Tor Browser

The internet has become a necessity for work, communication, and information, but it also comes with a significant threat: the erosion of privacy. Whether it’s websites tracking your browsing habits, governments surveilling your activity, or hackers looking to exploit your data, protecting your privacy is more crucial than ever. The Tor Browser is one solution that helps users stay anonymous online by preventing surveillance, tracking, and censorship.

Developed by the Tor Project, Tor Browser allows you to use the internet without exposing your location or identity by routing your traffic through a volunteer-operated network. It’s built on Mozilla Firefox and has several modifications specifically for anonymity and privacy. But how exactly does Tor work, how do you use it, and what are the common pitfalls?

How Does Tor Browser Work?

Tor (The Onion Router) works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a series of randomly selected servers (also known as nodes) around the world. This creates layers of encryption, similar to the layers of an onion, which is where the name comes from.

Each time you access a website through Tor Browser, your request goes through a minimum of three nodes:

1. Entry Node: The first node that knows your IP address but doesn’t know your destination.
2. Middle Node: The second node in the chain that relays your traffic but cannot see where it came from or where it’s going.
3. Exit Node: The final node that decrypts the last layer of encryption and forwards the traffic to the destination server. The exit node sees the destination, but it does not know the identity of the original user.

This method ensures that no single node knows both your identity and the website you are accessing dark web, making it nearly impossible for anyone to trace your activities.

However, while Tor provides strong identity theft privacy protection, it’s not a silver bullet for security. Since the exit node has the ability to read unencrypted traffic, websites that don’t use HTTPS could expose sensitive information to the exit node. Therefore, it’s vital to use encrypted connections (look for the “HTTPS” in the website URL) whenever possible.

How Can I Verify Tor Browser’s Signature?

Before installing Tor Browser, it’s important to verify the authenticity of the file you’ve downloaded. This ensures that the browser has not been tampered with by malicious actors. Every Tor Browser package is signed by the developers using PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), a widely-used encryption program.

Here’s how to verify the digital signature:

1. Download the Signature: When you download the Tor Browser installer from the official website, also download the .asc file (the signature file). The .asc file is what you will use to verify the main Tor Browser file.
2. Install a PGP Tool: Depending on your operating system, you will need a PGP tool:
   • Windows: Download and install Gpg4win, a suite of encryption tools including GnuPG.
   • macOS: Install GPGTools, which allows for easy PGP integration with macOS.
   • Linux: Most Linux distributions come with GnuPG pre-installed, so you won’t need to install anything extra.
3. Obtain the Tor Developers’ Public Key: To verify the signature, you need the public key of the Tor developers. You can download it from the official Tor website or import it directly into your PGP tool using a command like gpg –keyserver keys.openpgp.org –recv-keys.
4. Verify the Signature: Using your PGP tool, verify the signature with a command or by following the instructions provided by your tool. If the verification is successful, it means the file is authentic and safe to install.

This step is essential to avoid installing a compromised version of Tor Browser, especially given the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting privacy tools.

How Do I Install Tor Browser?

Once you’ve verified the file, it’s time to install Tor Browser. The installation process differs slightly depending on the operating system.

Installing Tor Browser on Windows

1. Download the .exe File: Visit the official Tor Project website, download the Tor Browser installer, and verify the file if desired.
2. Run the Installer: Double-click the .exe file and follow the installation prompts. You can choose the installation directory, though the default location (usually in the Downloads or Desktop folder) works fine.
3. Launch Tor Browser: After installation, you can launch Tor Browser from the Desktop shortcut or the installation folder. The browser will automatically connect to the Tor network, and you’ll be ready to browse securely.

Installing Tor Browser on macOS

1. Download the .dmg File: Navigate to the Tor Project website and download the appropriate installer for macOS.
2. Verify the File: If desired, verify the file’s signature following the steps outlined above.
3. Install the Browser: Open the .dmg file and drag the Tor Browser icon into the Applications folder. After installation, you can open Tor Browser from the Applications folder and start browsing.

Installing Tor Browser on Linux

1. Download the .tar.xz File: Go to the Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser package for Linux.
2. Extract the Package: Extract the downloaded file using the terminal or a file manager. Once extracted, navigate to the folder and run the ./start-tor-browser.desktop script to start the browser.

How Do I Uninstall Tor Browser?

Tor Browser is portable, meaning it doesn’t modify your system’s settings or install files outside of its own directory. Uninstalling Tor Browser is straightforward.

Uninstalling on Windows

• Navigate to the folder where you installed Tor Browser (usually in the Desktop or Downloads folder).
• Simply delete the entire folder. Tor Browser doesn’t create registry entries or modify your system in any way, so removing the folder completely uninstalls the browser.

Uninstalling on macOS

• Drag the Tor Browser icon from your Applications folder to the Trash.
• Empty the Trash to complete the uninstallation. Optionally, you can also delete the TorBrowser-Data folder located in ~/Library/Application Support/.

Uninstalling on Linux

• Delete the folder where you extracted Tor Browser. Since Tor Browser is a self-contained package, there are no additional files or configurations to remove.

How Do I Update Tor Browser?

Tor Browser regularly releases updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve security. Keeping the browser updated is essential to maintaining your privacy.

There are two ways to update Tor Browser:

1. Automatic Updates: By default, Tor Browser checks for updates automatically. When an update is available, you will see a prompt in the browser. Click the update button, and the browser will download and install the new version.
2. Manual Updates: If automatic updates fail, you can manually update Tor Browser by downloading the latest version from the official website. Simply delete your old Tor Browser files and install the new version following the same steps as the initial installation.

I Downloaded and Installed Tor Browser for Windows, But Now I Can’t Find It

If you installed Tor Browser on Windows but can’t locate it, don’t panic. It’s likely an issue with the installation directory.

• Check the Installation Folder: By default, Tor Browser installs to the Downloads or Desktop folder, but you might have accidentally chosen another directory during installation. Use the Windows search function to look for “Tor Browser.”
• Create a Shortcut: If you find the installation folder but don’t see a Desktop shortcut, you can create one manually. Navigate to the folder, right-click the torbrowser.exe file, and choose “Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).”

If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall Tor Browser, ensuring you choose an easy-to-remember location for the installation.

What Are the Most Common Issues with the Latest Stable Version of Tor Browser?

While Tor Browser is an excellent tool for privacy, it’s not without its challenges. Here are some of the most common issues users face with the latest stable version:

1. Connection Issues

Many users experience difficulty connecting to the Tor network. This is often due to restrictive firewalls, network censorship, or using Tor in regions where the network is blocked. In these cases, users can configure Tor to use a bridge—a special entry point that isn’t publicly listed.

2. Slow Browsing Speeds

Tor routes your traffic through multiple nodes to anonymize it, which can significantly slow down your connection speed. Users used to the speed of regular browsers might find this frustrating, especially when accessing media-heavy websites.

3. Incompatibility with Some Websites

Some websites block Tor traffic entirely, making it impossible to access them via Tor Browser. Others, like CAPTCHAs, might challenge Tor users excessively, resulting in a poor browsing experience.

4. Video Playback Issues

Tor Browser blocks many scripts and plugins by default for security reasons, which can interfere with video playback on some websites. Disabling JavaScript or using a plugin may help, but doing so can reduce your security.

I Need Tor Browser in a Language That’s Not English

Tor Browser supports a wide range of languages, allowing users from different regions to access the internet securely in their native tongue.

• Change the Language During Installation: When you first install Tor Browser, you’ll be prompted to choose a language.
• Change the Language Later: If you want to change the language after installation, you can download a different language version from the Tor Project website or adjust the settings in the browser by going to “Preferences” > “Language” and selecting your desired language.

Which platforms is Tor Browser available for?

Tor Browser is available for several operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Currently, the Tor Browser can be installed on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices. Each of these platforms offers full functionality and supports the privacy and security features provided by the Tor network.

Windows, macOS, and Linux Support

The most popular platforms for Tor Browser are desktop systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. These operating systems offer easy installation and are compatible with the majority of Tor Browser’s features. For Linux, users can choose from a variety of distributions to run Tor, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and others.

Android Support

For Android devices, the Tor Project provides a dedicated Tor Browser, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the official Tor Project website. In addition to Tor Browser, The Guardian Project offers an app called Orbot, which routes all internet traffic from any Android app through the Tor network, enhancing privacy even further.

iOS Alternatives

Unfortunately, there is no official version of the Tor Browser for iOS devices at the moment. However, iOS users can still benefit from some privacy features by using the Onion Browser, which is recommended by the Tor Project as the closest alternative. Though it doesn’t have all the same functionalities as Tor Browser, Onion Browser still provides some level of anonymity.

Can I download Tor Browser for Chrome OS?

Currently, Tor Browser does not have an official version for Chrome OS. However, Chrome OS users can still install the Android version of the Tor Browser on their devices, provided they enable Android apps on their Chromebook. This gives them access to a mobile version of Tor Browser, which works similarly to its desktop counterpart but is optimized for mobile interfaces.

One caveat is that by using the Android version on Chrome OS, you will be viewing mobile versions of websites rather than full desktop sites. Additionally, since the Android version of Tor Browser has not been specifically audited for Chrome OS, users cannot be certain that all the privacy features work seamlessly on that platform. Chrome OS users may experience certain limitations in functionality compared to other platforms.

Is there support for *BSD?

Unfortunately, Tor Browser does not officially support BSD operating systems like FreeBSD, NetBSD, or OpenBSD. While there are ways to run Tor itself on BSD systems, including efforts from the TorBSD Project, these builds are not officially supported by the Tor Project. Therefore, BSD users may face additional challenges and should proceed cautiously if they attempt to install Tor Browser on their systems.

How can I make Tor run faster? Is Tor Browser slower than other browsers?

Using Tor Browser can sometimes feel slower than other traditional browsers like Chrome or Firefox due to the nature of the Tor network. By design, Tor routes your internet traffic through multiple servers, or relays, scattered across the globe to anonymize your identity and actions online. While this enhances privacy, it also introduces some latency because your data is bouncing between different locations.

The Tor network supports over a million daily users, yet it has a limited number of 6,000 relays, leading to potential bottlenecks and slowdowns. Certain times of day or specific activities, like downloading large files, can result in slower speeds.

Tips for Improving Tor Speed

While you can’t fundamentally alter the nature of the Tor network, there are a few tips to help improve your browsing speed:

• Run your own Tor relay: By contributing to the network’s infrastructure, you can help reduce overall congestion for users.
• Use bridges: In heavily censored regions, using bridges can provide a faster connection.
• Choose exit nodes closer to your location: By selecting exit nodes in regions near you, you may reduce the lag introduced by far-away relays.

Though Tor Browser may be slower than other browsers, it’s worth noting that it has become much faster over the years. Additionally, the Tor Project is continually working to mitigate the effects of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, which have recently targeted the network.

What is the difference between using Tor Browser and ‘Incognito mode’ or private tabs?

Although Incognito mode and private tabs in other browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, sound like they offer privacy, they don’t compare to the anonymity provided by Tor Browser. In incognito or private modes, your browser doesn’t save your history, cookies, or other session data on your device. However, this does nothing to hide your activity from websites, ISPs, or advertisers who can still track your behavior.

Tor Browser goes several steps further by anonymizing your browsing through the Tor network. It not only hides your browsing history locally but also ensures that your IP address and identity are hidden from websites and third parties trying to track you online. It is designed for end-to-end anonymity, something private browsing modes cannot offer.

Can I set Tor Browser as my default browser?

Technically, you can attempt to set Tor Browser as your default browser, but it is not recommended. Tor Browser is designed to keep its activities isolated from the rest of your system for security and privacy reasons. Setting it as your default browser can lead to problems where certain websites don’t load correctly or your anonymity is compromised. Instead, it’s safer to open Tor Browser only when you intend to use it for private browsing activities.

Can I use Tor with a browser besides Tor Browser?

Using Tor with another browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, is possible but not recommended. Tor Browser has been specifically optimized for privacy and security while browsing through the Tor network. Using another browser with Tor may result in data leaks or reduced anonymity. Other browsers do not offer the same level of protection as Tor Browser, and features like browser fingerprinting and tracking scripts might expose your identity.

Can I still use another browser, like Chrome or Firefox, when I am using Tor Browser?

Yes, you can use other browsers while Tor Browser is running. However, it’s important to be mindful of the risks associated with this. The privacy protections of Tor Browser only apply to the tabs and windows within it. Browsing in Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser will not benefit from Tor’s anonymizing features, and switching between browsers could inadvertently expose your identity.

Is it safe to run Tor Browser and another browser at the same time?

While technically safe to run Tor Browser alongside another browser, it’s essential to exercise caution. For instance, if you accidentally copy sensitive information (like login credentials) from Tor Browser and paste it into a less secure browser like Chrome, you could inadvertently expose yourself.

Additionally, if websites can detect that you’re using two browsers, they might correlate your activity across the two and de-anonymize you. In general, the safest practice is to use one browser at a time and stick to Tor Browser when privacy is your top priority.

Does using Tor Browser protect other applications on my computer?

No, Tor Browser only protects the traffic that goes through it. Other applications on your computer, such as messaging apps, email clients, and other web browsers, will not have their traffic routed through the Tor network unless explicitly configured to do so. If you require full system-wide anonymity, you might want to consider using Tails, a privacy-focused operating system that routes all traffic through Tor.

Can I run multiple instances of Tor Browser?

Running multiple instances of Tor Browser is generally not recommended. Each instance creates a separate connection to the Tor network, which can reduce performance and lead to potential conflicts. On some platforms, trying to open multiple instances may not work as expected. If you need to use multiple browser sessions, it’s better to use tab isolation within a single instance of Tor Browser.

Why does my Tor Browser say something about Firefox not working?

Tor Browser is based on Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release), and sometimes errors related to Firefox may appear. If you encounter issues such as “Firefox not working,” it could be due to a few reasons, including:

• Another instance of Tor Browser running in the background.
• Permission issues on your device.
• Conflicts with your antivirus or malware software.

If this happens, check if there’s already an instance of Tor Browser running and ensure that the browser is installed in a directory where your user account has full access.

Why is Tor Browser built from Firefox and not some other browser?

Tor Browser is built on Firefox ESR because Firefox offers a balance of customizability, open-source transparency, and security features. The Tor Project has applied numerous patches to Firefox to strengthen privacy and anonymity, making it a solid foundation for Tor Browser. Other browsers, while potentially functional with Tor, do not provide the same level of integration or protection.

How can I export and import bookmarks in Tor Browser?

Managing bookmarks in Tor Browser is similar to managing them in Firefox. You can easily export or import bookmarks, back them up, or restore them. Here are the steps:

If you wish to export bookmarks

1. Open the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) and select Bookmarks.
2. Click on Manage Bookmarks.
3. In the Library window, choose Import and Backup.
4. Select Export Bookmarks to HTML.
5. Choose a location to save the file, which will be named bookmarks.html by default.
6. Click Save, and your bookmarks will be exported.

If you wish to import bookmarks

1. Open the hamburger menu and navigate to Bookmarks > Manage Bookmarks.
2. In the Library window, select Import and Backup > Import Bookmarks from HTML.
3. Find the file you want to import (e.g., bookmarks.html) and click Open.

A Website I Am Trying to Reach is Blocking Access Over Tor

One of the most frequent problems Tor users face is being blocked from websites. Websites often block Tor traffic because they can’t differentiate between regular users and malicious bots or automated scripts that might use the same Tor network. This kind of blockage is particularly common on e-commerce, banking, or any security-sensitive platforms.

If you encounter this issue, the best approach is to contact the website’s administrator directly. You can explain the situation and request that they unblock Tor users. A sample message might look something like this:

“Hi! I tried to access your site using Tor Browser and discovered that Tor users are blocked. I kindly ask you to reconsider, as Tor is used globally for privacy protection and to fight against censorship. Blocking Tor users could inadvertently restrict access for journalists, activists, or individuals in censored countries. Please allow Tor users to access your site in support of online freedom and privacy. Thank you!”

Though this doesn’t guarantee access, making site owners aware of the implications of blocking Tor can sometimes result in a policy change.

A Website (Bank, Email Provider, Etc.) Locks Me Out Whenever I Use Tor, What Can I Do?

Banks and email providers, for security reasons, often lock accounts when they detect unusual login activity, such as connections from unfamiliar locations. Since Tor routes your internet traffic through different regions, it can appear as though you’re accessing your account from various countries. This can trigger fraud detection algorithms that mistakenly flag your activity as a potential security risk.

To prevent this from happening, one solution is to use two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Unlike IP-based detection, 2FA ensures your account is secure by requiring a second layer of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. By enabling 2FA, even if your account is locked temporarily, it will be easier to recover and ensure security while using Tor.

If your provider locks your account, you will need to follow the recovery procedure or contact customer support to explain that you were using Tor Browser.

I’m Having Trouble Using Features on Facebook, Twitter, or Some Other Website When I’m Using Tor Browser

JavaScript-heavy websites, like Facebook and Twitter, often have difficulties functioning properly with Tor Browser. The browser’s built-in security measures are designed to block certain elements that might compromise your privacy, but these can sometimes interfere with the functionality of websites.

If you encounter issues such as buttons not working, pages not loading correctly, or other feature malfunctions, try adjusting the security settings within Tor Browser. You can do this by clicking the security icon (a gray shield) in the top-right corner of the browser and setting the security level to “Standard.” This will relax some of the more stringent protections and may restore full functionality on these sites.

My Antivirus or Malware Protection is Blocking Me From Accessing Tor Browser

It’s not uncommon for antivirus or malware protection software to mistakenly flag Tor Browser as a potential threat. Some antivirus programs consider Tor a risk because it is not widely used or because its privacy features might be misinterpreted as masking harmful behavior.

To fix this, you can add Tor Browser to your antivirus or malware protection’s allowlist. Most security programs offer an option to permit specific applications or processes. Ensure that the following processes are allowed:

For Windows:

• firefox.exe
• tor.exe
• lyrebird.exe (if you use bridges)
• snowflake-client.exe

For macOS:

• TorBrowser
• tor.real
• lyrebird (if you use bridges)
• snowflake-client

After you’ve added Tor to the allowlist, restart your browser, and the issue should be resolved. Be aware that some antivirus programs, like Kaspersky, may block Tor at the firewall level, so ensure the firewall settings also permit Tor Browser.

Tor Browser and Antivirus False Positive Warnings

Another common issue is receiving false positive warnings from your antivirus software when you try to install or run Tor Browser. These warnings usually appear when the antivirus software flags files it hasn’t seen before or doesn’t recognize as safe.

If you’ve downloaded Tor Browser from the official website or through verified channels like GetTor, you can safely dismiss these warnings. To further ensure your safety, you can verify the signature of the Tor Browser installation files to confirm that they haven’t been tampered with. If your antivirus is blocking Tor based on file behavior, you may need to modify the security settings or allowlist certain processes, as explained earlier.

Tor Browser Can’t Connect. Is My Network Censored?

If Tor Browser isn’t connecting, one potential cause could be network censorship. Some governments or internet service providers (ISPs) actively block access to Tor to prevent users from bypassing restrictions. In such cases, Tor Browser offers built-in tools for circumvention, like bridges.

The easiest solution is to use Tor’s “Connection Assist,” which automatically selects the best circumvention tool based on your location. If that doesn’t work, you can manually configure a bridge by navigating to the “Bridges” section under the connection settings. Tor Browser provides several types of bridges designed to bypass censorship, so experimenting with different options may be necessary.

If all else fails, you can acquire additional bridges from Tor’s Bridges website or consult the Tor Browser user manual for further guidance.

Tor Browser Won’t Connect, but It Doesn’t Seem to Be an Issue With Censorship

In cases where you’re unable to connect to Tor but censorship doesn’t appear to be the cause, the issue might be related to your system settings. One of the most common causes of connection issues is an incorrectly set system clock. Tor relies on accurate time settings to establish secure connections, so make sure that your system clock and timezone are set correctly.

If adjusting the clock doesn’t resolve the problem, refer to the Troubleshooting page on the Tor Browser manual for additional advice.

Gmail Warns Me That My Account May Have Been Compromised

When you access Gmail using Tor, it’s not uncommon to receive warnings that your account might have been compromised. Google flags any unusual login activity, such as multiple connections from different IP addresses (a hallmark of Tor’s anonymizing techniques), as potentially suspicious.

Although these warnings are usually false positives, it’s important to remain cautious. While Tor masks your location, there’s still a possibility that someone else could have hijacked your session. Review your account activity, and if anything seems suspicious, take further security measures, such as changing your password and enabling 2FA.

Google Makes Me Solve a Captcha or Tells Me I Have Spyware Installed

Using Tor can sometimes cause Google to display Captcha challenges or warnings about spyware. This occurs because Google often receives numerous requests from the same Tor exit node, causing it to flag the traffic as potentially harmful.

You can attempt to resolve this issue by refreshing the page or selecting “New Circuit for this Site” in Tor Browser, which will reroute your traffic through a different exit node. In most cases, these warnings are false positives and will disappear after a few attempts.

Can You Get Rid of All the Captchas?

Unfortunately, using Tor Browser often results in being presented with captchas, especially on certain websites that aim to prevent automated activity. These captchas can be frustrating, but they are not something that Tor can directly control or eliminate. Websites impose captchas because they can’t differentiate between legitimate users and potential automated attacks when the traffic comes through anonymous networks like Tor. To resolve this, you might consider reaching out to the website administrators to explain the inconvenience and request they adjust their captcha settings for Tor users. However, there’s no universal way to bypass all captchas when using Tor.

Why Does Google Show Up in Foreign Languages?

When you use Google via Tor Browser, it often selects a foreign language based on the location of the exit node you’re using. Exit nodes, being the last stop in the Tor circuit, determine your perceived location on the web. Since Google personalizes its services according to the user’s location, you may find that it presents results in the local language of the exit node’s region.

You can manually change the language by selecting the option to switch to English on Google’s homepage, or by using a direct search URL with the language parameter, such as &hl=en, to force English results.

Will My Network Admin Be Able to Tell I’m Using Tor Browser?

While using Tor Browser does conceal the websites you visit, it doesn’t hide the fact that you’re using Tor. Your network administrator or Internet Service Provider (ISP) will likely be able to detect that you are connected to the Tor network. However, they won’t be able to see the specific content or websites you’re accessing. Tor encrypts your traffic and routes it through multiple nodes, making it extremely difficult for third parties to monitor your online activities in detail.

When I Use Tor Browser, Will Anyone Be Able to Tell Which Websites I Visit?

Tor Browser provides significant privacy protections by hiding the websites you visit from external observers, including your ISP and network administrators. While they can see that you’re using Tor, they won’t know the websites you visit or the content you access. However, certain techniques, such as traffic analysis, could potentially reveal some details under specific circumstances. Tor aims to mitigate these risks, but complete anonymity isn’t always guaranteed in high-threat scenarios.

What Search Engine Comes with Tor Browser, and How Does It Protect My Privacy?

DuckDuckGo is the default search engine integrated with Tor Browser. DuckDuckGo is known for its strict privacy policy: it does not track users, store personal data, or share any search history. This aligns with Tor’s focus on anonymity and privacy. DuckDuckGo also operates without personalizing search results based on user data, which further strengthens the privacy it offers.

Why Did My Search Engine Switch to DuckDuckGo?

Tor Browser switched to DuckDuckGo as the default search engine after its previous search provider, Disconnect, lost access to Google’s search results. DuckDuckGo was chosen because it aligns with Tor’s privacy principles—offering a search experience free from tracking and user profiling. Unlike many other search engines, DuckDuckGo doesn’t store IP addresses or create personal data profiles, making it an ideal choice for maintaining privacy while browsing.

I’m Having a Problem with DuckDuckGo

If you’re facing issues while using DuckDuckGo in Tor Browser, it might be a technical glitch with either the search engine or the browser itself. If you believe the issue is related to Tor, consider reporting it through Tor’s issue tracker. Alternatively, you can visit DuckDuckGo’s support page for troubleshooting tips related to their search engine.

Is There a Way to Change the IP Address That Tor Browser Assigns Me for a Particular Site?

Yes, Tor Browser provides a feature to change your relay circuit, which effectively gives you a new IP address. There are two options for doing this: “New Identity” and “New Tor Circuit for This Site,” both of which are accessible from the browser’s main menu.

• New Identity: This option clears your browsing data, closes all tabs, and assigns new Tor circuits for all connections.
• New Tor Circuit for This Site: This option changes the circuit for the current website without affecting your other open tabs or browser settings.

Does Running Tor Browser Make Me a Relay?

Running Tor Browser on its own does not turn your computer into a relay. In other words, your computer won’t be used to help route traffic for other Tor users. Becoming a relay requires a conscious effort to configure your system to do so. If you’re interested in running a relay, Tor provides detailed instructions on how to set this up securely.

Why Is the First IP Address in My Relay Circuit Always the Same?

The first IP address in your Tor circuit, known as the “entry guard,” remains consistent for security reasons. Entry guards are chosen to be reliable and secure, helping to protect your anonymity over a longer period. Keeping the same entry guard for a few months prevents certain types of attacks that could compromise your anonymity if the guard changed too frequently. After a set period, the entry guard will rotate to a new one.

Does Tor Browser Use a Different Circuit for Each Website?

Yes, Tor Browser uses a unique circuit for each domain or website you visit. This is an intentional design decision to enhance privacy and ensure that browsing activity on one site cannot be linked to another. Each time you visit a different website, Tor establishes a new path through its network, providing an additional layer of anonymity.

Can I Pick Which Country I’m Exiting From?

Technically, you can force Tor to use exit nodes in a particular country by editing its configuration file (torrc), but this is not recommended. Manually selecting exit nodes can undermine the security and anonymity that Tor provides. It’s safer to let Tor automatically select the best circuit to protect your privacy. If you’re looking for geolocation flexibility, using a VPN might be a better option, although VPNs do not offer the same level of privacy protection as Tor.

I’m Supposed to “Edit My torrc”. What Does That Mean?

The torrc file is a configuration file for Tor, containing various settings that control how Tor operates. Editing the torrc file allows advanced users to customize their Tor experience, but this should be done with caution. Improper modifications can expose you to security risks or reduce your anonymity. Most users won’t need to edit their torrc file, as the default settings are typically sufficient.

To find and edit the torrc file, refer to the location specific to your operating system, such as:

• Windows or Linux: Browser/TorBrowser/Data/Tor within your Tor Browser directory.
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/TorBrowser-Data/Tor.

Should I Install a New Add-on or Extension in Tor Browser, Like AdBlock Plus or uBlock Origin?

It’s generally discouraged to install additional add-ons or extensions in Tor Browser, including popular ones like AdBlock Plus or uBlock Origin. These add-ons can compromise your privacy by creating a unique browser fingerprint, making it easier for third parties to track you. Additionally, installing new extensions can increase your browser’s vulnerability to attacks. Tor Browser is designed with privacy in mind, and it includes necessary features like NoScript to block harmful content.

Can I Use Flash in Tor Browser?

Flash is disabled in Tor Browser for security reasons, and it’s recommended to avoid enabling it. Flash has a history of vulnerabilities that can be exploited to reveal your identity or compromise your system. Most websites and modern browsers have already moved away from Flash, and enabling it would only reduce the security Tor provides.

My Internet Connection Requires an HTTP or SOCKS Proxy

If your internet connection requires an HTTP or SOCKS proxy, you can configure Tor Browser accordingly. Within the browser’s connection settings, you can input the necessary proxy details, such as the address, port, and authentication information.

Alternatively, if you’re using Tor outside of the browser, you can add these proxy settings to your torrc configuration file using the appropriate options (e.g., HTTPSProxy or Socks5Proxy).

I’m Having a Problem with HTTPS Everywhere

If you’re experiencing issues with HTTPS Everywhere in Tor Browser, keep in mind that the HTTPS-Only mode is now enabled by default in recent versions of the browser (since Tor Browser 11.5). If you encounter any specific issues, you can refer to the HTTPS Everywhere FAQ for troubleshooting, or report the problem through the Tor issue tracker.

Why Does Tor Browser Ship with JavaScript Enabled?

Tor Browser allows JavaScript by default to maintain usability for most users, as disabling JavaScript can break many websites. However, Tor provides a security slider that allows users to block JavaScript more aggressively. You can adjust the browser’s security level to “Safer” or “Safest” if you want to block JavaScript on HTTP sites or disable it entirely.

Can I Install Tor on a Central Server, and Have My Clients Connect to It?

Yes, you can install Tor on a central server and configure it to allow other machines on your network to connect. This setup is useful in environments where multiple users need anonymous access. However, be aware that traffic between your devices and the Tor relay is not encrypted by Tor, so you need to ensure your local network is secure.

I Want to Run My Tor Client on a Different Computer Than My Applications

Running Tor on a separate computer from your applications is possible and can add a layer of security, especially in sensitive environments. You would configure your applications to use the remote Tor client as a proxy, and the communication would be routed through the Tor network from there.

How Can I Check What Version of Tor Browser I Have Installed?

To check the version of Tor Browser you are using, click the hamburger menu (“≡”) and select “About Tor Browser.” This will display the current version and let you know if you are using the latest version or if an update is available.

Tor Browser Desktop

Tor Browser is available for various desktop platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The desktop version offers the full suite of features designed to maximize your anonymity and security while browsing.

Tor Browser Mobile

Tor also offers a mobile version called Orbot, available for Android devices. This mobile app allows you to connect to the Tor network and route your mobile traffic through it, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t provide the same level of anonymity as the desktop version of Tor Browser.

What’s the Difference Between a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Tor?

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes your traffic through a secure server, masking your IP address from your ISP and others. However, a VPN service provider can still see your activity, which may compromise your privacy.

In contrast, Tor offers a higher level of anonymity by routing your traffic through multiple volunteer-operated nodes, encrypting it at each step. Tor users are often more secure, but it may result in slower speeds due to the multiple relays involved.

What’s the Best Way to Protect My Privacy When Using Tor?

To enhance your privacy while using Tor, follow these best practices:

1. Avoid logging into accounts: Try not to log into personal accounts that could be linked to your real identity.
2. Disable scripts: Adjust the security slider to block JavaScript on untrusted sites.
3. Don’t download files: Be cautious with downloading files, as they may bypass Tor.
4. Use HTTPS: Make sure to use HTTPS versions of websites whenever possible.
5. Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing any personal information online while using Tor.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly increase your privacy and anonymity while browsing the web through Tor.

How Do I Get Help or Support for Tor Browser?

If you encounter issues with Tor Browser, the best resources for support are:

• Tor Project Documentation: Comprehensive guides and FAQs.
• Tor Project Support Forum: Community discussions and troubleshooting.
• Tor GitLab: For reporting bugs or technical issues.

Utilizing these resources can help resolve any challenges you may face while using Tor Browser.

References:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7749358/
• https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-540-75551-7_12
• https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01622439211039019
• https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2011893117
• https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/15/8/495