How to Install the Tor Browser on Your Chromebook

While the Chrome browser works stupendously well onChromebooks, some users might want to install the Tor browser for added privacy protection. As you know, Tor is one of thebest browsers for privacythat offers a private Tor network to route traffic securely and has many built-in security features. So if you are a privacy-conscious user and want to install the Tor browser on your Chromebook, this guide is just what you need. You can either install the Linux version or go for the Android version of the Tor browser based on your requirement. So on that note, let’s move to the tutorial.

Install the Tor Browser on Your Chromebook (2022)

Install the Tor Browser on Your Chromebook (2022)

We have mentioned two ways to install the Tor Browser on your Chromebook. Both methods utilize the Linux container, so if you have a school-based Chromebook and Linux is blocked on it, sadly, you can’t use the Tor browser. That said, let’s first talk about what is the Tor browser and its features.

What is Tor Browser and Why You Should Use It?

Tor Browser is a highly secure and private browser used by people who wish to circumvent censorship and protect their identitiesagainst tracking and surveillanceon the internet. On top of that, Tor is completely free and open-source. The Tor Browser brings a number of privacy-preserving features natively, which are not available on other mainstream browsers.

To begin with, Tor blocks all third-party trackers and ads by default and deletes the cookies automatically after you are done browsing. In addition, it routes all the traffic through theencrypted Tor network, which volunteers run from around the world. Not to mention, the Tor browser has several features that help mitigate fingerprinting, so that your anonymity remains intact.

To sum up, Tor is a browser meant to defeat trackers, surveillance, and censorship on the internet. So if you are a privacy-conscious user, go ahead and download the Tor browser on your Chromebook.

Install the Tor Browser via Linux on Your Chromebook

  1. To download and install the Tor Browser, you first need toset up Linuxon your Chromebook. So head to our linked guide and install the Linux container.

  2. Next,open Terminalfrom the app drawer on your Chromebook. Here, run the below command to update the Linux container to the latest packages and dependencies.

  3. Once you have done that,run the below commandin the Terminal to use the Debian Backports package repository. You can copy the command and right-click in the Terminal to paste it.

  4. After that, execute the below command toinstall the Tor browseron your Chromebook.

  5. After the installation, you will find the Tor Browser shortcut under theLinux folderin your app drawer. Click to open the browser.

  6. Now, it will start pulling thelatest updateand install Tor Browser on your Chromebook. Finally, click the same shortcut again, and Tor Browser will be ready to use.

Install the Tor Browser Android App on Your Chromebook

If you wish to run the Android version of Tor Browser on your Chromebook, you can do that as well. But again, you will need to enable and use the Linux container to sideload the app. The Tor Browser is not officially available on the Play Store for Chromebooks. So to learn more about how to install this privacy-centric browser, read on.

  1. After setting up Linux, follow our article on how tosideload Android apps on Chromebooks. This willlet youmanually sideload the Tor Browser APK.

  2. After that, download the Tor Browser APK on your Chromebook from the official website using the linkhere. Most Chromebooks based on Intel or AMD processors (64-bit) will need thex86_64APK, and you can go for thex86version for 32-bit processors. In case you use a 64-bit ARM-based Chromebook, download theaarch64APK or go for thearmversion if you have a 32-bit ARM processor.

  3. After downloading the Tor Browser APK,open the “Files” appand move the APK to the “Linux files” section. Here, rename the file totor.apkfor convenience in later use.

  4. Next, open the Terminal app andrun the below command. This will install the Android version of the Tor browser on your Chrome OS device. I’m assuming you have alreadyset up ADB on your Chromebookby following the tutorial linked in method#1.

  5. Now, open the app drawer, and you willfind the Tor browser shortcut. Click to open it, and there you have the Android version of the browser running on your Chromebook.

Two Easy Ways to Download Tor Browser on Chromebooks

Two Easy Ways to Download Tor Browser on Chromebooks

So these are the two methods you can employ to get the Tor browser running on your Chromebook. If the Chrome browser does not cut it for you due to privacy concerns, Tor has you covered. Anyway, that is all from us. If you are looking for thebest Chromebook apps in 2022, head to our curated list. And for more suchChrome OS tips and tricks, follow our guide linked here. Finally, if you’re facing any issues, do let us know in the comment section below.

Arjun Sha

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.

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