Proxy SwitchyOmega in 2026: The ZeroOmega Guide

There used to be a long list of “solid” Chrome extensions that promised to make proxy management easier that disappeared faster than a free VPN trial. Proxy SwitchyOmega is one of those that managed to stick around (well, that’s both true and false). A popular proxy manager for devs, scrapers, and network testers — essentially anyone who actually needs control or just doesn’t like digging through Chrome’s settings every time they switch IPs.

The original SwitchyOmega is gone from the Chrome Web Store and hasn’t been maintained since 2018. The GitHub repo literally says “No longer maintained” at the top. That said, the project didn’t die so much as it got reborn. ZeroOmega (also known as Proxy SwitchyOmega 3) picked up where the original left off, rebuilt for modern browsers. The project has over 7,000 GitHub stars, 29 releases under its belt, and sits at version 3.4.5. It runs on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and even Firefox for Android.

So, let’s jump into what SwitchyOmega is, what ZeroOmega does differently, and whether it’s worth installing..

What Is Proxy SwitchyOmega?

As a proxy manager browser extension, SwitchyOmega allows you to create multiple profiles, define which websites you want to route through proxies, and switch on the fly when needed. No constant toggling, no OS-level hacks, and no digging through about:config.

With its support for all standard protocols like HTTP(S) and SOCKS, you can build rules, utilize PAC scripts, and separate profiles for QA, geo checks, web scraping, or whatever you’re trying to run. If you’re a tab mogul and test things all day, it’ll save you some time.

Why SwitchyOmega Still Matters in 2026

The quick answer? Speed and control. 

The beauty of SwitchyOmega is that it caters to your needs. You decide where the traffic goes. Personal tabs on direct, work tabs on a proxy, a few domains on a different pool. One click to switch between them, no browser restarts. Everything remains succinct, no need to break the whole system just because you forgot to undo a system proxy.

The backstory is worth knowing if you’re confused about why the extension you’re looking for doesn’t seem to exist anymore. Google started disabling Manifest V2 extensions on Chrome stable in late 2024 and completed the removal in August 2025 with Chrome 139, which stripped out all remaining MV2 support including the enterprise policy workaround. Every extension that hadn’t migrated to the new standard was automatically disabled and pulled from the Web Store. The original SwitchyOmega never made that migration. This isn’t a case of the developer losing interest (well, technically it is, since the project was abandoned years prior), but the Manifest V3 deadline is what finally made the original uninstallable.

ZeroOmega was built specifically to fill that gap, rewriting the extension’s internals for Manifest V3 while keeping the interface and workflow identical. It’s available on Chrome, Edge, Firefox desktop, and Firefox for Android. So if you’re looking for a clear, quick, rule-based proxy setup in your browser, the SwitchyOmega workflow is very much alive. It just has a different name now.

Proxy SwitchyOmega Key Features

The popularity of SwitchyOmega was not accidental, it rose up the ranks due to one simple fact. It nailed the basics. It offered a clean and uncluttered interface, flexibility with setup, and rules that actually made sense. Let’s take a look at what made this extension what everyone else tried (and mostly failed) to copy.

Multi-Protocol Support

HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5. You can run just about any proxy type through SwitchyOmega without much hassle. Even when using a service that provides you with mixed protocols or rotating endpoints, SwitchyOmega handles it without breaking your session every 10 minutes.

Rule-Based Proxy Switching

This thing rules, literally. You essentially tell SwitchyOmega which domains should be using specific proxies, like routing web scraping traffic through one pool while ensuring everything else sticks to direct. Saves you the hassle of having to manually switch profiles each time you change tasks.

PAC Scripts

If you’re a bit more of an advanced user, Proxy Auto-Configuration (or PAC) scripts are supported as well. What this essentially means is that you can create scripts to control all proxy logic dynamically, which is great for devs, QA testers, or anyone running multiple automated workflows.

Proxy Profiles and Quick Switching

SwitchyOmega allows you to create as many profiles as you need and switch between them on the fly. No more scrolling through cluttered browser menus or having to retype IPs and ports every time.

Backup, Restore, and Gist Sync

You can always rest assured that your configs are safe with SwitchyOmega’s backup and restore feature. Never lose your setup after a reinstall or a crash. It isn’t flashy, but if you’re managing a dozen rotating proxies, the backup button feels like gold.

ZeroOmega takes this a step further with Gist Sync. You can sync your proxy configuration through a GitHub Gist, which means if you work across multiple machines or reinstall browsers regularly, you don’t have to manually export and import .bak files anymore. Link your Gist once and your profiles stay current everywhere.

Dark Mode

A small one, but worth mentioning. ZeroOmega added support for custom themes in light, dark, and auto modes. You can even modify the UI with custom CSS if you’re into that. If you spend all day staring at browser settings (and let’s be honest, some of us do), it’s a welcome addition.

Firefox for Android Support

This one is actually a bigger deal than it sounds. Most proxy management extensions are desktop-only because Chrome mobile doesn’t support extensions at all. ZeroOmega, however, is available on Firefox for Android (requires Firefox for Android 120.0 or later). If you’ve ever needed to switch proxies on your phone without messing with system-level VPN settings, this is one of very few extensions that actually lets you do it.

How to Install Proxy SwitchyOmega in 2026

Getting SwitchyOmega installed used to be confusing because the original was gone from Chrome but still floating around on Firefox. The simplest advice in 2026: install ZeroOmega on whatever browser you’re using. It’s available everywhere that matters.

Install on Chrome or Edge (ZeroOmega v3)

If you’re using any Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, etc.), ZeroOmega is your only option, and it’s a good one. It’s been built for Manifest V3 from the ground up, supporting the same features and keeping the familiar SwitchyOmega layout.

To install:

1. Navigate to the Chrome Web Store (or the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store) and search for “Proxy SwitchyOmega 3 (ZeroOmega).” Make sure the listing links to the zero-peak GitHub repository. There are similarly named extensions on the store that have been flagged by users for suspicious behavior, so double-check before installing.
2. Add it to your browser like you would any other extension.
3. Pin it to your toolbar for quick access and switching.
4. Open the extension, create your first profile, and save your setup.

That’s pretty much it. The interface is almost a carbon-copy of the original, so if you’ve used SwitchyOmega at all, you’ll feel right at home. The current version is 3.4.5.

Install on Firefox Desktop (ZeroOmega v3)

ZeroOmega is also available on Firefox through the Mozilla Add-ons Store. Search for “ZeroOmega” and install it the same way you would any Firefox extension.

1. Click Add to Firefox.
2. Make sure to grant the requested permissions.
3. Set up your proxy profile and import rules if you’ve used SwitchyOmega before.

A note on the original: the legacy SwitchyOmega extension (version 2.5.10) is technically still listed on the Mozilla Add-ons Store, but it hasn’t been updated since January 2018 and the project is officially abandoned. There’s no reason to install it over ZeroOmega at this point unless you have a very specific compatibility reason.

Install on Firefox for Android

ZeroOmega works on Firefox for Android, which makes it one of the few proxy management extensions you can use on a phone. You’ll need Firefox for Android 120.0 or later.

1. Open Firefox on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the Mozilla Add-ons store and search for “ZeroOmega.”
3. Install it and configure your profiles the same way you would on desktop.

The interface is adapted for mobile, but the core functionality is the same. If you travel a lot or need to switch proxies on the go without fiddling with system-level VPN configurations, this is worth knowing about.

How to Configure Proxy SwitchyOmega Profiles

Once you’ve actually got the extension installed, it’s time for the real fun: setting it all up. This is where it goes from “just another extension” into a properly tuned proxy hub.

SwitchyOmega runs on profiles. Think of them as containers for your proxy configs. You can create as many profiles as needed for each of your connection types or use cases, and navigate between them with the click of a button.

TTo create a new proxy profile:

1. Open the SwitchyOmega “dashboard” (click the extension, then navigate to “options”).
2. Click on the “New Profile” button and give it a name, something descriptive and easy to keep up with (i.e. “US Mobile Proxy”, “Scraping Pool”, etc.)
3. Select the proxy protocol (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, or SOCKS5).
4. Enter your proxy IP, port, and if need be, the username and password.
5. Finally, hit “Apply Changes” and test the connection.

If everything loads correctly, congrats, your first profile is live. You can make as many profiles as you want, so go wild.

Create and Manage Multiple Proxy Profiles

Manually managing multiple proxy profiles tends to be tedious, but SwitchyOmega keeps it simple. You can keep a library of proxies and just flip through them depending on the task at hand.

For example:

• Work Profile: Direct connection for company dashboards.
• Scraper Profile: Rotating mobile proxies for web scraping.
• Testing Profiles: Datacenter proxies for load testing.
• Bypass Profile: Direct connection for sensitive logins.

Each of these profiles can have their own PAC rules or site lists, and you can switch between them straight from the toolbar or extension dropdown.

Set Up Auto Switch Rules and PAC Scripts in SwitchyOmega

This is where things get clever. Auto Switch mode allows you to define which proxy gets used automatically based on the site (or pattern) you visit.

Let’s say you want all social media traffic to route through your mobile proxy, but you want everything else to stay direct. You can set up a rule that does just that, no manual switching required.

To set it up:

1. Create an “Auto Switch” Profile.
2. Under “Switch Rules” add conditions like *instagram.com* or *reddit.com*
3. Assign each domain pattern to your specified proxy.
4. Set a “default profile” for everything else.

Need more control? You can also use PAC scripts. These scripts use JS logic to determine which proxy to use based on dynamic conditions, think IP ranges, country codes, subdomains and more. It’s extremely powerful when you’re managing complex routing, but very much overkill otherwise.

Backup and Restore Your Proxy Settings

As mentioned earlier, SwitchyOmega has a built-in import/export tool that allows you to save your configs as .bak files. If you need to reinstall your browser or are trying to sync setups across multiple devices, just import that file and you’re golden.

On ZeroOmega, you also have the option to use Gist Sync instead of managing backup files manually. Either approach works; Gist Sync is just more convenient if you’re already using GitHub.

It takes about 30 seconds and saves you the hassle of rebuilding everything from scratch, which, if you’ve put in the time fine-tuning dozens of profiles, you’ll thank yourself for later.

ZeroOmega Across Browsers: What’s Different Where

ZeroOmega works on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Firefox for Android. The experience is mostly the same everywhere, but there are a few platform-level differences worth knowing about.

Chrome and Edge

• Built for Manifest V3 from the ground up.
• Doesn’t support SOCKS authentication (this is a Chrome/Chromium limitation, not the extension’s fault).
• Supports Gist Sync for cloud-based configuration backup.
• Slightly faster to load, though less flexible with system-level proxy overrides.

Firefox Desktop

• Supports SOCKS authentication natively, which remains a genuine advantage for users who need it.
• Integrates into Firefox’s native proxy settings.
• The interface can occasionally glitch on macOS.

Firefox for Android

• Same core functionality as desktop.
• Requires Firefox for Android 120.0 or later.
• One of very few proxy extensions that actually works on mobile.

The short version: if you need SOCKS authentication, Firefox is the way to go. If you want the broadest Chromium compatibility and Gist Sync, Chrome or Edge. If you want proxy management on your phone, Firefox for Android is your only real option.

Common Proxy SwitchyOmega Issues and Fixes

Although SwitchyOmega does a lot right, there are a few problems you can run into along the way. Most of them aren’t terminal and can be solved with a couple of checks.

The extension doesn’t connect through your proxy. Double-check the proxy type (HTTP vs SOCKS) and the credentials. A single typo in your username or port will break the whole thing. Also make sure you’ve actually selected the correct profile in the toolbar. It’s easy to configure everything perfectly and then leave the extension set to “Direct.”

Rules not automatically applying. Ensure your “Auto Switch” profile is actually active in the toolbar. A lot of people set up their rules, save them, and then wonder why nothing’s happening, only to realize they’re still on a static profile.

DNS queries leaking past the proxy. This is a common one that people don’t realize is happening. Chrome’s Secure DNS setting (you’ll find it under chrome://settings/security) sends DNS queries directly to a DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare, completely bypassing your proxy. So your actual browsing traffic might be routed correctly while your DNS lookups are still going through your real connection, which leaks your location. If you’re using a proxy for privacy or geo-targeting, turn off “Use secure DNS” or set it to use your proxy’s DNS instead.

SOCKS5 proxy authentication failing on Chrome. This trips people up constantly, and it’s the most common complaint in ZeroOmega’s GitHub issues. Chrome doesn’t support SOCKS proxy authentication natively. The extension can’t fix what the browser itself won’t allow. You have three options: switch to HTTP or HTTPS proxies that support username/password auth, ask your proxy provider to use IP whitelisting instead of credentials, or use Firefox where SOCKS authentication works without issues.

Slow page loads. Try turning off “Auto Switch” mode temporarily. Complex rulesets or invalid PAC scripts can tank performance. If pages speed up with Auto Switch off, the problem is in your rules, not the extension itself. Simplify them or check for patterns that match too broadly.

Frequent disconnects. If your proxy connection keeps dropping, check whether your proxy provider has session time limits or idle timeouts. Some rotating proxies are designed to drop and reassign IPs after a set period. That’s not SwitchyOmega’s fault; it’s how the proxy is configured. If you need persistent sessions, make sure your proxy supports sticky sessions and that you’ve configured the correct endpoint for them.

SwitchyOmega Pros and Cons

So, you’ve looked at this blog and decided “I don’t have time to read this.” Fair. Here’s the short version.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Clean and simple interface that actually makes sense.
• Handles HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS proxies.
• Works on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Firefox for Android.
• Actively maintained through ZeroOmega with regular releases.
• Gist Sync for configuration backup across machines.
• One of the only proxy extensions that works on mobile (via Firefox for Android).

Cons:

• No built-in IP rotation management. The extension switches proxy profiles, not individual IPs within a rotation pool. Your provider handles that.
• Doesn’t handle SOCKS authentication on Chrome or Edge (browser limitation).
• PAC scripts and advanced setups can be confusing for new users.
• Occasional UI bugs on macOS.
• Won’t isolate browser sessions or fingerprints (it’s a proxy manager, not an antidetect browser).

The pros still outweigh the cons if you need real proxy controls inside your browser.

Best Alternatives to Proxy SwitchyOmega in 2026

If SwitchyOmega doesn’t jive with your workflow, there are a few options worth checking out. For a full list, we have an article about the best proxy extensions.

• Proxidize Browser Extension: A lightweight proxy extension that lets you import and bulk-add proxies.
• FoxyProxy: The closest competitor, available on both Chrome and Firefox. Simpler setup with fewer customization options, but it’s been around for two decades and has a track record to show for it.
• Proxyverse: A newer, open-source extension built from scratch on modern web extension standards. Supports one-click profile switching and rule-based traffic splitting, and it’s available on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Fair warning: it’s still in early development (v1.3.1, 99 GitHub stars) with features like Safari support still on the roadmap. Worth watching, but not a full replacement yet.
• Proxy Switcher & Manager: Light, with fewer features, but does the job for basic proxy rotations.

SmartProxy (by salarcode): An open-source extension on GitHub that automatically enables or disables your proxy based on site patterns. Simpler than SwitchyOmega by design. Not to be confused with the Smartproxy/Decodo commercial proxy provider’s branded extension, which is a different product entirely.

Final Thoughts

Is Proxy SwitchyOmega still worth using in 2026? Definitely. The name on the Chrome Web Store has changed, but the tool hasn’t lost a step.

ZeroOmega carries forward the reliability, flexibility, and no-nonsense approach that made SwitchyOmega the default proxy extension for years. It’s simple, not wrapped in “premium” nonsense, and doesn’t spy on your traffic. It just works. The fact that it now runs on mobile through Firefox for Android is a genuine bonus that most people don’t know about.

The one thing SwitchyOmega won’t do is isolate your browser sessions. It switches your proxy, but your cookies, fingerprints, and session data are still shared across tabs. If you need full profile isolation for multi-account work, you’re looking for an antidetect browser instead. For everything else, ZeroOmega remains the simplest, most reliable way to manage proxies in your browser.

So yeah, the SwitchyOmega workflow is still kicking in 2026, and if history’s anything to go by, it’ll probably outlive plenty of the “new-gen” tools claiming to replace it.

---

Frequently Asked Questions