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Downloading Onion: A Step-by-Step Guide

Downloading onion files requires Tor Browser. Discover the steps to access .onion sites securely and efficiently.

Written: · 3 min

A person diligently checking the Tor Browser download page on their laptop.
Verifying the Tor Browser download for safe access to .onion sites.

Downloading Tor Browser provides access to .onion sites through the Tor network. The current version is Tor Browser 16.0 released on October 29 2026. It is free. Desktop users need a 64-bit system. Android requires version 8.0 or newer. iOS users should install Onion Browser instead.

The first step is to visit the official Tor Project website at https://www.torproject.org/download using HTTPS. This reduces tampering risk. Always verify the .asc signature with the key fingerprint EF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290. Verification output must contain "Good signature from 'Tor Browser Developers'". This check works only with files from torproject.org or listed mirrors. It fails with unofficial downloads that often contain malware.

What You Receive

Official Tor Browser Download
You get the safest download from https://www.torproject.org/download. HTTPS protects the file from tampering.
Alternative Access Methods
You receive links from official mirrors via EFF or La Cebolla. GetTor delivers verified links by email or Telegram when the site is blocked.
Signature Verification Files
Each download includes an .asc OpenPGP signature. You verify it with GnuPG and key fingerprint EF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290 to confirm no changes.
Latest Desktop Version Details
Tor Browser 16.0 released on October 29 2026 adds AArch64 Linux support. It drops 32-bit x86 Linux compatibility.
Android Version Requirements
You obtain Tor Browser for Android on version 8.0 or newer. It supports aarch64 arm and x86_64 but install only from Google Play or F-Droid if architecture is unknown.
iOS Recommendation
You receive guidance to use Onion Browser or Orbot on iOS. Apple WebKit rules limit privacy features compared to Firefox-based versions.

Quick overview

Option/MethodPriceTimeframeRequirementsLimitations
Official Tor Project WebsiteFreeImmediateInternet access, compatible OSNone
Official Mirrors (EFF, La Cebolla)FreeImmediateInternet access, compatible OSDepends on mirror availability
GetTor ServiceFreeImmediateInternet access, email/Telegram accountRequires verification of links
Tor Browser for AndroidFreeImmediateAndroid 8.0 or newer, compatible architectureMust install from Google Play or F-Droid
Onion Browser for iOSFreeImmediateiOS deviceLimited privacy protections compared to desktop/Android
Signature VerificationFreeImmediateGnuPG, Tor Browser Developers signing keyRequires technical knowledge to verify

How to Obtain Tor Browser

  1. Choose the official source

    Download Tor Browser from https://www.torproject.org/download. This uses HTTPS. It reduces tampering risk. (1)

  2. Use alternatives if blocked

    Access official mirrors via EFF or La Cebolla. Or request links through GetTor by email or Telegram. Verify all files afterward. (1)

  3. Select the correct version

    Tor Browser 16.0 works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports 64-bit ARM on Linux. Android needs version 8.0 or newer. iOS users install Onion Browser instead. (2) (3) (4)

  4. Download and get the signature

    Save the package and its .asc OpenPGP signature file. The signing key fingerprint is EF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290. (5)

  5. Verify the download

    Use GnuPG with the Tor Project key. Run the verification command. Success shows "Good signature from 'Tor Browser Developers (signing key) [email protected]'". (5)

  6. Install and check operation

    Install the verified package. Launch Tor Browser and connect to the network. Visit check.torproject.org to confirm you use Tor. About 3.64 million people connect daily. (6)

Common questions

Download onion for pc

You download Tor Browser for PC from https://www.torproject.org/download. This site uses HTTPS which reduces tampering risk. (1) The current version 16.0 released on October 29 2026 requires a 64-bit system. Verification with the key fingerprint EF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290 confirms the file origin. (5)

Download onion apk

Tor Browser for Android exceeds 50 million installs on Google Play. (7) You obtain the APK only from Google Play or F-Droid if your device architecture remains unknown. (3) The app requires Android 8.0 or newer and supports aarch64 arm and x86_64. This method avoids architecture mismatch that occurs with direct APK files from other sources.

Download onion ios

Apple requires all iOS browsers to use WebKit. (4) You install Onion Browser or Orbot from the App Store because they meet this rule. Standard Tor Browser does not exist for iOS due to these restrictions. This setup provides basic access but lacks the full privacy protections available on desktop or Android versions.

Download Tor Browser

The safest download occurs from https://www.torproject.org/download secured by HTTPS. (1) Each file includes an .asc signature verified with GnuPG and key fingerprint EF6E286DDA85EA2A4BA7DE684E2C6E8793298290. (5) Success shows output with "Good signature from 'Tor Browser Developers (signing key) [email protected]'". (5) This check works only with official files and fails for tampered builds from search results. (1)

Tor Browser dark web

Tor Browser grants access to .onion sites on the dark web. Around 3.64 million people use Tor daily according to Tor Metrics. (6) Using Tor itself remains legal in the United Kingdom and most democratic countries. (8) Legality changes based on the specific activities performed through the browser.

Download Tor Browser for Android

You download Tor Browser for Android from Google Play or F-Droid. (3) It requires Android 8.0 or newer and matches your device architecture. The official app comes solely from the Tor Project. This approach prevents issues that arise when users select the wrong architecture package.

Tor Browser no download

If direct download fails you use GetTor service via email or Telegram. (1) Official mirrors from EFF or La Cebolla provide alternative links. These options deliver verified packages when https://www.torproject.org/download stays blocked. Signature verification still applies to confirm file integrity after receipt.

Footnotes

[1] Downloading - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor

[2] New Release: Tor Browser 16.0 - News - Tor Project Forum

[3] Installing - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor

[4] Can I run Tor Browser on an iOS device? | Tor Project | Support

[5] Verify Tor Browser's signature - Tor Project Support

[6] How Many People Use Tor? 2026 Numbers

[7] Tor Browser - Apps on Google Play

[8] Tor Project | The Legal FAQ for Tor Relay Operators