How to Access Dark Web on iPhone and iOS in 2023?
Curious about how to access dark web on iPhone? We’re not surprised. The dark web has been the center of curiosity and interest for a long time, and here’s the thing; it isn’t as dark as it is thought to be! Before we move on towards describing how to access the dark web on iPhone, let’s talk a little about what the dark web really is.
Even though the whole space has garnered a sense of mystery, the dark web is really just a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines—for security and privacy reasons. Dark web websites end with a ‘.onion’ extension that can only be accessed through special ‘onion browsers.’
Despite its shady reputation because of all the crimes its popular for, which, in part are true (for example, did you know you can actually hire a hitman on there?), it is a part of the internet that is completely private, and you can do things like creating an anonymous Facebook account, join an online chess club and report news and incidents without putting your identity at risk.
Beginning to see the brighter side of things? We understand that being able to access the private internet from an iPhone will be a huge leap forward in making it easier to visit on the go. To be safe while accessing dark web sites you should install an iOS VPN app. Here’s everything you need to know about how to access the dark web on iPhone and iOS in 2023.
Updated 16 August, 2023: This blog has been updated to reflect a more detailed step by step guide on how to access dark web on your iPhone or any other iOS device.
Read more: How to access the dark web
What’s Available on The Dark Web?
Due to the threats and bad reputation of the dark web, we assume that only illegal things take place on the dark web, but that’s not the case. While many cybercrimes take place on the dark web, they are also used legally.
Along with other things, the dark web sells legal and illegal goods.
Here’s the list of some of the illegal things that are sold on the Dark Web:
- Cloned Visa or Mastercard with Pin
- Hacked Facebook Accounts
- Stolen online banking login credentials
- DDoS attacks on unprotected websites
We highly recommend you avoid involving yourself in the transactions of any of the above goods and use the dark web for educational purposes only, as Dark Web’s sole purpose is anonymous browsing.
Although some people utilize anonymity for criminal purposes, the dark web’s privacy protection is critical for activists and whistleblowers. Dark web domains may be extremely useful for those living in countries where free expression is restricted or prohibited and who wish to exchange information or organize without fear of being persecuted.
How to Access Dark Web on iPhone and iOS in 2023?
Visiting the dark web from an iPhone or an iOS device is as simple as visiting it from a windows device. There are only two steps involved.
- Get an onion browser.
- Download Ivacy VPN.
- Install an antivirus software.
Let’s explore these steps in greater detail.
Step 1: Understand the Dark Web
Before delving into the technical details, it’s crucial to comprehend what the dark web actually is. The dark web is a part of the deep web, which is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires special tools to access. It’s important to remember that while the dark web hosts various legitimate and useful platforms, it’s also known for hosting illegal marketplaces, forums, and other illicit activities.
Step 2: Download a Secure Browser
Accessing the dark web requires a specialized browser that can navigate through the hidden layers. One of the most popular choices is the Tor Browser, available for iOS devices. Visit the App Store and download the Tor Browser app, which provides a safe gateway to the dark web.
Here are some of the best onion browsers that you can turn to if you’re interested in finding out how to access the dark web on your iPhone.
TOR
If you’re searching for the answer to “how to access the dark web on iPhone”, first and foremost, you’ll need to get familiar with Tor. TOR or The Onion Router was the first onion browser that allowed users to access the dark web.
The browser offers tracker blocking, defends against surveillance, helps resist fingerprints, and offers multilayer encryption in order to let you browse freely. While all these are wonderful when it comes to finding out how to access the dark web on iPhone, here’s the best part: it is also available to use for Apple devices including iPhones and iOS devices, instead of just PCs.
Cool, right?
Onion Browser
The dark web is useful for many things, contrary to the gruesome things it is popular for, and if you’re trying to find out how to access the dark web on iPhone, Onion Browser is another useful browser app to download.
Created by Round Cherry Apps the application also offers a high level of security because it claims to not store any of the user’s data, making it one of the ideal browsers to turn to when you’re looking to maintain your anonymity and privacy. Which are the two most important features of a good dark web browser.
OrNET
OrNET is another browser that we suggest if you’re looking for how to access the dark web on iPhone. With stellar reviews, this application is also free to download and use, and offers secure browsing features.
If you haven’t found a browser that resonates with you thus far, your search might end with this one. With its clean and easy-to-navigate interface, this browser is one of the easiest to use and makes it simple for its users to find their way around.
Safe, and built on the latest technology to make your Tor connection as smooth as possible, this is a great free browser that will help you access dark web on iPhone and iOS.
Download and install OrNET here.
Read more: DarkWeb Browsers | Explore Deep Web Anonymously With The Best Dark Web Onion Browsers
DuckDuckGo
Interested in getting to know how to access the dark web on iPhones, iPads, or Macbooks but are scared of getting tracked online? You can put those worries behind you! While you’ve probably heard of this one before, if you’ve only started looking into the world of the dark web, we’re sure this is one of the browsers that could use a lot more appreciation from you.
DuckDuckGo is a private browser that empowers you to run private searches, enjoy tracker blocking, and encrypts your online communication, making it one of the best and safest options to visit the dark web with.
Download and install the DuckDuckGo browser for iPhone and iOS here.
Brave Private Browser
Wondering how to access the dark web on iPhone? Look no further than Brave Private Browser. Apart from just being a private browser and letting you access the dark web on iPhone, this browser also claims to let you browse around 3x faster than other browsers while using 35% less battery!
The browser has a built-in ad blocker, gives you Tor access right in a new tab, and encrypts your communication with the internet to improve your privacy and maintain your anonymity. But that’s not all; if you were tirelessly searching “how to get in the dark web on iPhone” but weren’t entirely satisfied with the results, this one will let you bypass censorship from outside influences with its peer-to-peer hypermedia protocol.
Download the Brave Private Browser for iPhone and iOS here.
Step 3: Get Ivacy VPN
The dark web has its pros, but it can also be a very dangerous place, and if you’re not careful, it can get you in trouble with the laws governing your country or even put you at risk of being tracked down by criminals or hackers. Even if you use an Onion browser to get through the dark web, you need to first connect to a VPN server to keep you protected and safe from the malicious attacks taking place on the dark web.
Using a high-quality VPN service is the best way to get away from the trouble radar. Here’s how to download and set up Ivacy VPN.
- Download Ivacy VPN for iOS
- Go to settings and toggle the status switch on.
- Open the Ivacy app and connect to the server of your choice
If you’ve followed the steps correctly, you’d now be able to visit the dark web easily using your dark web browsers.
Step 4: Install an Antivirus Software
We recommend installing antivirus software on your device before accessing the dark web to prevent your data and login credentials from being saved on the dark web. Many antivirus software has a unique feature that scans the dark web and alerts you immediately if and when it detects your data on the dark web.
To give your system full-fledge protection against Dark Web and its associated threats, we recommend using an Onion Browser, a VPN, and antivirus software simultaneously.
Step 5: Launch the Tor Browser
Once you’ve installed a VPN and the Tor Browser, ensure that your VPN is active. Launch the Tor Browser and give it a moment to establish a secure connection. The Tor Browser is designed to route your connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers to anonymize your IP address.
Step 6: Navigate the Dark Web
With the Tor Browser up and running, you can now access .onion websites, which are exclusive to the dark web. These sites have a unique and complex URL structure that can’t be accessed via regular browsers. Exercise caution and only visit legitimate websites, forums, or platforms that align with ethical and legal guidelines.
Step 7: Stay Informed and Vigilant
The dark web can be a captivating but treacherous place. It’s essential to remain vigilant, as malicious entities and scams are prevalent. Avoid sharing personal information, downloading files from untrusted sources, and participating in illegal activities.
Step 8: Exit Securely
After your dark web exploration, remember to exit the Tor Browser and disconnect from your VPN. This ensures that your regular online activities are not compromised by any lingering traces from your dark web journey.
Read more: The Dark Web Access Is Full Of Terrors
Which Sites to Browse on the Dark Web?
You’d be surprised to find how many useful and productive things you can actually do on the dark web besides browsing without any companies getting a hold of your browsing activities to boost their marketing efforts. Now that you know how to access the dark web on your iPhone let’s take a look at some of the websites that you shouldn’t miss.
Read more: 5 Best Deep Web | DarkWeb Search Engines You Should Consider In 2023
Mail2Tor
We all know that email isn’t the most reliable or secure way to communicate—and that doesn’t make things easier for any of us. Luckily, if you’re looking to send emails to someone with sensitive information that you wouldn’t want to be intercepted by a third-party, well, it looks like Mail2Tor is for you!
Mail2Tor allows you to send and receive messages through email anonymously using webmail or a different email client as an alternative to Gmail and other mailing services where the contents of your inbox are actually accessible to the email providers.
This means that whatever information you give out will only be accessible by you and the sender/receiver—no one else. If you’ve now figured out how to get on the dark web on your iPhone, it’s time to start sending secure emails!
ProPublica
If you only want to be able to access the dark web from your iPhone so you can read everything there is on ProPublica, we’d understand. As the very first online publication to actually have a .onion web address, this website is no average publication.
The site was created with the sole aim to “expose the abuses of power and betrayals of public trust by the government, business, and other institutions, using the moral force of investigative journalism to spur reform through sustained spotlighting of wrongdoing.”
As the winner of the Pulitzer Prize five times, this publication works on a non-profit infrastructure and serves as the news hub that features true stories and exposes lies. The website is also funded by huge organizations like Sandler Foundation and does not shy from standing up and making some noise when it comes to human rights like freedom of speech and privacy.
After being able to follow the instructions on how to access the dark web on iPhone, we think you’re good for reading up articles and news pieces on ProPublica.
Hidden Answers
You’ve probably turned to Quora or Reddit more than once in your life to look for answers to questions that you couldn’t find online, and you were too afraid, or shy, to ask people you know. We all have. As much as we wish though, neither Quora nor Reddit is completely anonymous and your identity is always at risk of being exposed.
We all know this, and this is what makes us hold back from talking about stuff that really matters in these communities. If you’ve been on the hunt for an actually anonymous platform like Quora or Reddit, we’ve got just the platform for you: Hidden Answers.
Knowing how to access the dark web on iPhone means that you can now speak your mind, without being judged for it. Want to share a story but don’t want people to find out who you are or ask an insanely private question or want to get something off your chest without anyone knowing you said it? You don’t have to worry about anyone tracing it back to you on Hidden Answers.
Sci-Hub
If you’re a science enthusiast, this is a website you should not miss. If you’ve managed to get yourself on the dark web, find yourself a corner, grab your favorite food, get away from work, and log in to a world of science that you never knew before.
Supported by Alexandra Elbakyan, this website hosts over 50 million research papers for FREE that you can’t otherwise get your hands on! If you’re working on scientific research and are looking for experiments, tests, and lab work conducted in your area of study before, there is a huge chance that you’ll find a ton of helpful resources over on this page.
Who knew knowing how to access the dark web on iPhone could be so incredibly helpful to your scientific knowledge and even research!
The Hidden Wiki
Even though it’s interesting, the dark web can be a little tricky to navigate. This is why weblink directories like The Hidden Wiki are super helpful because they can help you find onion links to the type of websites you’re actually looking to access.
Whether you’re looking for research papers, want to send a secure email, want to report an incident without people finding out it was you, or just want to surf on Facebook while it’s blocked in your country, if you know how to access the dark web on iPhone, this website will show you everything there is to know about the space—at a glance.
However, since The Hidden Wiki houses all sorts of web links, it is important to be careful which ones you visit. There may be some that are totally okay, some that actually may be blocked in your country (these could be whistleblowing tools), and some that might actually get you into trouble with the law or lead you to disturbing material.
Nevertheless, if you’re careful and do your research well, this could be a goldmine for helpful, productive, and beneficial information for you—if you know how to access the dark web on your iPhone.
Soylent News
Have you ever felt like you want to stop listening to the news because it feels so biased and always feels like it’s tilted towards one end of the deal and so hell-bent on making one party look like the bad guy? If you’ve been there, so have millions of other people. And this is exactly why Soylent News exists.
Since Soylent News is anonymous, writers, reporters, and journalists all over the world can publish what they really think, without being pressured into writing biased articles by the media, their news companies, and the fear of being found out and punished by powerful political people.
Bitmessage
Looking for an email service provider that does what it’s supposed to do and safely? It won’t take you time to fall in love with Bitmessage! Bitmessage will give you a way to send and receive messages without having your privacy invaded as a free service that is robust, smooth, and won’t pester you with a million ads.
Emailing through Bitmessage, you won’t have to worry about getting tracked by Google Analytics or third-party companies getting access to your confidential information. The service gives you a private email address to use, and you know what’s even crazier? It isn’t limited to the dark web; you can also use it on the open web, stress-free.
Using the official Facebook.onion mirror, you may access Facebook through the dark web. There are two key advantages of doing so.
To begin, you may set up and use an account anonymously. You don’t have to utilize Facebook’s services to expose yourself to the company’s privacy-eroding tendrils. Second, if Facebook is prohibited in your country, you may bypass the restrictions by using a dark web Facebook mirror.
Duck Duck Go
DuckDuckGo is a popular private internet search engine on the open web. It does not keep track of your browser history, location, or any other information. The search engine also has a dark web version. It’s an excellent dark web search engine that provides users with an added degree of security and anonymity.
Keybase
If you don’t trust Facebook’s dark web version, you may try a totally dark web-based social network.
Keybase is one worth investigating. To keep the talks confidential, the software employs public-key cryptography. You may form groups with friends and family, and any documents, photographs, and videos you share are encrypted end-to-end.
Ahmia
Ahmia is yet another search engine that can help you perform your hidden searches. This search engine comes in handy when you are looking for other onion sites on the dark web. Furthermore, this is the perfect search engine to collect statistical intel about the entire Tor network.
TorBox
TorBox is a unique email service specifically designed for Tor users. It prioritizes privacy and anonymity, allowing individuals to send and receive messages securely while maintaining their online identities concealed. By leveraging the Tor network, TorBox encrypts communication and routes it through multiple relays, making it difficult for anyone to trace the origin or destination of the emails. This platform serves as a reliable tool for those seeking confidential and private communication within the Dark Web.
Blender
Blender is a cryptocurrency mixing service operating on the Dark Web. Mixing services, also known as tumblers, enhance the privacy and fungibility of cryptocurrencies by breaking the link between the sender and the recipient. Blender allows users to anonymize their transactions by combining funds from multiple sources and then redistributing them to new addresses. This process obfuscates the transaction trail, making it challenging for anyone to trace the flow of funds and associate them with specific individuals or addresses. Blender provides an additional layer of privacy for Dark Web users concerned about the traceability of their cryptocurrency transactions.
The Intercept’s SecureDrop
The Intercept’s SecureDrop is a platform designed to provide a secure and anonymous way for whistleblowers to submit sensitive documents and tips to the news organization. The Intercept is an investigative journalism publication known for its in-depth reporting on issues related to surveillance, privacy, government misconduct, and other topics.
SecureDrop is an open-source whistleblower submission system developed and maintained by the Freedom of the Press Foundation. It allows individuals to securely and anonymously communicate with journalists and media outlets, enabling them to share important information without fear of identification or retaliation.
Legal and Ethical Uses of the Dark Web
- Privacy and Anonymity:
- Journalists, activists, and individuals living in oppressive regimes often use the dark web to communicate and share information without fear of censorship or retaliation. It provides a platform for the free exchange of ideas and information.
- Whistleblowing:
- Whistleblowers may use the dark web to anonymously share sensitive information about corruption, corporate misconduct, or government abuses without fear of retribution.
- Research and Security:
- Security researchers may use the dark web to study cyber threats and vulnerabilities, contributing to the development of better cybersecurity practices.
- Access to Information:
- Some content on the dark web may be legal and valuable, such as academic research, forums for discussion on sensitive topics, or repositories of historical data.
- Protection Against Censorship:
- Citizens living in countries with strict censorship laws may use the dark web to access information and express opinions that are otherwise suppressed.
Guidelines for Legal and Ethical Use:
- Respect the Law:
- Adhere to the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction. Engaging in illegal activities, even on the dark web, can have serious legal consequences.
- Protect Your Identity:
- If you choose to use the dark web for legal purposes, take steps to protect your identity. Use encryption tools and be cautious about sharing personal information.
- Avoid Illicit Transactions:
- Refrain from participating in any transactions that involve illegal goods or services. Engaging in such activities not only violates the law but also contributes to the negative reputation of the dark web.
- Use Secure Channels:
- When communicating or sharing information on the dark web, use secure and encrypted channels to protect your data and maintain privacy.
- Educate Yourself:
- Understand the risks and potential consequences associated with dark web activities. Stay informed about legal guidelines and ethical considerations.
In a Nutshell
We hope that you found websites that could really be useful to you from our rundown. If there’s any we didn’t mention that you’d like others to know about, do let us know in the comments below! Finally, we feel that it is our responsibility to say that even though you may be able to make the onion browser work without a VPN if they are legal in your country, it’s never a good idea to do so.
Not using a VPN when you’re accessing the dark web could put you, your data, and even your home location at risk. Dark Web is also a hub of criminals involved in very serious crimes and you don’t want your data to land in their hands no matter how much it supports privacy and free speech.
Always use a VPN when accessing the dark web. If you’re looking to download one, try Ivacy! With up to 256-bit military-grade encryption, it is as secure as it gets for less than the cost of a burger per month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Tor safe on iPhone?
Tor improves your online privacy but does not protect you from all of the internet’s threats. While visiting the web using Tor is far safer than browsing without it, it is not completely secure. Before accessing the open internet, traffic must be decrypted as it goes via Tor nodes.
Can you accidentally get into the dark web?
Users cannot access the dark web ‘by accident.’ Even if a cyberattack is directed at a specific user, it is unlikely that the attack originated on the dark web.
What happens if you go on the dark web?
If you do not use a VPN, your sensitive data may be revealed on the dark web. Passwords, physical locations, bank account information, and social security numbers are constantly exchanged on the dark web. You may be aware that bad actors can exploit these to damage your credit, commit financial fraud, and compromise your other internet accounts.
Does Tor browser hide IP on iPhone?
Yes, Tor browser hide user IP address so that no hacker find you online. Tor browser doesn’t store data rather removes it.
Can you be traced if you use Tor?
When you use Tor Browser to access a website, they have no idea who you are or where you are. Unfortunately, many websites request more personal information than they require via web forms. They still don’t know your location if you sign in to that website, but they do know who you are.
Is Tor is safe on mobile?
Tor Browser is safe and legal to use on desktop and Android devices in most countries when used with caution. Tor provides greater anonymity than a standard web browser by encrypting your web traffic three times.
