It’s common knowledge by now that the Tor browser is one of the best and easiest ways to stay anonymous and protected when surfing the web. The browser is available on all major operating systems, and is popular among internet users all around the globe for this very reason.
However, if you prefer to use Google Chrome as your default browser, you might be wondering if you could utilize some of the privacy benefits of Tor when browsing in Chrome. Thankfully, it’s possible to use Tor even when surfing the web with Google Chrome; all you have to do is download a few pieces of software. Here’s how:
Table of Contents
Step 1: Downloading Tor
In order to use Tor in your Chrome browser, you must first download and install Tor onto your computer. You can do this by visiting Tor’s website, and downloading a package version that’s compatible with your operating system. Then, simply follow the provided instructions to complete the installation process.
Step 2: Setting up a proxy switcher
Next, you will need to download a Chrome extension that will serve as a proxy switcher, such as Proxy SwitchyOmega or Proxy SwitchySharp.
Once the extension has been installed, launch it to make your adjustments. Firstly, set ‘Tor’ to be the profile name. The HTTP Proxy should be set to ‘127.0.0.1’, while the Port should be ‘8118’. Finally, make sure that the box located next to ‘Use the same proxy server for all protocols’ is checked, and then click on the Save button.
Now, you will have to go to the General section of your proxy switcher, and select a Quick Switch option. Then, make a Binary Switch where you will name the first profile [direct connection] and the second profile Tor. Finally, click on the Save button.
Step 3: Using Tor in Chrome
Now, you will be able to switch between a Tor connection and your regular connection just by clicking the button you previously made. However, you will need to make sure that Tor is actually running when you press the button.
To do this, simply right-click on the Tor button, and then load the bandwidth monitor tool. Then, you can browse through a web page with relatively large pictures. If the bandwidth transfer moves up in Tor, you are then surfing the web anonymously.
And that’s it! Although it takes a couple of additional steps compared to simply downloading the Tor browser, you could also utilize Tor in Google Chrome, just by following the helpful guide above.
