How to access the dark web on iPhone

Want to access the dark web on your iPhone? Though it may seem like a complicated endeavour, accessing the dark web is simple with the right tools. You’ll need a virtual private network, the Onion Browser, and a directory of dark web websites and links. 

In this guide, we’ll show you the steps to access the dark web on an iPhone – the same works for iPads, too. However, before we dive in, let’s take a closer look at what the dark web actually is.

What is the dark web or deep web?

People usually confuse the deep web and the dark web as the same thing, which is why it’s important to understand the difference between the two. 

The deep web is defined as a section of the internet that’s hidden and not visible to traditional search engines, such as Google and Bing. On the other hand, the dark web is referred to as a subsection of the deep web. These sites are not indexed and can only be accessed through the use of special browsers.

Check out the table below for a summary of the differences between the deep web and the dark web:

	Deep web	Dark web
Accessibility	Requires a website’s URL and login credentials	Requires a website’s URL and a special browser
Search Engine Friendliness	Doesn’t usually appear on search engines	Doesn’t appear on search engines at all
Cross Browser Compatibility	Can be accessed using any browser	Can only be accessed using special browsers like TOR
Examples	Mail on Gmail, Facebook inbox messages	Tor-exclusive email services, darknet markets

Is it safe to access the dark web on iPhone?

While accessing the dark web isn’t rocket science, it’s rarely safe. That’s because the dark web is home to several dangerous places. Here are some risks you should be wary of when browsing the dark web:

Scams:

You’ll come across many sites with enticing offers like free cryptocurrency and cheap cash. Keep in mind that if an offer seems too good to be true, it could very well be a scam! It’s more difficult to identify scams on the dark web since you can’t Google whether a certain site is known to engage in phishing and other scams.  

Furthermore, most dark web sites provide outdated user interfaces, and only a handful have seals or badges that indicate they’re legitimate businesses. Additionally, you can’t tell if a site is fake by checking the URL alone. To protect yourself from malware, phishing attacks, and scams, don’t click on suspicious links at any cost.

Botnets:

A botnet is a network of internet-connected devices that usually get infected with malware without the knowledge of their owners. The attacker in control of the botnet can exploit the devices to facilitate DDoS attacks, spread viruses, or phish for personal information.

If the botnet functions on the dark web, it’s less likely to be detected, taken over, or shut down. In fact, some hackers also rent or sell their botnets on the dark web. For a substantial sum of money, anybody can get control of a vast network of infected devices.

Pirated content:

The dark web, like the surface web, has tons of pirated content like games, movies, software, TV shows, and more. 

Check the privacy laws of your country or state before downloading or opening any of this material as you might unknowingly violate anti-piracy laws. To stay safe, we recommend not downloading anything at all from the dark web.

Illegal pornography:

There are many dark web sites dedicated to illegal porn, which contain a wide variety of banned content. You could break the laws in your country by accidentally downloading or watching these videos. 

Before you click on a link that goes to a porn site, make sure to look for the site’s description in link directories  – this will give you an idea about the type of content you may encounter. You should refrain from downloading videos from these sites too as they might be ridden with malware.

How to access the dark web on iPhone safely:

The Tor network is the safest way to access the dark web. For additional security, connect to a VPN first and then use Tor – a technique known as Tor-over-VPN. Many governments and internet service providers (ISPs) frown upon the use of Tor, but a VPN will conceal your online activities and prevent anyone from discovering that you are.

Step #1: Connect to a VPN:

With a reliable VPN, you can hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection. A VPN and Tor aren’t the same thing, even though they both provide encrypted communications. A VPN will keep your ISP and others from finding out that you’re using the Tor network.

Step #2: Download and install the Onion Browser:

The Tor browser is the most popular way to access the dark web, but it’s not supported on iOS. Fortunately, there are Tor alternatives for iOS like the Onion Browser, which routes your traffic through the Tor network. Download the browser from the Onion Browser’s official site to avoid malware.

Step #3: Browse the dark web:

The Onion Browser will allow you to visit the dark web’s .onion domains on your iPhone. Since the dark web is mostly unregulated, you should never access a hidden website without first verifying its validity. This is where dark web link directories like TorLinks and the Hidden Wiki come into play.

Step #4: Safeguard your identity:

Though the dark web isn’t always dangerous, it’s a breeding ground for scams and other threats. When making purchases or communicating on the dark web, you should use anonymous and encrypted email addresses and pay using crypto.
Bonus tip: Before you access the dark web, make sure to protect your device by installing security software like antivirus.

Wrapping things up:

Now that you know how to safely access the dark web on an iPhone, you can explore all that this part of the internet has to offer without worrying about your device or identity getting compromised.
If you have any questions, feel free to use the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!