You've installed Tor Browser and connected successfully. Now what? Your first session on the dark web sets important habits. This guide shows you safe places to start and helps you understand what you're seeing.

Before You Start Browsing

Take a minute to check your setup. Look at Tor Browser's security level (click the shield icon). The default "Standard" setting works fine for getting familiar with the network. You can increase security later as you learn more.

Close your regular browser. Running both simultaneously makes it too easy to accidentally use the wrong one and break your privacy. Focus on one browser at a time.

Don't rush. The dark web isn't going anywhere. Moving slowly and deliberately prevents mistakes that could compromise your privacy or security.

Your First Stop: DuckDuckGo

Start with something familiar. DuckDuckGo has an .onion address and provides the same search experience you'd get on the clearnet. It's a comfortable entry point that demonstrates how .onion sites work.

The search results might look slightly different because DuckDuckGo's .onion version removes some features that could compromise privacy. You'll notice it's slower than searching on the clearnet. This is normal for Tor.

Try searching for basic information. Look up news, research a topic you're interested in, or search for other .onion sites. This familiarizes you with how Tor handles regular browsing.

Visit Legitimate News Sites

Several major news organizations run .onion mirrors of their websites. The New York Times, BBC, and ProtonMail all maintain official dark web presences. These sites prove that .onion addresses aren't just for illegal activities.

Reading news through Tor keeps your interests private. Nobody can see which articles you're reading or track your browsing habits. In countries with restricted press, these .onion sites provide access to uncensored information.

Compare the .onion version to the clearnet version. You'll notice some images might be missing or some features don't work. This happens because Tor blocks certain types of content for security. The core information remains accessible.

Check a Tor-Specific Directory

Look at a directory of .onion sites. These curated lists help you discover legitimate services without stumbling into dangerous areas. Find one through a clearnet search first, verify its reputation, then visit through Tor.

Don't click every link you see. Read descriptions carefully. Stick to categories you understand. A good directory categorizes sites clearly and provides warnings about content.

Bookmark useful directories. You'll return to them often when looking for specific services. Save the bookmarks in Tor Browser so they're available each time you browse.

Test Anonymous Email

Services like ProtonMail offer .onion access to their secure email platform. You can visit and explore how these services work without creating an account yet. This shows you how dark web services maintain your privacy.

If you decide to create an account, use a pseudonym and don't include any identifying information. Think of this as practicing how to interact anonymously online. Many people create separate identities for different purposes on Tor.

Good Practice: During your first session, focus on observation. Visit sites, read content, and learn how things work. Don't create accounts, make purchases, or share any information yet. Understanding the environment comes before interacting with it.

What You'll Notice

Everything is Slower

Your connection travels through at least three computers before reaching its destination. Pages take longer to load. Videos might not play smoothly. Downloads are slower. Accept this as the cost of privacy.

Some sites time out completely. This happens when the hidden service is offline, overloaded, or your circuit isn't working well. Click the onion icon and select "New Circuit for this Site" to try a different route.

Websites Look Different

Many .onion sites use basic HTML without fancy designs. This isn't laziness. Simple designs load faster on Tor and reduce the attack surface for security vulnerabilities. Functionality matters more than appearance on the dark web.

Some sites look like they're from the 1990s. This minimalist approach actually makes sense for anonymous browsing. Less code means fewer ways to identify or track users.

Some Content is Blocked

Tor Browser blocks JavaScript by default at higher security levels. Images might not display. Videos often won't play. These restrictions protect you. If a site doesn't work without these features, consider whether you really need to visit it through Tor.

Building Good Habits from Day One

Always Verify Addresses

Before visiting any .onion site, check the address carefully. Compare it to known good sources. One wrong character sends you to a different site, potentially a phishing attempt. Make verification automatic.

Don't Download Anything Yet

Your first session isn't the time to download files. Files can contain malware. Opening downloads can reveal your real IP address. Wait until you understand the risks better and know how to handle downloads safely.

Keep Your Identity Separate

Don't mention your real name, location, or personal details. Don't visit sites related to your regular internet activities. Create a mental separation between your Tor browsing and your regular online life.

Watch Your Behavior

The way you write, the times you're online, and the topics you discuss can identify you. Even on Tor, behavioral patterns can connect your anonymous identity to your real one. Think before you post or comment.

Critical Warning: Never log into personal accounts through Tor. Don't access Facebook with your real profile. Don't check Gmail. Don't use services that know your identity. This defeats the entire purpose of using Tor and can actually make you less safe.

Safe Categories to Explore

Privacy Tools and Services

Many privacy-focused companies maintain .onion sites. Encrypted email providers, VPN services, and security tools often have dark web presence. These are safe to browse and teach you about available privacy tools.

Forums and Communities

Discussion forums exist for nearly every topic. Technology forums, privacy discussions, and general chat sites provide safe interaction. Read before posting. Learn community rules. Don't share personal information.

Libraries and Information

Digital libraries and archives make books, papers, and documents available. These resources serve researchers, students, and anyone seeking information. Content is generally safe to browse.

Whistleblowing Platforms

Organizations like SecureDrop provide secure ways to submit information to journalists. Visiting these sites shows how Tor enables secure communication. You don't need to submit anything to see how they work.

Categories to Avoid as a Beginner

Some areas of the dark web require more experience and understanding to navigate safely. Markets, drug forums, hacking services, and anything illegal in your jurisdiction should be avoided. These areas have real risks including law enforcement monitoring, scams, and malware.

If you accidentally encounter disturbing or illegal content, close the page immediately. Don't investigate further. Report it if you're comfortable doing so, but your main priority is leaving safely.

Understanding What You See

Legitimate vs Suspicious Sites

Legitimate sites have consistent design, clear purposes, and verifiable addresses. They're often mentioned in clearnet sources. Suspicious sites have poor spelling, urgent pressure to act, requests for money upfront, or promises that sound too good to be true.

Security Indicators

Look for HTTPS even on .onion sites. Check that addresses match what you intended to visit. Be wary of sites asking for personal information without clear reasons. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

After Your First 30 Minutes

Close Tor Browser completely. The browser automatically clears your session data, but closing it ensures everything is wiped. Think about what you learned and what questions you have.

Your first session should feel uneventful. If you followed this guide, you browsed safely, learned how Tor works, and established good habits. This foundation makes future sessions more productive and secure.

Next Steps

Use your next few sessions to explore more deeply. Try different security levels and see how they affect browsing. Visit more .onion sites from trusted categories. Practice verifying addresses and checking sources.

Don't rush into advanced activities. Spend time understanding how Tor works, what makes sites trustworthy, and how to maintain your privacy. These basics matter more than any specific site or service you might want to access.

Join a privacy-focused forum and read discussions. Learning from experienced users accelerates your understanding. Ask questions when you don't understand something. The Tor community generally helps newcomers who show genuine interest in privacy.

Remember the Fundamentals

Your first 30 minutes set the tone for all future Tor use. Careful verification, cautious exploration, and respect for privacy create habits that keep you safe. The dark web isn't fundamentally different from the clearnet. The same common sense applies, just with extra attention to anonymity.

Speed comes with experience. Right now, moving slowly and thoughtfully is exactly right. Each session builds your knowledge and confidence. Trust the process and don't skip steps.