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The dark web is sometimes considered a restricted area for internet users, but such labels only increase curiosity.
It is quite convenient to access the dark web safely on the Android system as you only need the TOR network and NordVPN.
TOR can be accessed through special apps and allows users to access the dark web!
How to Access the Dark Web Safely on Android in 2024
What Is TOR?
TOR is the number one method people use once they have figured out how to access the dark web safely on Android.
Tor is a decentralized system designed for proxy servers, and every participant works as a client and server.
It is done by connecting from the device to TOR, which means an automated connection will be established to other devices, including mobile devices and computers.
Whenever a website is opened, the traffic passes through multiple devices and gets fully encrypted.
As a result, the users can have access to anonymous surfing, which also provides access to the .onion sites.
TOR is quite similar to regular VPN services, but it has more complex algorithms and principles. It allows the users to access information that’s blocked on the regular internet.
The .onion websites accessible through TOR are impossible to block and track. However, it’s still suggested to use a VPN with the TOR browser for maximum safety and security.
NordVPN is the best VPN for Tor, which we will cover in just a sec.
Using TOR On Android
TOR is essential for users to access special programs and the dark web on Android systems.
TOR is a self-sufficient app and has all the essential features of browsers and repeaters.
For this reason, TOR allows the users to visit regular internet websites and .onion websites.
TOR can be easily downloaded from the TOR website’s download page or Google Play Store. It is quite convenient to set up a TOR browser on Android.
To begin with, you need to download TOR on your Android tablet or smartphone. When it’s downloaded and opened, there will be a repeater window.
The repeater window will have a bulb button which you need to click and tap on the VPN switch as well.
Then, just enter the website address in the field, and you will be able to access the dark web’s website.
Keep in mind that it will be challenging to add the website address manually as TOR has a unique format, so find suitable resources for it.
In addition, if you have Orbot, start that app, and choose the app for running the VPN.
On the other hand, if you aren’t able to install and connect to TOR from a tablet or smartphone, you need to use bridges.
This happens because the internet service provider blocks the TOR protocols but using the bridges will help establish the connection.
For using the bridge, you need to open the settings and check the “internet is censored” and “use bridges” buttons.
Additional Security Factors To Keep In Mind
1. IP Address
Before you use the dark web, it is important to check if the IP address was changed or not.
There are various online websites that you can use for checking the IP address and other information about the internet connection.
So, make sure you check the IP address after and before connecting to the TOR browser. Once the IP address is changed, you can safely browse.
2. Use a VPN
It’s not difficult to track your internet activities, which is why your connection must be masked to make it anonymous.
For this purpose, you can use a VPN such as NordVPN, which helps conceal the IP address and will help encrypt the internet connection.
- NordVPN is the industry leader (by a long way)
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The VPN will prevent the internet service provider from tracking your activities. In fact, it is suggested that you use a VPN while installing the TOR browser as well.
3. Search Engine
Since it’s challenging to manually enter the desired dark web’s website in the TOR browser, it is suggested to use a specialized search engine, such as DuckDuckGo.
It not only makes it easier to enter the website, but it doesn’t track or reveal the identity either.
4. Email Address
You must not use your personal email address on the device that you are using for accessing the dark web.
This is because downloading the VPN and TOR browser will make you appear suspicious, and your email address will make it easier for the authorities to track you down.
5. Don’t Download Torrents
You must not use TOR for downloading any torrents from the Android device because these networks aren’t designed to transmit data.
In addition, the majority of repeaters ask the users to block the torrent downloading feature.
Lastly, even if you try to download torrents through TOR, it won’t promise internet speed faster than 10kbps to 15kbps.
6. HTTPS
TOR has a built-in extension, known as HTTPS Everywhere, which forces all connections to utilize the HTTPS protocol.
It ensures that the website is properly encrypted and protected from data theft and hijacking.
In case you see the website and it doesn’t have HTTPS mentioned in the beginning, you need to close down the website immediately as it’s not safe enough.
Understanding The Dark Web
The dark web utilizes the onion router’s hidden service protocol, which is why the TOR browser is needed.
This is because these browsers are undetectable and promise complete anonymity to the users while surfing the dark web.
Moreover, the publishers on the dark web are also fully anonymous as they use special encryptions that are provided by the protocol.
The dark web makes sure that users are staying within the TOR network as compared to regular servers that people interact with.
For the most part, the dark web’s websites end with .onion rather than .gov, .org, and .com.
It’s clear that the dark web works with a higher degree of anonymity, and it usually has harmless content and activities.
This is because some dark web websites might provide eBook clubs, complicated riddles, and forums where people interact.
However, there are some criminal activities as well. Usually, it is known for dark content, which includes disturbing and illegal content.
For instance, there are stolen bank card numbers, Netflix accounts, login credentials, and social security numbers available on the dark web, which are collected through data breaches.
Some people also find illicit substances, such as illegal drugs and toxic chemicals, on websites.
Lastly, there are various dangerous and disturbing services and products, such as body parts, human and sex trafficking, guns, counterfeit products, and child pornography – these products are services are usually up for sale on dark web websites.
In simpler words, the dark web allows users to purchase anything they can imagine, including illegal stuff.
FAQs
Is The Dark Web Safe To Use?
The dark web is safe to use in some cases, such as legitimate content, which means it depends on what you are using this web for.
While you are browsing through the dark web, keep in mind that some websites are run by criminals and sell illegal services and goods, and there are high chances they will exploit you.
Moreover, using the dark web is illegal, which means you will be punished according to laws if you are tracked.
The dark web also has various suspicious links, which can infect the device with viruses and malware.
There are various law enforcement officials using the dark web with the sole purpose of catching people behind illegal and criminal activities.
So, if you want to use the dark web, make sure to use a VPN and be selective about the websites you are accessing.
Some compromised websites will put the system at risk of viruses and hacking attempts.
Lastly, some websites hijack the web camera, which means they will be able to see what you are doing and steal your data.
For this purpose, it is important to cover the webcam with tape or paper to ensure no one can see your activities.
More information is available in our guide for iPhone.
Is it Illegal to Use the Dark Web?
It will be extremely easy for intelligence and government authorities to catch you when you are consuming illegal content, purchasing or selling illegal drugs, and other illicit activities.
For instance, if you are tracked consuming child pornography-related videos and pictures, it can land you serious legal issues.
In addition, if you purchase illegal goods and services, you can easily be arrested for that as well.
So, always consider the illegalities associated with the dark web before you use it.
Why Does the Dark Web Exist?
After considering the illegalities and security concerns associated with the dark web, it’s common to think about why the dark web exists in the first place.
To begin with, the dark web offers a great degree of anonymity and privacy to the users.
It helps protect personal information when you want to surf the internet without losing data.
In simpler words, the dark web operates on the sole principle of full anonymity, which means there are very low chances of someone tracking or tracing you unless they have special security solutions (these solutions are usually possessed by special security and intelligence authorities).
To summarize, many people use the dark web for anonymity, and the problem usually occurs when you are involved in illicit and illegal activities.
In Summary, the best VPNs in 2024 are;
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| #3 Top Rated#3 | Atlas VPN - best free VPN | Start Now |
The Bottom Line
Data breaches are extremely common, and it’s often challenging to find sufficient information on the regular web.
For this purpose, the use of the dark web is constantly increasing as it helps achieve a secure surfing experience.
So, just use a reliable VPN service such as NordVPN and TOR browser to have a secure browsing experience on your Android tablet or smartphone.
And that is how to access the dark web safely on Android in 2024!
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Written by Jason Wise
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