I’ve used the Tor browser for years, but now I’m using it on my Android phone – here’s how

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ZDNET Highlights

• Tor browser offers the best privacy.
• You can use Tor browser on your Android device.
• This privacy-focused web browser is free to install and use.

I am completely pro-security and privacy. On my desktop computer, I use Linux because I trust its ability to protect me. But Linux can’t help me when I’m mobile, and although Android does a great job of keeping my data safe, there’s always a way to improve it.

Recently, I have started using Tor browser as my default on Android. Although this browser is not without its shortcomings, I know that I can trust it to keep me private and anonymous, which is more than I can say about Chrome.

If you’re not sure what Tor Browser is, let me explain.

What is Tor Browser?

Tor Browser is a web browser available for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. The goal of the Tor browser is to keep you anonymous, private, and protected. How Tor works is by connecting to the Tor network (aka the “Onion Router”), which routes all your network traffic through a system of volunteer-based relays, while encrypting your data and obscuring your location, IP address, and browsing habits.

Also: I Found the Most Private and Secure Way to Browse the Web – and It’s Not Incognito Mode

Tor browser can’t be beat in terms of privacy and security. Although the VPN you are using may be fast, it is not as private as the Tor network. You should always use Tor when you want maximum privacy. Always.

Even better, you can combine your VPN with Tor for the ultimate private connection through your web browser.

The top reasons why you might want to use Tor Browser on Android include:

• Anonymity and Privacy: It hides your IP address and location from websites, ISPs and the government.
• Bypassing censorship: This allows you to access content or websites that are restricted by local laws or service providers.
• Access to Onion Sites: This is necessary to access specific, hidden onion services, which are anonymous, decentralized websites that are only accessible through the Tor browser. These sites are often used to circumvent privacy, journalism, or censorship.
• Tracking Prevention: Tor blocks trackers from collecting data and clears cookies/history after each session.

Too: How to Clear Your Google Search Cache on Android (And Why It’s Important for Me)

I’ve used the Tor browser for a long time on desktop, but only recently have I adopted it as my default on Android.

Getting Tor for Android

You can install Tor Browser for free directly from the Google Play Store – just open the Google Play Store app, search for Tor Browser, and tap Install.

Once installed, open Tor Browser from the app drawer, and you’re ready to go.

Using Tor on Android

Using Tor on Android is simple. When you open the browser, a page will open in front of you asking you to connect to the Tor network.

You can either connect manually (every time you open the Tor browser) or enable it to connect automatically by tapping the on/off slider for “Always connect automatically” until it’s in the on position.

Once you connect to the Tor network, you can use the Tor browser like any web browser.

warnings

Nothing is perfect, and the Tor browser has some caveats to consider.

First of all, some sites will not allow you access when using the Tor browser. This is because you can connect to a Tor network relay that hides your IP address and location in a country where access is not allowed. For example, I tested the Tor browser on various sites when connected to the Tor network and found that sites like ms.now refused access. If I were disconnected from the Tor network, I would be able to access the sites easily.

Too: 6 obscure browsers that are better than Chrome

Also, you can’t change the relay easily (as you can with the desktop version). If you want to change the relay, you will need to disconnect from the Tor network and reconnect. Still, you are not guaranteed that you will connect to a relay in a country that is allowed to access the sites you use. It’s kind of a crap shoot, and there’s no way to easily find out the location of your Tor relay.

Finally, like a VPN, using the Tor network will slow down connections to websites. Compared to a VPN, the Tor network is noticeably slower. This is the compromise you make for added privacy.

Despite the slow speeds and inconsistent ability to connect to sites, I have chosen to make the Tor browser my default. I think the hassle is worth the extra privacy.

If you want to up your privacy game on Android, I highly recommend using the Tor browser. You don’t need to make it your default. Instead, you can use the Tor browser only for sites that require an extra layer of privacy.