Tor (Onion Router) is operated by volunteers around the world with a focus on privacy security. Tor‘s goal is to offer a safer and more secure environment than is usually offered on the standard network, and it does so through multi-layer encryption.
Onion Router uses Firefox’s default search engine and provides an alternative to consumers who want to shop online without worrying about a hacker going to steal their personal information or identity. At a time when online security is becoming even more necessary, more and more people are becoming Tor users.
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It’s actually pretty easy to access the deep web from a personal computer. All you really need to do is install the Tor browser or plugin. But what about an Android device? You can choose to download any of the many Tor applications that the Google Play Store offers. Some of them also offer additional VPN security.
However, to fully work with Tor, you need to download and install three separate applications. You will also need to root and jailbreak your phone to allow installation of third-party apps.
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How to set up and use Tor on Android
Before we get into the applications that Tor requires, we must first make sure that your Android device is rooted.
If you’re familiar with Windows Explorer, think of the root directory as the C: of your device. Android does not allow you to access this by default to prevent users from accidentally deleting important files. However, in order to access Tor through a device, you need to do this.
Getting root access
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How you are going to root your device will depend on your device model. Since there are several device models, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Your best bet is to search the Internet for your phone model and how to root it.
Hacking
Hacking your device is an odd term to use as it gives the impression that you are doing something illegal. This is not the case. All you do is allow your device to install apps from sources that aren’t in the Google Play Store.
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This is a simple process, but it will depend on the version of the operating system your Android device is running on.
For Android Nougat and earlier:
The wording may differ from version to version, but the basic workflow remains the same.
- Go to Phone Settings and click to open Security.
- Turn on the Unknown Sources option and confirm the changes with OK.
For Android Oreo and above:
You no longer need to dig into the settings. Anything that hasn’t been downloaded through the Google Play Store will prompt you with a confirmation dialog. Click to allow installation from unknown source and you’re done.
OrWall App
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OrWall forces all applications on your Android device to use the Tor network when transferring data.
- Click the link to download and install the APK file.
- After installation, configure and reboot your device.
- When backing up your device, you can launch OrWall and manually decide which of your applications will transfer over Tor
OrBot App
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OrBot is the bridge from your device to the Tor network. The app can also be found in the Google Play Store, but the link provided comes directly from the developer’s site.
After downloading and installing the application, complete the installation wizard. This should only happen the first time you set up OrBot. All subsequent activations can be done using the power button located in the app.
OrFox app
OrFox is a companion browser made for Orbot, also developed by the greats at the Guardian Project. While OrBot provides Tor connectivity, OrFox is the vehicle you will use when traveling on the Information Superhighway. In other words, OrFox is your Tor browser, and if you haven’t guessed yet, the browser you are using is Firefox.
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The application does not require any configuration before use, except for using OrBot. You just launch it and wait for a “Success” message to tell you that you are connected. OrFox really gives you the ability to bypass most of the restrictions on the web. Therefore, if you are currently in your work office and cannot access certain sites, you and OrFox might just become best friends.
OrWeb, which is the base version of the Tor browser for Android, has been deprecated with the release of OrFox. OrWeb is the default browser when downloading and installing OrBot, but it has many limitations. Make sure you purchase OrFox for use with OrBot so that your Tor browsing experience is not limited.
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