Learn how to configure Tor Browser to use bridges on desktop and Android. Bridges are alternative entry nodes to the Tor network that help bypass censorship when direct connections are blocked.
What is a bridge Bridges are non-public Tor relays that aren't listed in the public directory, making them harder for ISPs or governments to block. Bridge relays are Tor relays that are not listed in the public Tor directory. That means that ISPs or governments trying to block access to the Tor network can't simply block all bridges.
Direct access to the Tor network may sometimes be blocked. When this happens, Tor VPN can be used with censorship circumvention tools known as Bridges.
Configure Tor VPN to use bridges - Circumvention - Tor VPN — Tor
In some countries, Internet service providers or national firewalls block direct access to the Tor network. Tor Browser includes built-in support for bridges and other circumvention tools, but in censored regions you may still need to select or request a bridge to connect successfully. This page offers country-specific guidance on getting Tor Browser connected when access is censored.
Topics Unblocking Tor Using bridges Getting bridges Connecting to Tor from censored regions
Several countries, including China and Iran, have found ways to detect and block connections to Tor bridges. Obfsproxy bridges address this by adding another layer of obfuscation. Setting up an obfsproxy bridge requires an additional software package and additional configurations. See our page on pluggable transports for more info.
When direct access to the Tor network is blocked, you can configure little-t tor to use bridges like obfs4, Snowflake, or WebTunnel to bypass censorship.
Bandwidth shaping options Bandwidth limits affecting browsing Slow Tor relay Overloaded relays and bridges Understanding low usage on your relay Relay bandwidth difference Legal and Abuse Running a relay and understanding abuse concerns I have legal questions about Tor abuse DDoS attacks and Tor Spammers and Tor What to expect when running a ...
Learn more about Singapore Math Challenge Word Problems, Grades 5-8 in the Bridges digital collection.