Using a proxy to view local websites on your android device

Let's say that you would rather not root your android device simply so that you can test websites on your local network. Turns out it is super easy to do if you have an ubuntu box around.

Part 1 - Setup your ubuntu box as a local proxy

1) Run this command to install squid

sudo apt-get install squid

2) Begin editing the /etc/squid/squid.conf file

3) At the very top of the http_access section, add the following

http_access allow localnet

4) Save the squid.conf file

5) Make sure squid is running

sudo start squid

6) Make sure the local /etc/hosts file has entries for the local sites you want to test

192.168.1.100 mysite.local

7) Reload the squid config (you'll need to do this anytime you update the hosts file)

sudo squid -k reconfigure

Part 2 - set the proxy settings on your android device

1) From home, press the menu-soft touch key

2) Choose settings

3) Go to "Wireless and network"

4) Then go to "Wi-Fi settings"

5) Press the menu soft-touch key again

6) Choose "Advanced"

7) For proxy, enter the IP of your ubuntu box

8) For port, enter 3128 (unless of course you changed this in the squid.conf file)