Tor Browser for Android - Complete Setup Guide

Follow these steps to install Tor Browser on your Android device:

1. Download from official sources only:
   • Google Play Store: Search for "Tor Browser" by The Tor Project - this is the safest option
   • F-Droid: Available through the Guardian Project repository for users who avoid Google Play
   • Direct APK: Download from torproject.org/download/#android - verify the signature if downloading the APK directly
2. Install the app and open it. Tap "Connect" to connect to the Tor network. First connection may take 15-30 seconds.
3. Configure security level: Tap the three-dot menu → Settings → Security Settings. Choose "Safest" for maximum protection (disables JavaScript) or "Safer" for a balance of security and usability.

Important: Never download Tor Browser from third-party app stores or random APK sites. Malicious versions exist that log your activity and steal data.

For maximum privacy, use a VPN alongside Tor Browser on Android:

1. Install a VPN app: Mullvad, ProtonVPN (free tier), or IVPN
2. Connect to the VPN first before opening Tor Browser
3. Then open Tor Browser and connect to Tor

This setup means: Your ISP sees VPN traffic → VPN server sees Tor traffic → Tor network sees anonymous browsing. Neither your ISP nor the Tor entry node sees your real IP address.

Android-specific tip: Use Android's built-in "Always-on VPN" feature (Settings → Network → VPN → select your VPN → toggle "Always on") to ensure VPN is always active before Tor Browser can connect.

If Tor is blocked in your country or on your network, configure bridges in the Android app:

1. Open Tor Browser and tap the gear icon on the connection screen (or go to Settings → Tor Network → Bridges)
2. Select "Use a bridge"
3. Choose a built-in bridge type:
   • obfs4: Best first option - disguises Tor traffic as random data
   • Snowflake: Uses volunteer WebRTC proxies - good when obfs4 is blocked
   • meek-azure: Disguises traffic as Microsoft Azure connections - slowest but hardest to block
4. Or enter custom bridge addresses obtained from bridges.torproject.org

Bridges are essential for Android users in China, Iran, Russia, and other countries with Tor censorship.

Whether you browse from Android, desktop, or both, having your own .onion service ensures your content is accessible to all Tor users on any device.

AnubizHost makes Tor hosting effortless:

• Pre-configured v3 .onion addresses accessible from Tor Browser on any platform
• Offshore servers in Iceland, Romania, and Finland
• Full root access to deploy responsive web apps optimized for mobile Tor browsing
• Bitcoin, Monero, and crypto payments - no KYC required
• DDoS protection and high availability for your .onion services