Step 3: Get Around On The Tor Network
There’s information on live marketplaces and even includes some trustworthy links. We primarily use this website to research current websites on the dark web. Dark.direct is a site is hosted by a journalist and privacy activist researching Tor. It features links to marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, forums, and other directories (like Tor.Taxi).
Introduction
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires specific tools and knowledge. If you’re wondering how to access dark web on iPhone, this guide will help you navigate the process safely and effectively.
Among its huge global server network is a Tor over VPN option, which automatically routes your traffic through the Tor network after it leaves the VPN tunnel. Whether you use that option or not, you get military-grade encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and strong leak protection. Speeds are among the fastest we’ve tested, and you can connect up to six devices at a time. With ClearVPN, you can browse the internet in private, without the risks and hassles of the dark web. You’re probably mistaken if you think accessing the dark web on your phone is as easy as simply typing or “log in” to “dark web,”. To access the dark web, you need particular browsers, dark web search engines, and a reliable VPN provider.
For example, you can use the Google Authenticator app to enter a code generated in real-time to log in to your bank account. If you only want to mask your IP address and don’t need to access the dark web, then going online with a VPN is much easier and faster than using Tor. While no one can ever guarantee a method keeps your browsing completely untraceable, using Tor ensures your traffic is much harder to trace than if you’re using a normal browser. In fact, in most cases where people get caught doing something illicit using Tor, it’s because they’ve allowed themselves to be traced via other avenues. Onion sites are only accessible via the Tor Browser or similar services. They are not accessible through your mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Understanding the Dark Web
Even though the dark web is touted as being private and secure, there are still risks involved. Just like the surface web, the dark web is riddled with scams, phishing sites, and malware designed to exploit new users who may not know any better. To access the Dark Web safely, you should use a VPN to mask your IP address and an anonymizing browser like Tor. For iPhone users, the key to accessing the Dark Web is a Tor-based browser called Onion Browser. It’s developed by Mike Tigas, with support from the Tor Project and the Guardian Project. Like Tor, it allows you to browse the web anonymously and access .onion sites.
It is by no means a comprehensive list of everything that could be done to preserve your anonymity. No matter how hard you try to conceal your real identity when using Tor, there is always a risk, however small, that you will be discovered. Keep this in your mind when making decisions about what you do on the dark web.
Before we delve into the steps, it’s essential to comprehend what the dark web is:
ExpressVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall, thanks to its fast and reliable connection and the wide range of platforms it works on. A VPN will mask your location and stop the online breadcrumbs that can lead back to you. Connections made while a VPN is active will also be encrypted, helping you stay protected from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. You can usually select the location you want to appear to originate from and VPNs will use a collection of servers and relays to make tracing your IP difficult.
While some browsers equipped with the necessary proxy can access these sites, others are unable to do so. Although dark web marketplaces offer similar features to traditional e-commerce sites, such as shopping carts, forums, and ratings/reviews, there are also significant distinctions to be aware of. The Tor browser is free and legal to use in most parts of the world. However, some countries like China, Russia, and Belarus have banned it. Accessing the dark web requires a specialized browser called Tor, which enables access to sites.
However, their actual IP addresses would not have been exposed if these individuals had used a VPN in the background as a safety measure. According to an investigation in 2017, a flaw in the Tor browser allowed real IP addresses to be exposed. Tor Browser is a Firefox-based browser that allows you to access both the public and dark web simultaneously. Data is sent through Tor unless you get the Tor Browser from the official website. The “dark web,” a subset of the deep web, is home to many shady websites and businesses. For this guide, we’ll use the Tor Browser as an example, but any other web browser (like Brave) that supports the Tor protocol will work just as well.
- Unregulated: It exists outside the purview of standard regulation.
- Anonymity: It offers anonymity to users and website operators.
- Illegal Activities: It often hosts illicit content, though not all aspects are illegal.
Requirements for Accessing the Dark Web on iPhone
To safely navigate the dark web, you will need:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): To enhance your anonymity and security.
- Tor Browser: A specialized browser to access .onion websites.
- Secure Connection: A reliable internet connection to prevent disconnections.
Steps to Access the Dark Web on iPhone
Follow these steps to access the dark web on your iPhone:
Step 1: Install a VPN
First, choose a trustworthy VPN service. Here’s how to install it:
- Search for a reputable VPN in the App Store.
- Download and install the application.
- Create an account and log in to your VPN.
- Connect to a secure server location.
Step 2: Download the Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is essential for accessing the dark web:
- Add to this an ad, malware, and tracker blocker and the fact that Atlas VPN doesn’t keep identifying logs of users, and this is a service that provides more than enough protection from threats.
- Obviously, finding these .onion websites is the first challenge, as they won’t show up in Google search results.
- This stops online criminals from eavesdropping on your Wi-Fi connection and intercepting any data you might be sending or receiving.
- If I wanted to reach a mail server through Tor, my request would travel encrypted along with a random path through the Tor network, rather than directly through my ISP.
- Since the official Tor Browser is not available on the App Store, you need to install a third-party app like Onion Browser.
- Search for “Onion Browser” in the App Store and install it.
Step 3: Configure the Onion Browser
After installation, configure the settings to enhance privacy:
- Open the Onion Browser app.
- Review the security settings and enable features that enhance your privacy.
Step 4: Browse the Dark Web
With everything set up, you can now access the dark web:
- Ensure your VPN is active.
- Open the Onion Browser and connect to the Tor network.
- Use reliable sources to find .onion websites.
Safety Tips While Browsing the Dark Web
Always prioritize your safety and privacy:
- Never share personal information.
- Stay away from illegal activities.
- Use encrypted communication tools.
- Be cautious of downloads; they may contain malware.
FAQs
Can I use regular browsers to access the dark web?
No, regular browsers cannot access the .onion websites. You need the Tor Browser or similar.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities on the platform is.
Will my ISP know I accessed the dark web?
Using a VPN along with the Tor Browser helps to mask your activity from your ISP.
Are there specific apps to access the dark web on iPhone?
The most common app is Onion Browser, designed specifically for iOS to access the dark web.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web on iPhone is achievable with the right tools and precautions. By using a VPN and the Onion Browser, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet safely. Always remember to prioritize your security and adhere to legal guidelines while exploring.