The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. Accessing the dark web via mobile can be a bit tricky, but it is possible with the right tools and knowledge.
Use a Dark Web Browser
The first step to accessing the dark web via mobile is to download and install a dark web browser. There are several options available, such as Tor, which is the most popular and widely used. These browsers are designed to provide anonymity and security, making it possible to access the dark web without revealing your identity or location.
Install Tor on Android
To install Tor on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Tor Browser”.
- Download and install the Tor Browser app.
- Open the app and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can browse the dark web just like you would on a desktop computer.
The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites. And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English. The standard dark web browser is Tor Browser, which directs your browser traffic through the Tor network so you can reach the darknet. As your traffic passes through Tor, it’s encrypted and bounced between at least three relay points, known as nodes. This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address).
Start The Tor Browser
Install Tor on iOS
To install Tor on an iOS device, follow these steps:
- Go to the App Store and search for “Onion Browser”.
- Download and install the Onion Browser app.
- Open the app and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
- Once connected, you can browse the dark web just like you would on a desktop computer.
However, your access is limited to the information that the website’s administrator permits you to see. The threats of online browsing can extend into the unplugged world if your computer or network connection can be exploited. Anonymity is powerful with Tor and the framework of the dark web, but it is not infallible. Any online activity can carry breadcrumbs to your identity if someone digs far enough. When it comes to dark web safety, the deep web dangers are very different from dark web dangers.
Use a VPN
How To Protect Your Personal Information From Data Theft
Using a virtual private network (VPN) is another way to access the dark web via mobile. A VPN encrypts all internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. This is especially important when accessing the dark web, as it can help protect your identity and location.
In addition to rampant malware and potential for data theft, the dark web can also be dangerous in less direct ways. Once you have a VPN set up, simply connect to it and then visit any website on the dark web. NordVPN is ideal for protecting your privacy before visiting the deep web in my experience. Accessing the dark web on an iPhone is as easy as using a Windows device, and you only need to follow 3 steps to get on the dark web.
Install a VPN on Android
Consider Using A VPN
To install a VPN on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Play Store and search for “VPN”.
- Choose a VPN service and download and install the app.
- Open the app and create an account.
- Connect to a server in a location of your choice.
- Once connected, you can browse the dark web using a dark web browser.
- Given the dangers that lurk on the dark web, it’s a no-brainer that you shouldn’t disclose any personal information like your name, email address, phone number, or financial details.
- If you can find a page with a standard search engine (Google or DuckDuckGo) and visit it with a standard web browser (Chrome or Firefox), it is part of the Surface web.
- The dark web is known as a place where illegal goods and services can be bought and sold, and for that reason, it’s earned a reputation for being a little seedy and salacious.
- These groups develop their own sophisticated malware, sometimes combined with pre-existing tools, and distribute them through “affiliates”.
Install a VPN on iOS
To install a VPN on an iOS device, follow these steps:
- Go to the App Store and search for “VPN”.
- Choose a VPN service and download and install the app.
- Open the app and create an account.
- Connect to a server in a location of your choice.
- Once connected, you can browse the dark web using a dark web browser.
Any suspicious activity, no matter how small, must be taken seriously. Whether you post public YouTube videos for fun or profit, interactions with everyday netizens — especially trolls — are an inevitable part of the process. To use the dark web safely, use as many privacy-enhancing tools or programs as you can, and do not identify yourself in any way to anyone for any reason. 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.
FAQs
Installing A Virtual Machine On Your Phone
The dark web lies within the deep web and can be defined as the part of the deep web that not only isn’t indexed by search engines, but also requires specialized tools like Tor Browser to access. That special software keeps you anonymous and explains why it’s called the dark web. However, thanks to Tor’s onion routing, your online activity is encrypted and hidden from view. This means your ISP can’t see that you’re accessing the dark web (or indeed, the specific sites you’re accessing). Using a VPN is essential to mask your identity when visiting websites on the dark web.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal in and of itself. However, many activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, so it is important to use caution and ensure that you are not engaging in any illegal activities.
Can I access the dark web on my mobile device?
Yes, it is possible to access the dark web on a mobile device using a dark web browser and a VPN. However, it is important to note that the dark web can be dangerous and should only be accessed with caution.
Is it safe to access the dark web on my mobile device?
Accessing the dark web on a mobile device can be safe if you take the proper precautions, such as using a VPN and a dark web browser. However, it is important to remember that the dark web can be dangerous and should only be accessed with caution.
