This guide describes the steps to setup a SOCKS5 proxy connection with qBittorrent.

Important notes:

• SOCKS5 is a clear-text proxy, meaning that it won't encrypt your traffic.
• Its only purpose is to improve the privacy when using torrent clients, not exposing your real IP. However, proxy support in torrent clients can be buggy and may still establish direct connections, by-passing the proxy settings. Disabling DHT and PEX in torrent client, as well as disabling IPv6 on your physical network adapter is recommended.
• In most cases, it is faster than a VPN connection.
• The SOCKS5 proxy is currently available (in Beta) in Canada (socks-ca.vpn.ac) and Netherlands (socks-nl.vpn.ac).

To setup a SOCKS5 proxy connection in qBittorrent, open Tools > Options > Connection

Use UPnP / NAP-PMP port forwarding from my router: Disabled
Proxy Server Type: SOCKS5
Host: socks-ca.vpn.ac or socks-nl.vpn.ac (Canada or Netherlands)
Port: 8010 (we're not using the default 1080)

Use proxy for peer connections: Enabled
Disable connections not supported by proxies: Enanled
Authentication: add your VPN username and password

Screenshot with correct settings:

Take precautionary steps against IP leaking by disabling peer exchange.

Open Tools > Options > BitTorrent

Disable UPnP, DHT, Peer Exchange and Local Peer Discovery and enable Anonymous Mode.

Screenshot with correct settings: