What is Tor Browser?
Understanding the gateway to anonymous browsing
The Onion Router
Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that routes your internet traffic through the Tor network — a series of encrypted relays run by volunteers worldwide. This makes your online activity anonymous and allows access to .onion websites (also called hidden services).
When you use Tor, your connection bounces through at least 3 random relays, each one only knowing the previous and next hop. This makes it virtually impossible to trace your real IP address or monitor your browsing activity.
Why You Need Tor for Darknet
- Access .onion sites: Regular browsers can't open onion URLs
- IP anonymity: Your real IP is never exposed to sites you visit
- Encrypted traffic: Your ISP can't see what you're browsing
- Bypass censorship: Access blocked content in restrictive countries
- Built-in privacy: No tracking, no history saved
Download Tor Browser
Get Tor Browser from the official source — never download from third-party sites
ONLY download Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website:
torproject.org
Third-party downloads may contain malware or be modified to compromise your anonymity.
The official Tor Browser is not available for iOS/iPhone. You can use the Onion Browser app (open-source, endorsed by Tor Project) from the App Store, but it offers less privacy than the desktop version. For best security, use a computer with Tor Browser or Tails OS.
Installation Guide
Step-by-step instructions for all platforms
🪟 Windows Installation
Download the .exe installer from torproject.org
Run the installer (torbrowser-install-win64-*.exe)
Choose installation language and destination folder
Click "Connect" on first launch to connect to Tor network
Install to a USB drive for portability. You can run Tor Browser directly from USB without installing on the host computer.
🍎 macOS Installation
Download the .dmg file from torproject.org
Open the .dmg and drag Tor Browser to Applications folder
Right-click the app and select "Open" (needed for first launch due to Gatekeeper)
Click "Connect" to establish connection to Tor network
🐧 Linux Installation
Download the .tar.xz archive from torproject.org
Extract: tar -xf tor-browser-linux64-*.tar.xz
Navigate to folder: cd tor-browser
Launch: ./start-tor-browser.desktop
Security Settings
Configure Tor Browser for maximum privacy on the darknet
Standard
All features enabled
- JavaScript enabled
- All media plays
- Best compatibility
Use for: Regular browsing, clearnet sites
Safer
Some features disabled
- JavaScript on HTTPS only
- Some fonts disabled
- Media click-to-play
Use for: Sensitive research, forums
Safest 🛡️
Maximum protection
- JavaScript disabled
- No custom fonts
- Icons may break
Recommended for: Darknet markets
How to Change Security Level
- Click the shield icon in the toolbar (top-right)
- Click "Change..." or go to Settings → Privacy & Security
- Under "Security Level", select your preferred option
- Restart Tor Browser for changes to take effect
Tip: For accessing Nexus Market, we recommend the "Safer" setting as it balances security with functionality (the captcha requires some JavaScript).
Using Tor Bridges
Bypass censorship and hide that you're using Tor
What are Bridges?
Tor bridges are special relays that aren't publicly listed. They help you connect to Tor when:
- Tor is blocked in your country (China, Iran, Russia, etc.)
- Your ISP blocks Tor connections
- You want to hide that you're using Tor
- Your network has deep packet inspection
Bridge Types
- obfs4: Most common, makes traffic look random
- meek-azure: Hides traffic in Microsoft cloud
- Snowflake: Uses volunteer peers as proxies
How to Enable Bridges
- Open Tor Browser settings
- Go to "Connection" section
- Check "Use a bridge"
- Select "Select a built-in bridge" → obfs4
- Click "OK" and restart Tor Browser
If built-in bridges are blocked, request custom bridges from:
bridges.torproject.org
or email bridges@torproject.org with subject "get transport obfs4"
Ready to Access Nexus Market?
Now that you have Tor Browser installed and configured, get verified Nexus Market links to access the marketplace safely.