Orfox was one of the first privacy-focused browsers for Android to incorporate Tor, making it an essential tool for secure mobile browsing. Although Orfox has since been replaced by the official Tor Browser for Android, some users may still prefer it for its simplified interface and Tor integration. This guide will walk you through setting Orfox as your default browser on Android and configuring it for maximum privacy.
Setting Orfox as your default on Android means you’ll have quick access to Tor’s anonymous network whenever you open a link, keeping your browsing private. With Orfox, Android users can bypass tracking and censorship with ease. Although it’s now retired, many users appreciate Orfox’s simplicity and focus on security, making it a viable option for secure browsing on Android.
Before beginning, make sure Orfox is installed on your Android device. Since it’s no longer officially available, you may need to find it from trusted, verified sources. Once installed, follow these steps to set Orfox as your default browser.
To route GNU IceCat traffic through the Tor network, you’ll need to set up a proxy connection
Note: With Orfox as your default, any link opened from apps like Gmail or Messages will automatically launch in Orfox, routing your browsing through Tor.
Since Orfox was built with Tor in mind, it should automatically connect to the Tor network on startup. However, ensure you have Orbot (the Tor proxy app for Android) installed and running to support Orfox’s Tor connection.
With Orbot running, Orfox will be able to route all internet activity through Tor’s secure, anonymous network.
To confirm everything is set up properly, test your connection:
If you ever want to switch back to a different browser, it’s easy to revert the settings:
Orfox offers great privacy benefits, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
By configuring Orfox as your default browser with Tor, you gain access to privacy-focused browsing that keeps your activities hidden from trackers and censors. Enjoy secure, anonymous browsing on Android with Orfox.
Can't decide on a browser for Tor? Here's another option to explore. How to Configure Whonix Workstation as Your Default Browser with Tor.