Just like on PC, you can also access the dark world of the internet on Android and iOS devices in just a few steps.
Accessing the deep web can also be done via smartphone, whether Android or iOS. Just like on a computer, you’ll need to install some apps to connect to your smartphone. Below, you’ll learn how to access the deep web from your phone and which apps require you to download them.
Enter the deep web on Android
Just like on a PC, you’ll need to download and install an app capable of opening compatible deep web URLs. See details below—due to an app block, it wasn’t possible to produce screenshots to illustrate the tutorial steps.
- Download and install the app: First, go to the Play Store, download Tor Browser and install it on your device;
- Make the connection: Once installed, allow your browser to connect to the network. This will allow you to access deep web URLs.
- Select security level: At some point, you’ll need to choose the security level you want. Leave it at Recommended if you’re new to the subject;
- Access the network: Okay, browser up and running. Now, you need to access a valid URL to start browsing the deep web.In Tor Browser, links are made up of random characters followed by the .onion extension. The most famous directory is the Hidden Wiki; just copy and paste one of the URLs into Tor Browser.
There you go. Now you know how to access the deep web in just a few steps using your Android phone. On iPhone, the process is very similar.
Access the deep web on your iPhone
For iPhone, there is no official Tor app due to some system limitations, such as the fact that Apple requires third-party browsers on iOS to use the WebKit browsing engine, the same as Safari and Chrome.
Tor itself recommends the Onion Browser, which attempts to implement some security features that are generally sufficient for the average user. At least because of these limitations, it’s much easier to browse the deep web on an iPhone:
- Install and Connect: Go to the App Store and download Onion Browser on your iPhone. Then, tap “Let’s Go” and then “Connect to Tor” to start the connection.
- Wait: Wait for the message “Connected” and tap “Next”;
- Select the security level: Once connected, the user must set a security level for their connection. According to the app, the recommended level is Silver or Gold. That’s it, the browser is ready to go.
Now, you need to access a valid URL to start browsing the deep web. In Onion Browser, links consist of random characters followed by the .onion extension.
What to do on the deep web
The deep web is often associated with illegal content, such as drug sales, child pornography, or various other shady activities, but this isn’t the only content on the network.
It can be quite useful for activists and journalists who need anonymity. On a computer, it can be accessed through the Tor browser, which connects to the Tor network.
Browsing speed may be slower than normal because your internet connects to several computers, like a tunnel, to load websites, so it depends on the connection speed of many points around the world.