HTTP Proxy” section at the bottom
4

Select Manual

Tap “Manual” to enable manual proxy configuration
5

Enter proxy details

  • Server: Enter your PC’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
  • Port: Enter 8080
  • Authentication: Leave this OFF
Make sure to enter only the IP address in the Server field, not “http://” or any other prefix.
6

Save configuration

Tap “Save” in the top right corner
7

Test connection

Open Safari or any app and verify that:
  • Websites load normally
  • Traffic is going through the VPN
  • Check your IP at a site like whatismyip.com

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Disabling proxy on iOS

To disconnect from the VPN:
  1. Go back to Settings → Wi-Fi → (i)
  2. Under HTTP Proxy, select “Off”
  3. Tap “Save”
Your iOS device will route all internet traffic through your PC’s VPN while the proxy is enabled. Remember to disable it when you’re done.

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Android configuration steps

Configure your Android phone or tablet to use your PC’s VPN:
1

Open Wi-Fi Settings

On your Android device, go to Settings → Wi-Fi
2

Access network settings

Long-press on your connected Wi-Fi network name, then select:
  • “Modify network” or
  • “Network details” (depends on Android version)
3

Show advanced options

Tap “Advanced options” or expand the advanced settings section
On some Android versions, you may need to tap “Show advanced options” first.
4

Configure proxy

Under “Proxy”, select “Manual” from the dropdown
5

Enter proxy details

  • Proxy hostname: Enter your PC’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
  • Proxy port: Enter 8080
  • Bypass proxy for: Leave empty or add local addresses: 
    localhost,127.0.0.1
6

Save configuration

Tap “Save” or “Connect”
7

Test connection

Open Chrome or any app and verify:
  • Internet connection works
  • Traffic is routed through VPN
  • Check your IP address

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Android version differences

Proxy settings location may vary by Android version and manufacturer:
  • Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → (tap network) → Advanced → Proxy
  • Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → (tap gear icon) → Advanced → Proxy

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Disabling proxy on Android

To disconnect from the VPN:
  1. Go back to Settings → Wi-Fi
  2. Long-press your network → “Modify network”
  3. Expand Advanced options
  4. Set Proxy to “None”
  5. Tap “Save”

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Troubleshooting tips

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Can’t connect from mobile device

Verify same network:
  • PC and mobile device must be on the same Wi-Fi network
  • Cellular data will not work
  • Guest networks may block device-to-device communication
Try:
  • Disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi on both devices
  • Ensure you’re on the main network, not a guest network

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Connection is very slow

Possible causes:
  • Your PC is acting as a proxy, adding overhead
  • Network congestion
  • VPN server is slow or far away
  • PC performance issues
Solutions:
  1. Ensure your PC has a good Wi-Fi signal
  2. Use Ethernet on your PC if possible
  3. Close unnecessary applications on your PC
  4. Try a different DNS resolver (use DNS Checker)
  5. Check VPN server performance

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Some apps don’t work

Some mobile apps may bypass system proxy settings and won’t use the VPN.
Apps that may not work:
  • Banking apps with strict security
  • Some streaming services
  • Apps that pin certificates
  • Apps that require direct connections
Workaround:
  • These apps will use your regular connection (not VPN)
  • For critical apps, consider using a mobile VPN app instead

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IP address changed

Your PC’s IP address may change after:
  • Router restart
  • PC restart
  • DHCP lease renewal
  • Network reconnection
Solution:
  1. Find your PC’s new IP address (see “Finding PC IP address” above)
  2. Update the proxy configuration on your mobile device
  3. Save the new settings
To prevent IP changes:
  • Configure a static IP for your PC in router settings (DHCP reservation)
  • This ensures your PC always gets the same IP address

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”Proxy authentication required” error

SlipStream GUI’s HTTP proxy does not require authentication for client connections.
If you see this error:
  1. Ensure the “Authentication” field is empty or turned OFF
  2. Remove any username/password from proxy settings
  3. Re-save the configuration

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Can’t save proxy settings

On some Android devices:
  • Corporate/MDM-managed devices may prevent proxy changes
  • School-issued devices may have restrictions
  • Some carriers block proxy configuration
Solution:
  • Check with your device administrator
  • Try using a personal device instead

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Security considerations

Important security notes when sharing VPN:
  1. Trust your network: Only share VPN on trusted Wi-Fi networks you control (home, not public).
  2. All traffic routes through your PC: Your mobile device’s internet activity goes through your PC and VPN.
  3. PC must stay on: If your PC sleeps or turns off, mobile devices lose connection.
  4. Firewall configuration: Opening port 8080 on your PC may expose it to other devices on the network.
  5. No authentication: The HTTP proxy on port 8080 doesn’t require a password (anyone on your network can use it).
Best practice: Only enable VPN sharing when needed, and disable it when you’re done or leave your home network.

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Advanced: SOCKS5 authentication

While the HTTP proxy (port 8080) doesn’t support authentication, the underlying SOCKS5 proxy (port 5201) can be configured with authentication. However, most mobile devices don’t have built-in SOCKS5 support, so this is primarily useful for advanced users with specialized proxy apps. See the Advanced Settings guide for information on configuring SOCKS5 authentication.

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