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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To access an onion service, install Tor Browser from the Tor Project, connect to Tor, then enter the service’s verified .onion address. Tor Browser does not open a searchable directory of the dark web: each onion service has its own address, and you need to know the one you want to visit.
What you need before you start
- A supported device: the Tor Project lists Windows 10 and 11, macOS 10.15 or later, modern Linux, and Android 5.0 or later. Check its installation guide for current platform details.
- A trustworthy download source. Tor Project says, “The safest and simplest way to download Tor Browser is from the official Tor Project website.” If it is blocked, use an official mirror or GetTor option listed in its download guidance; avoid third-party installers.
- The exact onion address for the service you intend to visit, obtained from the operator or another source you trust.
Tor Browser is not available for iOS. Tor Project recommends Onion Browser for iOS, but notes that Apple’s WebKit requirement means it does not provide the same privacy protections as Tor Browser.
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How to connect to Tor Browser
- Download Tor Browser. Use the official Tor Project download page or an official alternative it lists. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system. If the instructions recommend signature verification for your download, follow those steps.
- Install and open the browser. Tor Browser is listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android in the installation guide.
- Select Connect. On first launch, choose Connect. Most users do not need to change connection settings. See Tor Project’s first-launch instructions.
- Enter the onion address. Paste or carefully type the address in Tor Browser’s address bar, then check it before proceeding.
How to find and verify an onion address
Onion services are reached much like other websites, but their addresses are not ordinary web domains. Current onion addresses contain 56 letters and numbers followed by .onion; older 16-character version 2 addresses no longer work. Tor Project explains the format and how onion services work in its onion services guide.
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Get the address directly from the service operator or a trusted source, and compare it carefully before visiting. A single typo can make the address fail, while a service that is offline may simply be unavailable. An onion address alone is not proof that the operator is the person or organization you expect.
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What Tor Browser does—and does not—hide
Tor routes your connection through relays, so a website sees a connection from the Tor network rather than your ordinary IP address. That does not make every activity anonymous: signing in to a personal account or sharing identifying details can identify you to the service. For this task, use Tor Browser itself; Tor Project discourages routing other browsers through Tor. See About Tor Browser.
Tor’s onion-service protocol encrypts traffic between Tor users and onion services end to end. For other connections, HTTPS-Only Mode upgrades to HTTPS where possible, but cannot do so for a site that supports only HTTP. Encryption protects a connection; it does not establish that a site is legitimate. Use trusted address sources and pay attention to Tor Browser’s onion and certificate indicators. Details are in Tor Project’s guides to onion services and HTTPS-Only Mode.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose a Tor Browser security level
Tor Browser provides three security levels. The higher levels restrict features that some sites use, so increased protection can come at the cost of compatibility.
| Level | Restrictions | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All browser and website features are enabled. | Broadest compatibility. |
| Safer | Restricts certain features, including JavaScript on non-HTTPS sites. | Some sites may lose functionality. |
| Safest | Disables JavaScript by default and limits other features. | More sites may not work correctly. |
Choose the level that suits your security needs and the features you require. Tor Project describes the trade-offs in its security-level guide. It also strongly discourages installing untested browser add-ons, which can affect privacy and security; see its add-ons guidance.
What to do if Tor Browser will not connect
First try the browser’s built-in connection assistance. If direct access to Tor is blocked on your network, a bridge—a different kind of entry point to Tor—may help. Tor Browser can assist with connection troubleshooting, and Tor Project documents how to request and configure bridges in its first-launch guide and bridge instructions.
Quick Recap
- The connection stalls or fails: use Connection Assist and follow its prompts.
- Your network blocks direct Tor connections: try a bridge using Tor Browser’s bridge options or one of the channels Tor Project lists.
- An onion page does not load after you connect: recheck the address for typing errors; if it is correct, the service may be offline.
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