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

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 with uTorrent, open Options > Preferences > Connection

Disable UPnP and NAT-PMP

Proxy Type: SOCKS5
Proxy: socks-ca.vpn.ac or socks-nl.vpn.ac (Canada or Netherlands)
Port: 8010 (we're not using the default 1080)
Authentication: Enabled, add your VPN user and password

Use proxy for hostname lookups: Enabled
Use proxy for peer-to-peer connections: Enabled

Disable all local DNS lookups: Enabled
Disable features that leak identifying information: Enabled
Disable connections unsuported by the proxy: Enabled

Screenshot with correct settings:

Take precautionary steps against IP leaking by disabling peer exchange. Open Preferences > BitTorrent

Enable DHT Network: Disabled
Enable DHT for new torrents: Disabled
Enable Local Peer Discovery: Disabled
Enable Peer Exchange: Disabled

Screenshot with correct settings: