How to Configure Brave as Your Default Browser with Tor

Brave is known for its privacy features, including built-in tracker and ad blocking. It also offers Tor integration within its Private Browsing mode, making it a convenient option for users who want to browse securely without switching between multiple browsers. Setting Brave as your default browser with Tor allows you to leverage Brave’s performance with the added privacy of Tor, all in one place.

Why Choose Brave with Tor as Your Default Browser?

By configuring Brave as your default browser with Tor, you’ll enjoy a privacy-focused experience with minimal configuration. Brave combines Tor-based anonymity with its fast, Chromium-based browsing experience, allowing you to browse securely without compromising speed. With Brave as your default, every link you open can be accessed through Tor in Brave’s Private Browsing mode for added security.

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

Before beginning, make sure Brave is installed. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, you can find it on the official Brave website.

Step 1: Set Brave as Your Default Browser

To make Brave your default browser, follow these initial steps:

Open Brave: Launch the Brave browser from your applications.
Access Settings: In the top-right corner, click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines or dots) and select “Settings.”
Make Brave Default: In the settings menu, locate the “Default Browser” section and click “Make Brave the default browser.”

Note: You may see a system prompt confirming your choice. Select “Yes” or “Confirm” to proceed.

Step 2: Enable Tor in Brave’s Private Browsing

With Brave set as your default, you’ll want to ensure Tor is enabled in Private Browsing mode:

Open a New Private Window with Tor: Go to the main menu in Brave (three lines in the top-right) and select “New Private Window with Tor.” This feature routes all traffic through the Tor network while keeping Brave’s default protections.
Verify Tor Connection: Once the Private Window with Tor opens, Brave will display a message indicating that Tor is enabled for this browsing session.

Each time you open a new Private Window with Tor, you can browse anonymously using the Tor network, directly within Brave.

Testing the Setup

To confirm that Brave is correctly set as your default browser and ready for Tor browsing:

Click on a Link: L: Open a document or email with a web link and click it. It should open in Brave, depending on your system’s default browser settings.
Open Private Window with Tor: For sites where you need Tor-based privacy, simply open Brave’s Private Window with Tor.

Reverting to Your Previous Default Browser (Optional)

If you decide you no longer want Brave as your default browser, it’s simple to switch back:

Open System Preferences: Go to your device’s Default Apps settings (found in System Preferences for macOS or Control Panel on Windows).
Select Your Previous Browser: In the “Default Browser” section, choose the browser you previously used as your default.

Tips for Using Brave with Tor as Your Default Browser

Brave’s Tor integration offers excellent privacy, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Private Window with Tor Only: Brave’s Tor feature only works in Private Browsing mode, so ensure you’re in this mode when seeking additional anonymity.
Speed vs. Privacy: Using Tor within Brave can slow down your browsing speed, especially on data-intensive sites, so it’s best for sites where privacy is a priority.
Web Compatibility: Some sites may restrict access for Tor users or display differently in Private Browsing with Tor.

With Brave as your default browser and Tor at your fingertips in Private Browsing mode, you’re set for a private and flexible browsing experience.

Not confident in your choice of browser for Tor? Here's an alternative to consider. How to Configure Onion Browser as Your Default Browser with Tor.