How to Get on the Dark Web Safely (Extensive Tutorial)

The so-called surface web is accessible to all of us and is less interesting. No wonder you came here asking how to get on the dark web. We know what you’re thinking, or some of you. Use Tor to visit Onion sites, and you’re all set. Relying on Tor to keep you anonymous online is a good recipe for disaster; you’ll learn why.

Think of the dark web as an uncharted jungle. It looks interesting at first, but venturing further reveals glimpses of savagery and brutal nature. This part of the internet is far different from the surface web and is frequently associated with hackers, hitmen, drug selling, and other illicit activities. It doesn’t have to be like that.

You can go on the dark web safely, use legal sites, and enjoy the experience without worries. In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to access the dark web in complete privacy and cover a few more essential factors to consider before starting.

What Is the Dark Web and How Does It Work?

Before we explain how to venture into this part of the internet, we need to see what you’re setting yourself up for. Unlike the surface web, the dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by conventional search engines. Therefore, it’s inaccessible through conventional browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, and others.

You might’ve heard of the domain extension called “.onion“, which sits at the end of each dark web website. These websites use atypical names and domains to present themselves. So, instead of “facebook.com”, the URL looks like “12ls834mfdg8.onion”. This prevents tracking and website shutdowns.

The trick with these onion websites is their accessibility, which is made possible only with the Tor Browser. Tor is an abbreviation for The Onion Router, and now, we can see precisely why. Tor is a Firefox-based browser made specifically to enable access to onion sites, hence the name The Onion Router.

This browser, on paper, provides anonymity by routing your traffic through different secure nodes, preventing tracking and surveillance. Later in our guide, we’ll see why this isn’t ideal for browsing the dark web safely. For now, it’s vital to get the principle right. One more thing before we move on – accessing the dark web is legal.

It’s what you do on it that matters. Selling drugs or hiring a hitman to kill your ex will get you into trouble. Don’t do anything stupid. However, you can browse forums, watch videos, and chat with other people just fine.

Access the Dark Web Safely With NordVPN

Are the Deep Web and Dark Web the Same?

People often confuse the deep and dark web. They sound scary. One is deep, the other is dark. We’ll tell you that the deep web is accessible through conventional browsers. However, this part is unindexed by search engines. Funnily enough, the deep web is the largest part of the internet.

Think about your Gmail inbox. It’s online, and you can access it, but your friends can’t. They have their Gmail inboxes accessible only to them. You can’t type in “Sally’s Gmail Inbox” and go there. That part is unindexed and is a part of the deep web. The same goes for private networks belonging to companies and other entities.

Some hospitals even have classified medical records you can’t access just like that. Compare this to getting on the dark web and the way that part of the internet works. You need a special browser (Tor), and all these websites are intentionally obscured.

To clarify, this tutorial covers accessing the dark web privately, not the deep web.

How to Get on the Dark Web Safely & Anonymously in 2026?

We already know of a necessary component for this – Tor. While the Tor Browser is great and safe, it’s not as great as another component – a VPN. We must explain that Tor is safe on paper, but practice has shown that this browser can fail you. It works by routing your traffic through multiple nodes.

The entry node encrypts your traffic and bounces it across nodes in the Tor network until it reaches the exit node. This node decrypts your traffic, and it reaches the website. The problem is the entry node. Your ISP sees that you’re connected to Tor, as the encryption is applied after you connect to the browser.

With this information, the ISP knows you’re on the dark web because Tor is mainly used for this purpose. You don’t want this suspicion because of the darknet’s reputation. Tor’s nodes can also malfunction because they’re owned by volunteers. This can expose your traffic and sensitive information.

That’s where a VPN comes in, and a reliable VPN like NordVPN (read our NordVPN review here) can do wonders. Speaking of which, let’s see how to actually use it.

Setting Up a VPN Service

A VPN encrypts your traffic as soon as you connect to it. This allows you to go online anonymously and without ISP monitoring. The key is to encrypt your traffic before you use Tor so that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) doesn’t see that you’re in the Tor network. This won’t raise any suspicion.

Even if the Tor node fails, your data won’t be exposed because the VPN’s encryption still holds up. We recommend using a safe provider like NordVPN, which also offers Onion Over VPN servers perfect for accessing the dark web safely. The button below lets you claim an exclusive 70% discount for the 2-year plan.

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Click the button, get the provider for around $3 monthly, and install it on your device. It works on every Tor-friendly system – Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS.

Once the app is installed, open it and sign in with the credentials you provided. The dashboard should open, indicating you’re ready to connect to any VPN server.

Connecting to a VPN Server

The second, and even more important step, is to connect to a VPN server. NordVPN has 9,000+ of them in 130 countries, so you can pick any. To get the most optimized experience, we recommend its Onion Over VPN servers instead.

Here’s how to use them:

• Click on Specialty Servers.
• Select Onion Over VPN.
• Wait for a few seconds for NordVPN to connect.

Now that your connection is active, it’s encrypted and untraceable by your internet provider. Everything you do is protected by NordVPN, vital to accessing the dark web and enjoying it privately. However, we have one more step.

Using Tor Browser: The Final Step to Get on the Dark Web

Have you downloaded Tor yet? If not, you can do that on its official site – here. Select your platform, click on it, and Tor will download. Once installed, you can run it. This time, you should do it, as you’re already hidden by NordVPN’s encryption.

If you’re prompted to connect, click the purple Connect button.

This is how it should look. From here, you can visit any Onion website and enjoy the dark web safely and without worries of ISP tracking and surveillance. If you don’t know where to start, you can use The Hidden Wiki to find a few dark web domains. Copy the URL of the site you want to visit, press Enter, and you’re all set.

Just for laughs and giggles, we visited this random pug’s ultimate guide to the dark web. However, you can pick any other site and start your adventure. You’ll notice that some websites’ loading times are longer when using Tor. It might be because of the poorly maintained site or Tor’s slow speed.

Some sites take up to a minute or more to load, but everything should work fine.

Get on the Dark Web Safely with a VPN

Tor Over VPN or VPN Over Tor? Dark Web Access Explained

We’ve clarified how to go on the dark web anonymously with the help of a VPN. A VPN is a confusing factor for many because there are two ways to use it with Tor. You can go for the Tor Over VPN or VPN Over Tor methods.

Which one works better? Here are our two cents.

✅ Tor Over VPN (Recommended)

NordVPN and many other providers offer Tor Over VPN or Onion Over VPN. Regardless of its nomenclature, this is by far the safest option you can go for. It works by first using a VPN and connecting to Tor afterward, hence its name.

We explained how a VPN functions. It encrypts your traffic right away, beneficial if you don’t want your ISP to see that you’re using Tor. Some countries frown upon dark web usage, so it’s good to cover your back with a reputable VPN service. You get one encryption layer from a VPN, and when you’re in Tor, you get another layer.

When you go on the dark web and visit the site, your traffic is decrypted, and everything functions the same. But what are the concrete benefits? For one, the VPN can’t see your online activities because of VPN encryption. It doesn’t allow the entry node to see your original IP. Plus, the ISP won’t see that you’re using Tor.

We also prefer this method because of VPN’s all-encompassing security. Outside or inside Tor, your traffic is secured 100% of the time. This means you can go on the darknet privately while downloading torrents on the side. The downside is that some websites block Tor connections by detecting its exit node.

The exit node can also be compromised, but our experience has shown that this happens rarely. Besides, if the exit node malfunctions, you still have your trustworthy VPN, so no one can track your footsteps.

🤔 VPN Over Tor (Not the Best Option)

This method is far more complex. As opposed to the previous situation, here, you’re first connecting to Tor and then the VPN. Not many providers support this, so a manual and sometimes tedious configuration is needed. Because of this, not many people want to give it a shot, except if they have a very good reason.

If you’re one of them, good luck finding a provider that supports it. Once you do, that provider will need to configure the entire thing on a specific server first. This server will route your Tor traffic and perform what you want. However, your ISP can see that you’re using Tor because the entry node is now fully visible.

Not to mention the entry node will see your IP address, so if it’s compromised, a hacker would be able to get hold of it. More importantly, even the VPN service will now see what you’re doing inside Tor. The only benefit is that the ISP won’t know you’re using a VPN. This is pointless because VPN services are usually legal.

You’ll raise more suspicion by being detected using Tor than a VPN. What about websites that restrict Tor connections? These websites will now work without issues, as the VPN hides the exit node and makes your traffic look inconspicuous. In practice, we found very little use of VPN Over Tor and saw no significant advantages.

Best VPNs to Use for Accessing the Dark Web Safely in 2026

While you can visit the obscure part of the internet without a VPN, it’s better to go with one. Here are our favorite choices that work well and support Tor Over VPN.

1. NordVPN

This provider excels in speed, performance, and security, making it the best VPN for the dark web. We love it because of its simplicity, which lets you visit the dark web in seconds. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is highly secure, with a certified no-logging policy that guarantees no logging or storing of your sensitive data.

You’ll appreciate its added features, such as Threat Protection Pro, which shields you from malware and trackers. NordVPN also includes Double VPN servers to double your encryption and make you untraceable. One of its key benefits is unlimited data, which allows for fast and unlimited dark web browsing.

NordVPN’s other benefits are numerous. In short, it’s ideal for torrenting, streaming, and gaming. It also supports ten simultaneous connections, works on all devices, and offers VPN obfuscation that works in China. Its affordable prices and unrelenting performance make NordVPN a standout option for dark web users.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is often our go-to option, but not as often as NordVPN. This VPN’s performance is top-tier, with full Tor Over VPN support to make things simpler. Connect to any of its 3,000+ servers, open Tor, and do your magic! ExpressVPN’s intuitive apps work on up to 14 devices at a time, ensuring limitless protection.

Like NordVPN, this provider doesn’t store logs and has around twenty third-party audits to prove it. Its RAM servers and Private DNS go a step further to protect your identity online. Its Advanced Protection also blocks malicious sites, trackers, and ads. This is accompanied by the Network Lock kill switch that also prevents IP leaks.

ExpressVPN is slightly expensive but a trustworthy provider for risk-free dark web browsing. You’ll also enjoy its Smart DNS support, 24/7 live chat service, the Keys password manager, and a lot more. Feel free to grab its large discount, thanks to four free months for the Basic biennial plan at $2.79 to $3.49.

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3. Private Internet Access

PIA is popular in the USA because it offers servers in all states. People in the United States and abroad can use it to venture into the dark web in privacy. With RAM-based servers in 90+ countries (30,000 servers globally) and features like WireGuard, IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, worries are over.

Private Internet Access even offers the Shadowsocks proxy for added security. There’s also MultiHop that boosts your encryption, along with MACE, which blocks tracking. PIA doesn’t pull punches, so it strikes back against its competition with a proven-in-court no-logs policy, split tunneling, and port forwarding.

Best of all, it protects unlimited devices at a time! This, joined by incredible value and the price of around $2.19 monthly, makes PIA very attractive. Unfortunately, it’s slower than the previous two VPNs, but its performance is admirable in practice.

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Can I Go on the Dark Web on My iPhone?

Tor supports a few systems only: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. iOS is the only exception, leaving iPhone and iPad users without the option to go to this part of the internet. We know that many third-party browsers, akin to Tor, will work. Tor’s official site advises some apps to browse the dark web on an iOS device:

• Onion Browser
• Orbot

The company says that these browsers are “developed by someone who works closely with the Tor Project.” They also signify the importance of WebKit, which iOS requires, and which subsequently prevents Onion Browser from using privacy-protection measures like Tor. So, can you use Onion Browser and Orbot?

You can, technically, but Tor warns about the lack of top-level security that this browser has. The silver lining is that VPNs work on iPhones, so you can mitigate the risk by connecting to one beforehand.

Is the Dark Web Truly Safe?

This question is asked by many but answered by a few. We understand that because of the reputation looming over the dark web as being so dangerous, mysterious, and whatnot. Generally speaking, it’s safe, but it’s also not. Some sites are safe to use, especially those where you don’t need to provide sensitive information.

However, if you want to trade or buy something, the risk of scams increases exponentially. People often make the grave mistake of divulging their private information to the seller or anyone else who can take advantage of it and harm the user. According to LMG Security, over 2.7M people have visited the dark web in 2023.

What’s more alarming is the estimation that half of those visitors were connected to illicit activities. We can conclude that this portion of the internet can be dangerous, but again, you’re in control and decide which websites you want to visit. No one can force you to visit a drug-selling site and buy cocaine.

As long as you pick your sites carefully and use a safe and secure VPN, you’ll remain untouched and be able to browse the dark web indefinitely.

Final Words

Let’s summarize the most important points from this guide on how to access the dark web. This internet space can be dangerous, but you can safely get on it by using a VPN and then connecting to Tor. Our experience has shown that this is the #1 way of doing things without risking your privacy.

Using NordVPN seems to be beneficial, while ExpressVPN and PIA are reasonable alternatives. All offer strong encryption and don’t store logs, ensuring all online footsteps are completely masked. Above all, it’s vital to go on the dark web carefully and sensibly. Stick to tried-and-tested sites and do your best to avoid scams.

If you manage not to expose your private information and avoid illicit activities, everything will be okay. Click below to try NordVPN risk-free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dark web illegal?

No, accessing the dark web isn’t illegal, but what you do may be. Browsing the dark web and doing nothing illegal means you don’t have to worry. But if you plan on participating in the ever-growing dark web markets and buying or selling weapons, drugs, or anything similar, then what you’re doing is illegal.

Is the dark web more dangerous than the surface web?

Yes, it’s more dangerous. It’s unregulated and with shady websites and marketplaces, where leaving your sensitive information can be a fatal mistake. Think of the surface web as a city, while the dark web is more like a jungle, with no defined laws. If you’re cautious, use a VPN, and don’t reveal your identity, it’s safe.

Can I be tracked on the dark web?

Yes, you can, even if you use the supposedly anonymous Tor. With a VPN, you’re harder to track, but if you leave your private information, you’re not exempt from tracking. The easiest way to stay safe and avoid tracking is to combine Tor with a VPN and use advanced features like malware and tracker protection.