imgur-proxy

A network-level Imgur proxy for UK users, built with Gluetun, Nginx, and AdGuard Home. Routes all Imgur traffic through a VPN exit node transparently - no client configuration required.

📖 Full write-up on my blog: makes.swakes.co.uk

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Overview

Imgur geo-blocks UK users. Rather than running a VPN on every device, this setup intercepts Imgur DNS requests at the network level and proxies traffic through a VPN-connected Docker container. Every device on your LAN gets working Imgur images automatically.

📱 Device requests i.imgur.com
        ↓
🛡️ AdGuard returns 192.168.1.200
        ↓
⚙️ Nginx receives on port 443, reads SNI header
        ↓
🔒 Gluetun tunnels through PIA VPN (Netherlands)
        ↓
✅ Real i.imgur.com responds - no UK block

Requirements

• Docker & Docker Compose
• AdGuard Home (or Pi-hole) as your network DNS
• Private Internet Access subscription
• A free IP on your LAN (e.g. 192.168.1.200)

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Setup

1. Create the macvlan Docker network

docker network create -d macvlan \
  --subnet=192.168.1.0/24 \
  --gateway=192.168.1.1 \
  --ip-range=192.168.1.200/32 \
  -o parent=eth0 \
  imgur-macvlan

Replace values to match your LAN. Check your interface with ip link.

2. Clone this repo

git clone https://github.com/pqpxo/imgur-proxy.git
cd imgur-proxy

3. Create your .env file

cp .env.example .env

Edit .env with your PIA credentials:

PIA_USER=your_pia_username
PIA_PASSWORD=your_pia_password
SERVER_REGIONS=Netherlands

4. Deploy

docker compose up -d

5. Add AdGuard DNS rewrites

In AdGuard Home → Filters → DNS rewrites, add:

Domain	Answer
i.imgur.com	192.168.1.200
imgur.com	192.168.1.200
www.imgur.com	192.168.1.200

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File Structure

imgur-proxy/
├── docker-compose.yml
├── nginx.conf
├── .env.example
└── README.md

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Verifying It Works

From any device on your network (not the Docker host):

curl -vI --resolve imgur.com:443:192.168.1.200 https://imgur.com

Check the X-Served-By header - it should show an Amsterdam or Frankfurt cache node, not London (LCY).

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Notes

• The Docker host itself cannot reach the macvlan IP - this is a known Linux macvlan limitation. All other LAN devices work fine.
• The Nginx stream {} block does TCP passthrough only - TLS is never terminated, traffic is never decrypted.
• imgur.com main site may still return 403 errors - Imgur have largely abandoned it as a platform. The real value here is i.imgur.com image loading in Reddit threads, forums, and READMEs.
• To change VPN region, update SERVER_REGIONS in .env and run docker compose down && docker compose up -d.

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License

MIT