Ensure that you’re aware of what is permissible in your jurisdiction. Be aware, however, that there are sites for absolutely everything, from the benign to the very illegal. There are some websites you can absolutely get in legal trouble for even visiting, so proceed with the utmost caution. In this guide, we’ll show you what you need to know about how to access the dark web and how to keep yourself safe while you use it. Finally, you need to enter website addresses to access content on the dark web since you can’t browse by entering a search query as you can on the clear web.
If you have heard your peers or colleagues throw this term around and are wondering, “What is the dark web? You’ll appreciate its added features, such as Threat Protection, which shields you from malware and trackers. NordVPN also includes Double VPN servers to double your encryption and make you untraceable. One of its key benefits is unlimited bandwidth, which sounds awesome and allows for unlimited dark web browsing.
Sure, it’s not as secure as the clear web version, but it’s there and totally legal to use. Hidden Facebook is hardly the only social media client on the dark web. People mostly use it for covert communication, anonymous tips submission, and stuff like that. In terms of functionality, I don’t think there are too many differences between regular IMAP, POP3, and SMT services and the stuff you can use to communicate on the dark web. You should stay away from everything labeled “porn”, “card skimming services”, “PayPal hacks”, “firearms”, “real fake IDs and passports”.
Step 1: Use A Secure Device
- They asked for our personal information in exchange for access to the forum.
- Speeds were stable across US, Netherlands, and Japan servers (5 free locations), which was more than enough for Tor’s already-slow routing.
- Internet Live Stats, the international Real-Time Statistics Projects website estimates the number of websites to be slightly above 1.18 billion on the same date.
- Of course, this sort of site poses no risk to legitimate dark web users, but it’s worth knowing that your usage of the dark web in general might draw attention to you.
Using a VPN in conjunction with the Tor (The Onion Router) browser is the best way to access the dark web safely. A dark web VPN prevents websites and your ISP from knowing when you’re using the Tor browser. This is good practice generally, but particularly important in countries where the Tor browser is blocked, such as China, Russia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. Securing a VPN and choosing your overlay network has you in the final stretch for accessing the dark web safely. The final step before you can start browsing with relative peace of mind is to conduct an IP leak check. Freenet is easy to configure, and you only need to download, install and run.
What Is The Dark Web & How To Access It Safely In 2025
“Within the current Swiss legal framework,” it says, “Proton VPN does not have forced logging obligations.” It goes on to recommend the use of a VPN or Tor connection when using its email client. In any case, it can be used for any dark web activity thanks to various privacy features. Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs you can use to safely access the dark web.
How To Access The Dark Web Using Tor Browser (2025 Guide For Beginners)
As the most widely used anonymity network, Tor routes your internet traffic through a series of volunteer-run servers (relays) around the world. This “onion” routing masks your IP address and encrypts your data multiple times, peeling away layers of encryption at each relay. To do so, enter a .onion URL and you’ll be taken to the dark web page being served at that address. Tor protects your identity inside its network, but it doesn’t hide everything.
Downloads
The best Android option is the Tor Browser, available on Google Play. For added privacy, use Orbot, which enables system-wide Tor routing for other apps. It routes all traffic through Tor, preventing IP leaks and offering stronger protection against tracking. Alternatively, Linux distributions like Qubes OS provide advanced security features for those needing long-term privacy-focused computing.
Digital Rights And Advocacy Groups
Because VPNs offer users anonymity and mask their actual location, they’re also effective tools for accessing geo-locked services. VPN stands for virtual private network, and it acts as a security bubble for communications from your device. A VPN automatically encrypts your data as soon as it leaves your device through the VPN server. This means your private information, location, and any communications you send are hidden and protected. The first rule for accessing the dark web is to go into it with a purpose or a defined goal. This will help you navigate the dark web safely while staying out of markets you don’t want to come across or engage with.
Take Security Precautions
With long-term plans starting at just over $3/month, it’s also one of the most affordable ways to get premium-level privacy while browsing the dark web. That means you can access .onion sites without even opening the Tor browser. For deeper access or full Tor anonymity, you can also stack NordVPN with the Tor browser for double encryption, and during testing, everything stayed stable. These are the final stops in the Tor relay chain before your traffic hits the open web. Anyone running a malicious exit node could potentially monitor, manipulate, or inject content into your session, especially if you’re visiting non-HTTPS sites. In an attempt to stop criminal organizations operating on the dark web, authorities are setting up fake websites to track possible criminal activity.
Can I Access The Dark Web Without Tor On My Phone?
Drugs, weapons, and stolen IP and data are all hot businesses on the dark web, with terabytes of information on offer. Traders cash in on stolen credit card data dumps, initial access points to vulnerable systems, credentials, and intellectual property belonging to companies compromised during cyberattacks. When the dark web is mentioned online, it is usually in tandem with criminal marketplaces and arrests made by law enforcement agencies. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.
However, it’s up to us to take control of our personal privacy in a world of bulk data collection, surveillance, and personalized ad tracking. The exit node removes the final layer of encryption on your data. While this doesn’t tell the exit node what your original IP address or your geographical location is, it could spy on your activity if the website you’re visiting isn’t a secured HTTPS website.
Governments also often monitor Tor usage, even if they can’t see your activity. It’s recommended to take safety precautions when accessing the dark web, even if you’re after legitimate content. While Tor is designed to give you privacy while browsing the dark web, it’s not entirely safe. There might be malicious nodes with the Tor network, and there’s always the risk of your IP address leaking. Third parties like your ISP can also see when you access Tor and report it to the authorities, even if you’re not doing anything illegal.
