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How to Configure Iridium Browser as Your Default Browser with Tor

How to Configure Iridium Browser as Your Default Browser with Tor

Iridium Browser, a privacy-focused fork of Chromium, enhances security and removes tracking features while keeping the familiar Chromium interface. Although it doesn’t have native Tor support, Iridium Browser can be manually configured to connect to Tor, combining its built-in privacy features with the anonymity of the Tor network. This guide will walk you through setting Iridium as your default browser and configuring it to use Tor.

Why Use Iridium Browser with Tor as Your Default Browser?

Iridium Browser with Tor offers a strong balance of privacy and usability, especially for users who prefer the Chromium interface but want to avoid Google tracking. Setting Iridium as your default browser with Tor ensures that every link you open will be routed through the secure, anonymous Tor network, providing added privacy for all your online activities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Iridium Your Default Browser with Tor

Before you begin, make sure Iridium Browser is installed on your device. You can download it from the Iridium Browser website. Once installed, follow these steps to set it as your default browser and configure it for Tor.

Step 1: Set Iridium Browser as Your Default Browser

  • Open Iridium Browser: Launch Iridium from your applications menu.
  • Go to Settings: Click on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner and select “Settings.”
  • Set Default Browser: In the “Default Browser” section, click the “Make Default” button to set Iridium as your main browser.

Note: You may receive a prompt from your operating system asking to confirm the change. Click “Yes” or “Confirm” to proceed.

Step 2: Configure Iridium to Use Tor

Since Iridium doesn’t have a built-in proxy menu, you’ll need to configure the Tor proxy through your system’s network settings.

  • Access Proxy Settings in Your OS:
    • Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Internet Options > Connections tab > LAN settings.
    • macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies.
    • Linux: Go to Network settings in your system settings.
  • Enter Tor Proxy Information:
    • SOCKS Host: 127.0.0.1
    • Port: 9050
  • Enable DNS Over SOCKS (if available): Some systems allow you to enable DNS over SOCKS, which will route DNS requests through Tor for additional security.

Reminder: You’ll need Tor running on your device for Iridium to connect through Tor. You can start the Tor service by launching Tor Browser or using a separate Tor service.

Verifying the Tor Connection in Iridium Browser

To confirm Iridium is successfully connected to the Tor network, follow these steps:

  • Visit Tor’s Test Page: Open a new tab in Iridium and go to check.torproject.org.
  • Check Connection Status: If configured correctly, the page will display a message confirming that your browser is connected to the Tor network.

Reverting to Standard Network Settings (Optional)

If you decide to return Iridium to standard browsing without Tor, you can easily change the proxy settings back.

  • Go Back to Network Settings: Open your system’s network settings.
  • Disable Proxy: Set the proxy setting to “No proxy” or revert to the original configuration.
  • Save Changes: Exit the settings to apply the changes.

Important Tips for Using Iridium with Tor

Using Iridium Browser with Tor can enhance privacy, but here are some points to consider:

  • Speed and Performance: Tor’s routing process may slow down browsing speeds, especially on data-heavy sites.
  • Privacy Extensions: Adding tools like HTTPS Everywhere and Privacy Badger can provide additional privacy while browsing with Tor.
  • Not a Full Tor Browser: While Iridium configured with Tor provides good privacy, it may not match the anonymity of the dedicated Tor Browser.

By setting up Iridium as your default browser with Tor, you benefit from the enhanced privacy features of both Iridium and Tor, creating a secure browsing environment for private activities.

Having trouble deciding which browser works best with Tor? Don’t stress. Here’s one more recommendation to explore. How to Configure Epic Privacy Browser as Your Default Browser with Tor