Some of these sites can be found through regular web browsers, but you'll then need to switch over to Tor once you've got the onion links you want to follow. Other dark web search engines worth investigating are Ahmia, Torch, NotEvil, and the Onion URL Directory—just type out some keywords for what you're looking for. Part of what makes the dark web the dark web is that you can't access it through your normal web browser, nor can you look something up on it via a Google search. The dark web, which is what I'm discussing here, is a small subset of the deep web, and refers to websites that are specifically trying to stay out of sight.
Is It Safe To Access The Dark Web On IPhone?
Instead, download Tor, the most secure and user-friendly option for accessing .onion sites. Instead, sites have complex .onion addresses, making them difficult to find without the exact URL. The Tor Onion Browser is essential for accessing the dark web, designed for user anonymity.
Find The Onion Address You Want To Access
Private Internet Access even offers the Shadowsocks proxy for added security. Its Advanced Protection also blocks malicious sites, trackers, and ads. Its RAM servers and Private DNS go a step further to protect your identity online. Like NordVPN, this provider doesn’t store logs and has around twenty third-party audits to prove it. Its affordable prices and unrelenting performance make NordVPN a standout option for dark web users. This provider excels in speed, performance, and security, making it the best VPN for the dark web.
Is The Dark Web Illegal?
Verify the authenticity of the websites through reliable sources. Be cautious of phishing attempts and spoofed websites attempting to gather your information. Stick to legal and ethical exploration, and be mindful of the content you access. Stick to well-known, reputable websites, and avoid suspicious links that may lead to malware or phishing attempts. This adds an extra layer of security and anonymity while browsing the Dark Web. Browsing the Dark Web on your iPhone can come with risks, as the anonymity and unregulated nature of the Dark Web make it a breeding ground for cybercriminals and malicious activities.
Secure Your Phone With The Best Antivirus Software
In addition to legal concerns, it’s also important to consider the ethical and moral aspects of accessing the Dark Web. Therefore, before accessing the Dark Web, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations of your country. Accessing the Dark Web itself is not a crime, but engaging in illicit activities on the Dark Web is illegal in most jurisdictions. While the Dark Web itself is not inherently illegal, the activities that take place on it can often be against the law. While some users navigate the Dark Web for malicious purposes, others seek to protect their privacy, access valuable resources, or engage in free speech. There are also legitimate reasons to access this hidden part of the internet.
Step 5: Start Browsing Hyphanet

The Onion Router (Tor) was developed in the 1990s by researchers and computer scientists at the United States Naval Research Laboratory. Data can still be exposed if you log in to certain sites or download files over the network. The middle node knows the previous node but not your IP address or what you’ve requested online. Accessing the dark web is not illegal by itself, but many activities conducted on the dark web can be illegal. Once you have downloaded Onion Browser and connected your VPN, you can start accessing the dark web.
You can remove any permissions you’ve granted from the Tor Browser to prevent it from accessing personal information. The dark web is full of malware, phishing scams, and other malicious threats that can compromise your device and personal data. There are many excellent VPNs for the dark web, but my favorite is ExpressVPN because it’s the fastest on the dark web. The VPN encrypts your traffic before it enters the Tor network and all the way to its destination, so your traffic remains protected.
- The dark web is full of insecure data and tools, which might put you in trouble if you access it without precautionary measures.
- Accessing the dark web through your phone is much more dangerous than accessing it through a desktop or laptop, primarily because cell phones are personal diaries.
- These websites will now work without issues, as the VPN hides the exit node and makes your traffic look inconspicuous.
- Redirecting traffic from the Tor network to the regular internet, also known as the clearnet, comes with additional risks.
- This guide will show you how to access the dark web on your phone safely, step by step.
- The Tor Onion Browser is essential for accessing the dark web, designed for user anonymity.
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities is. To enhance online privacy and security, it’s crucial to install a reliable VPN on your iPhone. While the dark web can be used for illegal activities, it can also be used for legitimate purposes such as whistleblowing, political dissent, and privacy protection.

You can use a VPN if you’re in a country that restricts or heavily monitors Tor usage. Whenever you enter any domain into the address bar, your browser uses HTTP to find and request the data from the relevant server. A little typo can lead you to a clone designed to trick users into handing over sensitive data. Onion sites end in “.onion” instead of “.com,” “.co,” “.net,” etc. Many popular websites, such as Facebook and DuckDuckGo, have Onion versions, so check if yours has one.
Accessing The Dark Web On IPhone Using Tor Browser
Each of these options offers unique privacy features, with Whonix and Qubes for higher security setups, and Kodachi and Liberté for portability. Once connected to Tor, you’re ready to browse the dark web. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up Tails on a USB thumb drive and using it to access Tor. Accessing the Tor network through Tails OS (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) on a thumb drive is a highly secure way to browse the dark web anonymously. In this method, your traffic is routed through Tor before it reaches the VPN server, masking your IP address even from the VPN provider.
Onion Browser

You need a special browser (Tor), and all these websites are intentionally obscured. It’s online and you can access it, but your friends can’t. One more thing before we move on – accessing the dark web is legal. These websites use atypical names and domains to present themselves.

If you make use of a password manager, then it may come with a feature that monitors the dark web for mentions of your email address and password, or any other personal details. With all of that in mind, you need to tread carefully when browsing, in terms of the sites you visit and the other users you interact with. You might often see news stories about criminal activity involving the dark web, and because of what's happening in some corners of the dark web, it tends to put off law-abiding companies and users alike. (Presentation and polish isn't quite so important on this part of the internet.) Click on any website link, and it'll appear on screen, with its address at the top.
Do You Have To Pay For Tor Browser?
Such providers offer strong encryption and don’t store logs, ensuring all online footsteps are completely masked. Let’s summarize the most important points from this guide on how to access the dark web. What’s more alarming is the estimation that half of those visitors were connected to illicit activities.
It’s important to note that when accessing the Dark Web via Tor on your iPhone, you should prioritize your safety and maintain your anonymity. The Tor Project regularly releases updates to address vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of the browser. It’s important to note that while the Tor Browser provides a level of anonymity, it does not guarantee complete security. When accessing the Dark Web on your iPhone or any other device, it is important to prioritize your safety and security. It’s worth mentioning that certain countries have stricter regulations regarding the use of encryption and anonymity tools, which are commonly employed to access the Dark Web. These activities are not only unethical but also widely illegal in most jurisdictions.