Tor Browser: what it is and how to use it

Tor Browser is a Firefox-based browser maintained by the Tor Project that sends all your traffic through the Tor network and includes fingerprinting protections, HTTPS-Only and NoScript. It is for lookups that must not be tied to your IP or identity.

Overview

How do you use Tor Browser?

1. Download only from torproject.org/download, typing the address (not through a search-engine ad), and pick the version for your system. On iPhone, the Tor Project points to Onion Browser, which is a third-party app.
2. Verify the download before installing, at least the first time: compare the SHA-256 hash or, better, check the signature (.asc) with the guide at support.torproject.org/tbb/how-to-verify-signature.
3. Install, open and click Connect. If your network blocks Tor, use Configure Connection, choose the built-in bridges and select Snowflake.
4. Pick a security level under Settings, Privacy and Security: Standard, Safer or Safest. The higher it is, the fewer site features work.
5. Use HTTPS, keep the browser updated and, for .onion sites, use only addresses the site itself publishes (the Tor Project keeps a list at onion.torproject.org).

What are the limits and cautions?

• Do not install extensions, customize the browser, use torrents or log in to personal accounts while you want the session kept separate: each of these weakens or undoes the protection.
• It is much slower, and some sites block or challenge visitors coming through Tor. Without HTTPS, what leaves the exit node for the site is visible to whoever controls that node.
• The Tor Project generally does not recommend using a VPN together with Tor, because a wrong setup can break its protections. Beginners should use Tor alone; if it is blocked, use a bridge, not a VPN.

Other Browsers tools

• Mullvad Browser
• Brave

See all tools

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