Product
Pricing
arrow
Get Proxies
arrow
Use Cases
arrow
Locations
arrow
Help Center
arrow
Program
arrow
pyproxy
Email
pyproxy
Enterprise Service
menu
pyproxy
Email
pyproxy
Enterprise Service
Submit
pyproxy Basic information
pyproxy Waiting for a reply
Your form has been submitted. We'll contact you in 24 hours.
Close
Home/ Blog/ How to configure HTTP and HTTPS proxy using Nginx Proxy Manager?

How to configure HTTP and HTTPS proxy using Nginx Proxy Manager?

PYPROXY PYPROXY · Jun 17, 2025

Nginx Proxy Manager is a powerful tool designed for managing reverse proxy configurations, handling both HTTP and HTTPS traffic efficiently. This tool provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easier for administrators to set up and maintain proxies without diving deep into complex configurations. The main appeal of Nginx Proxy Manager is its simplicity and the flexibility it offers for controlling incoming web traffic. In this article, we'll explore the steps required to set up both HTTP and HTTPS proxy using Nginx Proxy Manager, helping you secure and optimize your web services.

What is Nginx Proxy Manager?

Nginx Proxy Manager is a web-based interface for managing Nginx, a high-performance web server and reverse proxy. Nginx is widely used in the industry for load balancing, HTTP caching, and acting as a reverse proxy server. By utilizing Nginx Proxy Manager, administrators can handle complex proxy configurations without the need to manually edit configuration files. It provides features like SSL certificate management, reverse proxy setups, and a streamlined dashboard for efficient management.

Why Use Nginx Proxy Manager for HTTP and HTTPS Proxy?

The primary reason to use Nginx Proxy Manager is the ease of configuring HTTP and HTTPS proxies with an intuitive web interface. This tool helps reduce the complexity of server management by providing automated options to secure communication between clients and servers. It supports SSL certificates, offers a graphical interface to monitor proxy statuses, and integrates easily with Docker containers. Additionally, it can handle multiple domain configurations, which is essential for businesses running several web applications.

Using Nginx Proxy Manager also ensures that sensitive data is transmitted securely with HTTPS, protecting it from potential eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks. Furthermore, it allows for efficient load balancing and high availability, ensuring your web applications remain accessible even during high traffic loads.

Steps to Set Up HTTP Proxy with Nginx Proxy Manager

Step 1: Install Nginx Proxy Manager

To begin, the first step is to install Nginx Proxy Manager. If you're using a system with Docker installed, the easiest way to deploy Nginx Proxy Manager is by using a Docker Compose file. Docker allows you to easily spin up containers for Nginx Proxy Manager, making the installation process seamless.

Once installed, you can access the Nginx Proxy Manager interface through a browser by navigating to the IP address and port where it is hosted.

Step 2: Configure HTTP Proxy

To set up an HTTP proxy:

1. Log into the Nginx Proxy Manager interface.

Once logged in, you will be presented with a dashboard where you can manage your proxies.

2. Navigate to the 'Proxy Hosts' section.

Here, you'll be able to define new proxy hosts by clicking on the "Add Proxy Host" button.

3. Enter the details for the proxy host.

In the configuration form, you need to specify the domain or subdomain to which the proxy will route traffic. For HTTP proxying, set the protocol to HTTP, and provide the IP address or internal network address of the backend server you want to forward traffic to.

4. Set up access control.

You can specify access control settings like whitelisting or authentication, ensuring that only authorized clients can access the services behind the proxy.

5. Save the configuration.

Once everything is configured, click "Save" to apply the settings. The proxy will now route incoming HTTP traffic to the backend server.

Step 3: Test the HTTP Proxy

After configuration, it's important to test the proxy. Open a browser and navigate to the domain or subdomain you configured. If set up correctly, you should be directed to the backend service. Make sure to test various paths and confirm that the proxy handles the traffic as expected.

Steps to Set Up HTTPS Proxy with Nginx Proxy Manager

Step 1: Obtain an SSL Certificate

Before you can configure HTTPS proxying, you'll need an SSL certificate for encryption. Nginx Proxy Manager can automatically generate SSL certificates for you using Let's Encrypt. Alternatively, you can upload your own certificates if you already have them.

1. Navigate to the SSL Certificates section in the Nginx Proxy Manager dashboard.

Here, you can add a new SSL certificate by entering the required details for domain validation.

2. Choose the 'Let's Encrypt' option for automatic SSL generation.

When using Let's Encrypt, simply enter your domain and email address, and Nginx Proxy Manager will automatically request a certificate.

Step 2: Configure HTTPS Proxy

Once you have the SSL certificate in place:

1. Go to the 'Proxy Hosts' section again.

As with HTTP configuration, click the "Add Proxy Host" button to create a new proxy.

2. Set the protocol to HTTPS.

This time, select HTTPS as the protocol, and enter the backend server's details just as you would for HTTP.

3. Enable SSL settings.

In the SSL section, select the SSL certificate you generated or uploaded. You can enable SSL redirection to ensure all HTTP traffic is redirected to HTTPS, ensuring secure communication.

4. Save the configuration.

Click "Save" to apply the changes. The HTTPS proxy should now route encrypted traffic to the backend server.

Step 3: Test the HTTPS Proxy

Once everything is configured, test your HTTPS proxy by navigating to the domain using "https://" in the browser. If everything is set up correctly, the browser should indicate a secure connection (usually marked by a padlock icon in the address bar).

Advanced Features for Enhanced Proxy Management

Nginx Proxy Manager comes with several advanced features that allow for more control over your proxies:

1. Access Control:

Nginx Proxy Manager supports various access control mechanisms, such as IP whitelisting or HTTP authentication. This ensures that only authorized users can access your services behind the proxy.

2. SSL/TLS Settings:

The ability to manage SSL certificates, including automatic renewal for Let's Encrypt certificates, ensures that your proxies remain secure over time.

3. DNS Management:

You can manage DNS records directly within the Nginx Proxy Manager, simplifying the process of mapping domains to your proxies.

4. Load Balancing:

Nginx Proxy Manager allows you to set up load balancing for high availability, distributing traffic evenly across multiple backend servers.

Configuring HTTP and HTTPS proxies with Nginx Proxy Manager is a straightforward process that offers a user-friendly experience, especially for those who prefer a graphical interface over manual configuration. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently set up secure, high-performance proxies for your web services. Additionally, Nginx Proxy Manager's support for SSL certificates, access control, and advanced proxy management features makes it an invaluable tool for administrators looking to streamline and secure their web infrastructure.

Related Posts

Clicky