How To Access the Dark Web Safely in 2025: An Easy Guide

You can browse the dark web without risking your identity or breaking the law. However, I know how scary it can be — I was terrified accessing the dark web for the first time, worrying that I would accidentally land on an illegal site and the authorities would be banging down my door.

However, I'm no longer a dark web newbie, and neither are my colleagues — for years now, we've explored legitimate onion services, such as breach-monitoring tools and privacy forums, for our research. Despite its reputation as a digital underworld, the dark web plays a crucial role in maintaining internet freedom. While it may sound intimidating, the Dark web only makes up about 5% of the internet (Spiceworks, 2025)¹.

How can I enter the dark web? The Tor Browser is the most trusted option for accessing the dark web, but it’s not invincible. In fact, the network has faced real challenges, including seven months of DDOS attacks in 2022 (Securityaffairs)². In this article, I’ll guide you through the safest way to enter the dark web, like downloading Tor securely, booting from Tails, and using a trustworthy no-logs VPN. By the end, you’ll know how to explore with confidence while keeping your data safe.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is the 3rd layer of the internet, after the surface web and deep web. Here’s a general explanation of what you can find on each layer:

The Surface Web

The surface web (also called the Visible Web, Indexed Web, or Clear Web) is the part of the internet you can access anytime using mainstream browsers, like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. It includes any page that you can find with a simple Google search. However, your access is limited to the information that the website's administrator permits you to see. You can't access the backend files, account pages, or archives.

Take online stores like eBay as an example. You can freely browse products on the surface web. But to see your personal account details or to make a purchase, you need to log in. Once you log in, you're moving beyond the surface web and into the deep web. Although it may seem vast, the Surface Web is actually just a small slice of the entire internet, often estimated to be less than ten percent.

The Deep Web

The deep web is the private layer, and it’s often password-protected. Deep web pages can’t be accessed through a simple search, as search engines do not index them — it’s a layer of the internet only accessible to people with a specific link or login credentials.

Think of things like your email inbox, online banking account, medical records, academic databases, or private company portals. These are all examples of the Deep Web because you need a login, a password, or sometimes even a subscription to access them. They’re kept private intentionally, and what amazed me most is that it’s estimated that this hidden layer actually makes up at least 90% of all online content (Google.org, 2025).

The Dark Web

The dark web is the third layer of the internet and the hardest to find. It consists of websites that use the “.onion” top-level domain instead of “.com”, “.net”, etc. You can’t access “.onion” sites through regular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

While the surface and deep web can be accessed via regular browsers, the dark web requires special software. Tor (The Onion Router) is the most commonly used browser for the dark web. However, it’s also accessible through networks like Freenet, Riffle, and I2P.

The Dark Web often gets a bad reputation because it hosts illegal markets, hacking forums, and other shady activities. That’s part of the story, but not the whole picture. Some people use it for legitimate reasons, such as journalists protecting their sources, activists in countries with heavy censorship, or individuals who simply want stronger privacy.

How Do You Access the Dark Web in 2025?

Accessing the dark web requires the right privacy and security tools to protect your online anonymity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it legally and safely:

Secure Web Browsers

The safest way to access the Dark Web is through a browser specifically designed for it, and the most popular choice is the Tor Browser. Tor works by sending your connection through several random servers around the world before it reaches the site you want.

This process, called “onion routing,” makes it very hard for anyone to trace where you’re connecting from. With Tor, you can access regular websites as well as special Dark Web addresses that end in “.onion”, which you can’t open in standard browsers like Chrome or Safari.

Here is how to set up the Tor Browser:

1. Download from the official site. Visit the Tor Project’s official website and grab the version for your device (Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android).
   Simply run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts
2. Install and open. Run the installer with default settings, then launch the Tor Browser from your apps or start menu.
3. Connect to Tor. Click Connect to join the network. If Tor is blocked on your network, choose Configure and enable bridges.
4. Adjust security level. In the browser settings, select your preferred level: Standard, Safer, or Safest, depending on the level of protection you want.
   Safer had a good balance of speeds and security
5. Stay safe while browsing. Don’t add plugins, don’t log into personal accounts, and avoid downloading random files. Keep automatic updates on for the latest security fixes.
6. Confirm it’s working. Use the Tor start page link to check that your connection is routed through Tor.

Don't Leave a Trace, Use Tails

Tails is a special operating system that you can run from a USB stick, built to leave no traces on the computer you use. Instead of installing anything, you boot the machine from the USB, and Tails runs in memory. When you shut it down, it forgets everything from that session unless you explicitly save something to an encrypted “persistent” area on the USB. That makes Tails a great choice when you want a clean, temporary environment for private browsing or sensitive work.

1. Download and verify Tails. Get the image from the official Tails website and verify the signature/checksum so you know the file wasn’t tampered with.
   Tails runs from a USB stick and routes all internet traffic through Tor by default
2. Create the USB. Use a reliable tool (e.g., Etcher) to write the Tails image to a USB drive with a capacity of 8GB or more. This creates a bootable USB stick that you can carry anywhere — mine's always in my purse.
3. Boot from the USB. Restart the computer and open the boot menu (often F12/F9/ESC on PCs; Intel-based Macs use the Option key). Choose the USB drive. If it doesn’t appear, try another port or enable USB boot in BIOS/UEFI.
4. Pick Settings and connect to Tor. On the Tails Welcome Screen, select your language/keyboard and click Start Tails. Connect to the internet, then choose Connect to Tor. If Tor is blocked, open Configure and use bridges.
5. Browse safely with Tor Browser. Use the built-in Tor Browser for all web activity. Don’t add extensions, don’t log into personal accounts, and avoid downloading files unless you absolutely trust them.
6. (Optional) Enable Persistent Storage. If you need to keep a few items between sessions, open Applications → Tails → Configure Persistent Storage, set a strong passphrase, and select only what you truly need (e.g., bookmarks or WiFi).
7. Update and shut down to wipe traces. Let Tails apply updates when offered, and then choose Shutdown when you’re done. Tails forgets the session by design, so nothing stays on the computer.

Run Whonix Through the Qubes Operating System

Qubes OS is a desktop system that splits your computer into separate “boxes” (called qubes). Each box is isolated from the others, like having many little computers inside one machine. If something bad happens in one box, such as a website trying to drop malware, it’s contained there. Obviously, it works best with a powerful computer. My old laptop wasn’t gonna cut it, so I had to commandeer my husband’s PC to test it out.

Whonix is a privacy setup that pairs perfectly with Qubes. It comes in two parts: a Gateway that connects to the Tor network, and a Workstation where you actually browse and use apps. In Qubes, these show up as sys-whonix (Gateway) and anon-whonix (Workstation).

All internet traffic from the Workstation is forced through the Gateway. If Tor isn’t connected, the Workstation simply can’t reach the internet. That “fails-closed” design helps prevent IP or DNS leaks.

To use it, simply download Qubes OS and enable Whonix (you can also add it later). You’ll see two boxes: sys-whonix (the Gateway that connects to Tor) and anon-whonix (the Workstation you use). In anon-whonix settings, set NetVM to sys-whonix so all internet traffic goes through Tor. Start sys-whonix and wait for Tor to connect, then open anon-whonix and browse with the Tor Browser.

Use a VPN

Before accessing the dark web, use a secure Tor VPN to hide your IP address and data from ISPs and potential malicious nodes on the dark web. You can download native VPN apps for different devices from its website or official app stores. Install it like any other app.
You can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free

Install the VPN and connect to a server before opening Tor to prevent IP leaks. The nearest server will typically provide the fastest and most stable connection speeds.

Or, just click the power button to connect to the nearest server

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for the Dark Web

Tor and VPNs don’t always play nicely together. Some providers block Tor traffic or struggle to maintain good speeds. That’s why it’s crucial to pick one that’s proven to work well with obfuscation technology (which conceals VPN traffic so it won't be detected) and has a verified no-logs policy. Here’s how the leading VPNs for the dark web compare.

Use a Dark Web Search Engine

Regular search engines like Google don’t index dark websites. Instead, use dedicated search engines, like DuckDuckGo (.onion version), Ahmia, Not Evil, or Torch. When using dark web search engines, it’s important to exercise caution and refrain from clicking on suspicious links or accessing illegal content.

Once you're on the search engine, type in the domain or keyword

Find Trusted .onion Sites

Before engaging in any dark web activities, I recommend researching official dark web sites ahead of time — use your regular browser to look online and see which sites are reputable. There are tons of information provided online by security experts recommending trustworthy .onion links.

Here are some safe and useful links for the dark web:

• ProPublica. Here you can find excellent pieces of investigative journalism.
• Hidden Answers. This is a dark web version of Quora where you can ask any question anonymously.
• Imperial Library. If you love reading, this dark website is great for you. You can find thousands of free books of any genre here.
• Hidden Wiki and TorLinks. These host libraries of dark web links are not as useful since their links don’t work sometimes.
• SecureDrop. If you have information you'd like to share with a journalist, this is the website to visit.
• Dread. This is a Reddit-like dark web forum where you can take part in uncensored discussions.

You should be careful of which links you click or info you give

Use Alternative Dark Web Networks (I2P & Freenet)

IP2 is faster than Tor and offers stronger peer-to-peer security, as it uses one-way tunnels to encrypt traffic — meaning that only inbound or outbound traffic can be intercepted, not both. In addition, it utilizes a distributed network database, which is more resilient to attack than Tor’s fixed, trusted Directory servers.

However, you won’t be able to use I2P to access as many official dark web sites as Tor. You can only access its specific sites (called “eepsites”). In addition, it’s a bit more difficult to configure; after downloading and installing, you’ll also have to manually configure it through the router, individual applications, and/or browser proxy settings.

Freenet is another Tor alternative, but more of an anonymous place for peer-to-peer content sharing. Users can form their own private groups for content sharing, called darknet mode. Or, they can use opennet mode to be randomly assigned to other peers on the network. Like I2P, it uses a distributed network database for added assurance against cyber attacks.

You don’t need a server to upload content to Freenet; it will keep your content as long as it's popular. But, like I2P, Freenet won’t give you access to .onion links — only content uploaded to Freenet.

How To Access the Dark Web on Android and iOS

Accessing the dark web on mobile devices comes with greater security risks compared to using a desktop. You can access the dark web on both Android and iOS, but their limitations make it less secure. The best Android option is the Tor Browser, available on Google Play. For added privacy, use Orbot, which enables system-wide Tor routing for other apps.

On iOS, the recommended option is Onion Browser, but due to Apple’s restrictions, it lacks full Tor functionality. I find it challenging to use Tor on my phone because it consumes a significant amount of battery and data. However, if you need to access it, I recommend using a smartphone VPN, disabling JavaScript, and avoiding sensitive activities.

Here are some tips to help stay secure on mobile:

• Use a separate “clean” phone with no personal accounts.
• Use official sources. Get Tor Browser (Android) or Onion Browser (iOS) only from official sources.
• Set the highest workable security level; keep JavaScript off when possible.
• Don’t log into personal accounts and don’t install extensions/plugins.
• Avoid downloads and opening links in other apps, and clear data after each session.
• Keep the operating systems & apps updated. Don’t root/jailbreak, and turn off location/WiFi/Bluetooth scanning during sessions.

Dangers of the Dark Web

Due to the lack of regulations on the dark web, you are vulnerable to cyber threats anytime you visit. These risks can be avoided when you are well-informed and know how to protect yourself against them.

Below are some of the most frequently encountered risks and measures you can take to protect yourself from them:

Tips To Stay Safe on the Dark Web

To boost your overall safety while navigating the dark web, it's important to adhere to certain protective measures. The following are some recommended precautions to take:

• Use antivirus software. Install a reputable antivirus program and keep it up to date. New threats appear all the time, and an old version will miss them.
• Use a different email. Create a separate address that you use exclusively for dark web activity. Do not link it to your real name or phone number. When I’m doing something like this, I usually go to Proton Mail, a well-respected encrypted email service; I have a hard time trusting Google and Yahoo with my communications.
• Keep your identity private. Do not share your real name, photo, phone number, or any personal details. Avoid posting anything that could identify you.
• Use Bitcoin. Avoid credit cards. If you must pay, consider using Bitcoin for added privacy, but remain cautious. Be wary of any service that requires an upfront payment.
• Only shop on trusted and official dark websites. Verify the exact .onion address, research the site and the seller, read recent reviews, and skip deals that look too good to be true. Consider using escrow to lower the risk of scams.
• Avoid add-ons. Do not install extensions or plugins in Tor Browser. Attackers have exploited plugins such as Flash, RealPlayer, and QuickTime to reveal your actual IP address, and extensions can help websites identify you.
• Cover your camera and your microphone. Use a webcam cover or a small piece of opaque tape, and mute or disable the mic when you are not using it. This makes it harder for anyone to record you without your consent.
• Open your downloads offline. If you download a file from the dark web, disable the internet before opening it. Opening it while you're connected could leak your real IP address.
• Don’t change the size of your Tor window. Resizing the window makes your browser look unique, which helps sites fingerprint you. Leave resizing disabled in settings.
• Use Tor Bridges. If your network or country blocks Tor, enable Bridges in Tor settings. Try Snowflake or obfs4.
• Use multi-signature cryptocurrency wallets. Avoid linking payments to your identity. Consider using Monero for stronger on-chain privacy, or opt for a multi-signature wallet like Electrum, which requires more than one key to move funds. Keep a fresh wallet just for this purpose.
• Set up a virtual machine (VM). Run your dark web session inside a VM to isolate it from your central system. If the VM gets infected, it is easier to contain and reset. Do not share the clipboard or folders between the VM and your main computer, and use snapshots so you can roll back after each session.

Is the Dark Web Illegal?

The dark web itself is not illegal. It’s simply a hidden part of the internet that you can reach using special tools like the Tor Browser. People use it for different reasons, such as privacy, research, or even reading the news in places with strict censorship. Simply isiting a .onion site isn’t considered a crime in most countries.

What can be illegal is the activity that occurs on the dark web. These include buying or selling drugs, weapons, stolen data, malware, or hacking services, which are crimes. Sharing or even possessing abusive or exploitative content is also a very serious offense. The same laws that apply to the regular internet also apply here. Police do investigate and prosecute crimes that happen on the dark web. For example, in June 2025, Europol and U.S. partners shut down Archetyp Market, one of the longest-running drug markets on Tor (Europol 2025)⁴.

Law enforcement also targets the most harmful crimes, especially child exploitation. A well-known example is the Playpen case, where the site’s creator received a 30-year sentence, and investigators tracked down hundreds of users (FBI press release, 2017)⁵. Whether it happens on the surface web or the dark web, any activity involving abuse or exploitation is treated as a major crime.

This means that even just looking around on the dark web can be risky if you’re not cautious. For example, downloading files could infect your computer with malware. Paying for illegal services or products can leave you vulnerable to scams or draw the attention of law enforcement. Joining suspicious forums might connect you with criminals or put you on the radar of investigators.

It’s also important to understand that in some countries, such as China, the UAE, and Pakistan, simply accessing the dark web is considered a crime. Russia and India also closely monitor dark web traffic.

Major Dark Web Marketplaces That Have Been Shut Down:

• The Silk Road Case. This site was like the Amazon of the dark web. It started with a good cause in mind, but ended up being a host for the sale of illegal goods — such as drugs, weapons, and forged paperwork. The person behind the website got caught because he promoted his website on the surface web using his real email address.
• AlphaBay Case. This website continued where the Silk Road stopped — it sold and traded drugs, weapons, and other illegal products. The owner ended up getting caught because he used weak passwords, his real email address, zero encryption, and more.
• The Ashley Madison Case. This one went viral. Ashley Madison was a website for extramarital affairs. Hackers released the information of people using this website, ruining a lot of lives. The hackers were never caught.
• DarkMarket. Seized in 2021, DarkMarket was one of the largest illicit marketplaces, hosting nearly 500,000 users trading stolen data, drugs, and counterfeit currency³. Europol and global agencies coordinated its shutdown.

While such stories can cast the dark web in a negative light, it's worth noting that there are numerous legal and beneficial activities accessible through it. I advise sticking to well-known, reliable sites and taking extra precautions to ensure your security.

What Can I Do on the Dark Web?

There are many beneficial activities and resources available on the dark web; however, it’s essential to maintain your anonymity. Using Tor without taking precautions can make you vulnerable to various cyber threats, including hackers, trackers, and malware. However, when you practice safety while visiting the dark web, you can enjoy its many positives, such as:

• Free speech. The dark web provides individuals living in countries under heavy censorship with a means to communicate openly without fear of exposure.
• Exposing criminals or corrupt public figures. Journalists and whistleblowers turn to the dark web as a safe place to share/receive anonymous tips online or investigate controversial situations.
• Buying products cheaply. Some products can be found on the dark web for a lower price, such as electronics or security software. Making purchases on the dark web is a risky endeavor; therefore, it's essential to use crypto and buy from credible sources.
• Research material. You can find free resources such as digital books and research papers on the dark web.
• Communicating anonymously. There are online communities and support websites available on the dark web where you can get tips and advice without revealing your identity.
• Get medical advice. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a health concern, there are doctors available on the dark web who can offer you their expertise. This is especially helpful for those who want to keep their health concerns personal or simply don’t have the funds to visit a clinic.

Are There Safe Marketplaces or Directories That Verify Dark Websites?

When you first access the dark web, one of the biggest challenges is knowing which sites are safe to visit. Since many links can lead to scams, malware, or illegal content, trusted directories and marketplaces play an important role in helping users avoid dangerous traps.

While no directory is 100% risk-free, some platforms are better known for curating verified links and offering safer browsing experiences. Here are a few examples:

• The Hidden Wiki. One of the most well-known dark web directories, offering categorized lists of onion links. However, some links can still lead to risky sites, so caution is necessary.
• Darknetlive. A frequently updated resource that provides news, verified market links, and information on scams or exit scams. This is a must-visit site for me; it’s saved my butt more than once.
• OnionLinks. A cleaner, community-maintained list of onion sites, with efforts to weed out broken or malicious links.
• Dark.Fail. A directory that tracks the uptime and reliability of major dark web markets, while highlighting scams and fake mirrors.
• Community forums (like Dread). Often considered the “Reddit of the dark web,” where users share reviews, warnings, and updates about markets and services.

FAQs on Accessing the Dark Web Safely

References

1. https://www.spiceworks.com/it-security/security-general/articles/dark-web-vs-deep-web/
2. https://securityaffairs.com/142215/hacking/tor-network-under-ddos-attacks.html
3. https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/15087328
4. https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/288-dark-web-vendors-arrested-in-major-marketplace-seizure
5. https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/playpen-creator-sentenced-to-30-years