Functions and configuration of Tor for Android

In times of whistleblowers and increasing cyber crime, it is particularly important for many Internet users to be able to move anonymously through the network. With orbot this is now also possible on the smartphone, because The app creates access to the Tor network on Android devices. Just like the Tor Browser, orbot is based on the so -called «Onion Routing» with which the Internet traffic is encrypted and thus no longer understandable for third parties is. In our orbot test we took a closer look at the app and show you how to blur your traces.

1. Orbot test: setup & ease of use

Even if you may already know goal from your Windows computer, you have to change because the Access to the network Works a little differently with orbot. You can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for free of charge. We used a Samsung Galaxy S9 with Android 9 for our orbot test. The entire process did not even take three minutes.

After download and installation, the app must still be set up on the smartphone. This is child's play, and an assistant also supports you in the most important attitudes (e.g. language). After the start of the one is enough Tap the large onion symbol in the middle to connect to the Tor network. After a few seconds, the button lights up green and thus signals a successful connection structure.

In addition, Orbot also offers one VPN-Modus, which enables the communication of all apps to be smuggled through the safe tunnel. If certain services or websites refuse access via VPN, you can handle this with the help of a bridge. All you have to do is push the controller to the right with the corresponding option.

Some functions need root rights: In order to be able to use the complete range of functions of orbot, you should ideally have root rights on your smartphone. This means that you can then, for example, also determine whether you want to guide the entire data traffic or only certain apps via the TOR network. To request the root rights, click on «Transparent mediation (needs root rights)» in the settings and check the check mark on «Inquiry to Root access». Confirm the subsequent Superuser request with «allow».

2. Anonymous surfing with orbot: install web browser

Without the right web browser you surf by no means anonymous on the Internet.

The Orfox is a good optionwhich you can also obtain free of charge via the Play Store. This Only works in combination with orbot. However, those responsible have already announced that with the final version of Tor for Android (which has meanwhile been published), the development for Orfox is to be set in the medium term.

On our Samsung Galaxy S9, the dynamic duo made of orbot and Orfox in any case cuts a good figure: The connection remains Stable via the mobile phone network and a fiber optic line. In our opinion, performance is also more than acceptable.

Since September 2018, the Tor browser has also been officially available as a mobile version for Android. This also only worked if orbot is already active on the device, but can now establish a connection to the Tor network independently.

However, the Tor browser in the Play Store is rated much worse than the alternative orbot and Orfox and in our opinion has clear potential for improvement in relation to handling. In the long term, however, for security reasons, no way will be passed past the use of the Tor browser for Android.

3. Orbot in the test: Change of identity for maximum anonymity

To completely blur your traces on the Internet, you should at regular intervals Change your goal identity. To do this, tap the updated symbol in the top right. Now the onion button in the middle begins to turn. At the same time, the ID, which was assigned to you when you enter the Tor network, is changed. Also that hat works easily in our test.

4. Onion browser: The orbot alternative for iOS

Orbot is currently Only available for AndroidHowever, this does not mean that iPhone users therefore have to do without anonymous surfing via gate. With the Onion browser there is also an official browser for iOSwith which you can anonymize your connection data via the Tor network.

You can get the app for free in the App Store. After installation, the Onion browser automatically connects it to the Tor network. If necessary, change your IP in seconds or hide your user agent. Geoblocking can also be easily avoided.

5. Conclusion of our orbot test

Orbot is a good way to surf the Internet anonymously or to avoid country -specific restrictions. The latter is of course particularly interesting for the use of streaming services.

The app is easy to install and, together with the right browser, quickly and easily establishes an encrypted connection to the Tor network. The VPN mode also liked it particularly wellthat enables the connections of other apps to anonymize. The Handling is very intuitiveExpert knowledge is not required to configure the connection and its use.

Die Connection was constantly stable in our test and showed only as expected a few deficits in terms of speed. In and of itself, Orbot is a really recommended app, which (if you believe the statements of the developers) has long since exceeded its half -life.

(57 votes, average: 4,70 out of 5)

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