Accessing the dark web on a mobile device can be a bit more complicated than on a desktop computer, but it’s still possible. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to access the dark web via mobile.
What is the Dark Web?
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The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for free speech and whistleblowing. To access the dark web, you’ll need to use a special browser called Tor.
Using Tor on Mobile
Tor is available for both Android and iOS devices. Here’s how to install and use Tor on your mobile device:
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- Download and install the Tor browser from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network. This may take a few minutes.
- Once connected, you can use the Tor browser just like any other web browser. However, keep in mind that the dark web can be a dangerous place, so only visit sites that you trust.
While the dark web is often depicted as an anarchic forum for criminal activity, that’s not necessarily true. The darknet is simply an anonymous space on the web that can be abused or appreciated in turn. We’ve outlined how to access the dark web on phones and other mobile devices. However, several dark websites cater to illicit activities, like drug trafficking. While this doesn’t make visiting the dark web illegal, you can land on websites that infect your device with malware, such as ransomware and trojan viruses. Hidden content can still be accessible in this manner, but you’ll need the correct software.
Accessing Onion Sites
Browsing The Dark Web With Tor
You can also use the Tails operating system to further protect yourself. If you’re just browsing the dark web out of curiosity, Tor, or a Tor and VPN configuration is safe enough. If you’re trying to hide from an oppressive government or want to be a whistle-blower for something illegal, take as many steps as you can to be safe. The specialized browser people use to access the dark web is the Tor browser. However, it’s not the same as using a virtual private network (VPN) — the two have different security protocols and encryption methods. You cannot access the dark web through conventional browsers and search engines — it’s only accessible with special browsers like Tor.
Onion sites are websites that are only accessible through the Tor network. They have a .onion extension and can be difficult to find. Here are a few ways to access onion sites on your mobile device:
- Use a search engine that specializes in onion sites, such as Ahmia or Torch.
- Visit a directory of onion sites, such as The Hidden Wiki.
- Use a bookmark or link that has been shared with you by someone you trust.
Instead, sites have complex .onion addresses, making them difficult to find without the exact URL. Dark Search is a relatively new free search engine tool that aims to make the dark web more accessible. This dark web search engine also has an easy-to-use interface and offers free access to onion links and websites. The creator of Dark Search is currently working on a way to let dark web users access restricted dark web forums via onion search engine links. The dark web is a term used to describe websites that aren’t indexed by standard search engines.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
The dark web can be a dangerous place, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. Here are a few tips:
- Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.
- Only visit sites that you trust.
- Don’t share any personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
- Keep your device’s software up to date to protect against malware and other threats.
But there are a lot of apps, like Azure Virtual Machine, that simplify the process a lot. If a hacker manages to get into your system via the dark web, all of this information is in danger. Comparatively, portable operating systems like Tails, Whonix, ZeusGuard, and Qubes OS prevent unwarranted data collection and surveillance, limiting the data at risk in case of a breach. Revealing personal information about yourself on the dark web can have serious ramifications by allowing hackers to identify and target you.
- When using a VPN for the dark web, your ISP will not be able to see that you are connected to a Tor node, only an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server.
- We like this provider because it offers special Onion Over VPN servers that allow you to go on the dark web instantly, as long as you have Tor installed.
- Keeper has millions of consumer customers and the business solution protects thousands of organizations worldwide.
By following these steps, you can access the dark web via mobile and stay safe while doing so. Remember to always be cautious and only visit sites that you trust.
