How to Configure Librewolf as Your Default Browser with Tor

Librewolf, a Firefox fork dedicated to privacy, strips out tracking, telemetry, and other data-gathering features. Although it doesn’t come with built-in Tor integration, Librewolf can be configured to connect through the Tor network for added anonymity. By setting Librewolf as your default browser with Tor, you’ll enjoy both privacy-focused browsing and the anonymity of Tor, all in a familiar interface.

Why Use Librewolf with Tor as Your Default Browser?

Librewolf’s default privacy settings make it an ideal choice for those who want an out-of-the-box secure experience. Setting it up with Tor further enhances your privacy, ensuring that all your browsing activity goes through Tor’s encrypted network. Making Librewolf your default browser means all external links you open will be routed through this secure environment, protecting your online activities from tracking and monitoring.

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

Before beginning, make sure you have Librewolf installed on your device. You can download it from the Librewolf website. Once installed, follow these steps to set it as your default browser and configure it to use Tor.

Step 1: Set Librewolf as Your Default Browser

  • Open Librewolf: Launch Librewolf from your applications menu.
  • Access Preferences: In the upper-right corner, click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select “Preferences.”
  • Make Default: In the “General” section, click the “Make Default” button to set Librewolf as your main browser.

Note: Your operating system may ask you to confirm this change. Select “Yes” or “Confirm” to complete the process.

Step 2: Configure Librewolf to Connect to Tor

To route Librewolf traffic through Tor, you’ll need to configure a proxy connection.

  • Open Network Settings: In Preferences, scroll down to “Network Settings” and click “Settings…” on the right.
  • Select Manual Proxy Configuration: In the connection settings, choose “Manual proxy configuration.”
  • Enter Tor Proxy Details:
    SOCKS Host: 127.0.0.1
    Port: 9050
  • Enable Proxy DNS Over SOCKS: Check the box for “Proxy DNS when using SOCKS v5” to route DNS queries through Tor.
  • Save Changes: Click “OK” to save your configuration.

Reminder: Make sure Tor is running on your device to enable Librewolf to connect to the Tor network. You can use Tor Browser or the Tor service to start the Tor network connection.

Verifying the Tor Connection

To ensure Librewolf is successfully connected to the Tor network, follow these steps:

  • Test the Connection: Open a new tab and go to check.torproject.org. This site will tell you if you’re connected to the Tor network.
  • Confirm Tor Usage: If correctly configured, the site will display a message indicating that Librewolf is using the Tor network.

Reverting to Standard Network Settings in Librewolf (Optional)

If you decide to stop routing Librewolf through Tor, reverting to standard settings is simple:

  • Go Back to Network Settings: Open Librewolf’s Preferences and go to Network Settings.
  • Select No Proxy: Choose “No proxy” to return to a regular connection.
  • Save Settings: Click “OK” to save the changes.

Important Tips for Using Librewolf with Tor

Using Librewolf with Tor offers enhanced privacy, but here are a few points to consider:

  • Browser Speed: Tor routing may slow down page load times, especially on media-heavy sites.
  • Privacy Extensions: Librewolf’s built-in privacy is strong, but adding extensions like HTTPS Everywhere or Privacy Badger can further enhance your security.
  • Not a Full Tor Browser: While Librewolf offers substantial privacy protections, it’s not as fully optimized for Tor as the dedicated Tor Browser.

By setting Librewolf as your default with Tor, you’re prioritizing privacy with every session, creating a secure browsing experience free from tracking and monitoring.

Not sure which browser is ideal for Tor? Here's another one to check out. How to Configure GNU IceCat as Your Default Browser with Tor.