# Relay Operator **URL:** https://forum.torproject.org/c/support/relay-operator/17.md [Latest](https://forum.torproject.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.torproject.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.torproject.org/tags.md) --- ## [About the Relay Operator category](https://forum.torproject.org/t/about-the-relay-operator-category/42)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.torproject.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 2:29am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/about-the-relay-operator-category/42 "2021-07-02T02:29:21Z")
Relays are the backbone of the Tor network! This category is for support and questions about running Tor relays (exit, non-exit, bridge). To learn more about the types of relays in the Tor Network, how to setup a relay … --- ## [Traffic disbalance and overload](https://forum.torproject.org/t/traffic-disbalance-and-overload/21926)
**Author:** [@yet\_another\_tor\_node](https://forum.torproject.org/u/yet_another_tor_node)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/traffic-disbalance-and-overload/21926 "2026-10-10T00:37:34Z")
Maybe my question relates to \[tor-relays\] reply to: 5 to 10 times more outgoing than incoming traffic Not sure if it is related to Bridge is overloaded My node may run for several days without issues. Sent and received… --- ## [TorNode — a one-click desktop app for running Tor relays/bridges](https://forum.torproject.org/t/tornode-a-one-click-desktop-app-for-running-tor-relays-bridges/22127)
**Author:** [@0x3k3h](https://forum.torproject.org/u/0x3k3h)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/tornode-a-one-click-desktop-app-for-running-tor-relays-bridges/22127 "2026-10-10T00:37:25Z")
Built a small tool to lower the barrier to running Tor relays: TorNode (GitHub - 0x3k3h/TorNode: One-click self-hosted Tor relay/bridge/exit node manager (Electron desktop app) · GitHub) It’s an Electron desktop app (Wi… --- ## [Trying to figure out proper Firewall using PF for my Bridge](https://forum.torproject.org/t/trying-to-figure-out-proper-firewall-using-pf-for-my-bridge/22228)
**Author:** [@Usul](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Usul)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 9:45am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/trying-to-figure-out-proper-firewall-using-pf-for-my-bridge/22228 "2026-10-07T09:45:46Z")
I have decided to use port 9200 and 9300 for my bridge. I have my provider’s box in front of the rpi running FreeBSD and TOR. Port forwarding is enabled for both UDP and TCP on the provider’s box for the aforementioned … --- ## [Metrics showing bridge is down despite successful connections](https://forum.torproject.org/t/metrics-showing-bridge-is-down-despite-successful-connections/22143)
**Author:** [@torbird](https://forum.torproject.org/u/torbird)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 9:07pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/metrics-showing-bridge-is-down-despite-successful-connections/22143 "2026-09-30T21:07:34Z")
The Tor relay directory consistently shows my bridge as down, despite it accepting connections. Also, Tor’s scanner tool gives the following error: dial tcp \[bridgeip\]:443: i/o timeout. Fingerprint: 2ED910AD7C5F69D9FFBF… --- ## [Consensus health page down for more than a day](https://forum.torproject.org/t/consensus-health-page-down-for-more-than-a-day/22206)
**Author:** [@Redwave](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Redwave)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/consensus-health-page-down-for-more-than-a-day/22206 "2026-09-30T20:52:11Z")
The consensus health pages, both the summary and detail pages, have been down since 1800Z yesterday (29 Sep). This makes it hard to check on things. Any news on why or when they might be back? http://tkskz5dkjel4xqyw5… --- ## [Cheap VPS for Tor Exit or Relay node?](https://forum.torproject.org/t/cheap-vps-for-tor-exit-or-relay-node/22204)
**Author:** [@Relayer](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Relayer)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/cheap-vps-for-tor-exit-or-relay-node/22204 "2026-09-30T14:56:16Z")
I wanted to know any good or high quality providers for running a tor exit? I know a lot allow middles, but who allows exits? I am very interested in this. I’ve come across, like 1 real host based on a quick google sea… --- ## [Tor relay using ip6 is not starting](https://forum.torproject.org/t/tor-relay-using-ip6-is-not-starting/22162)
**Author:** [@jenstw](https://forum.torproject.org/u/jenstw)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/tor-relay-using-ip6-is-not-starting/22162 "2026-09-28T21:27:06Z")
Hello, seems I need assistance. I can’t get running my relay with ip6. I use a raspberry 32bit with Boockworm, the current version 6.12.109+rpt-rpi-v7 . I running the version Tor 0.5.0.0-alpha-dev on Linux My tor r… --- ## [Hibernating bridge didn't awaken successfully, had to be manually restarted](https://forum.torproject.org/t/hibernating-bridge-didnt-awaken-successfully-had-to-be-manually-restarted/21817)
**Author:** [@mossy\_road\_523](https://forum.torproject.org/u/mossy_road_523)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 11:36am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/hibernating-bridge-didnt-awaken-successfully-had-to-be-manually-restarted/21817 "2026-09-22T11:36:10Z")
I run an obfs4 bridge over a residential ip. In torrc I have AccountingMax = 100GB and AccountingStart = month 1 00:00. On the last day of June the bridge hit the 100GB mark and hibernated. On July 1 at 05:00 it came ou… --- ## [Running a relay in docker](https://forum.torproject.org/t/running-a-relay-in-docker/22163)
**Author:** [@theking2](https://forum.torproject.org/u/theking2)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2026, 2:06pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/running-a-relay-in-docker/22163 "2026-09-21T14:06:37Z")
The documentation on running a dockerd relay seems scant at best. I run this docker. thekings/torrela With a Dockerfile: FROM ubuntu:jammy LABEL maintainer="Wollomatic \" LABEL maintainer="thekin… --- ## [Snowflake Standalone Server issue - multiple servers](https://forum.torproject.org/t/snowflake-standalone-server-issue-multiple-servers/22082)
**Author:** [@Throughget](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Throughget)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 8:27am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/snowflake-standalone-server-issue-multiple-servers/22082 "2026-09-20T08:27:40Z")
I’ve been running multiple standalone snowflake servers for quite some time now. After recently reviewing a drop in traffic. I noticed a similar pattern across all of my installations, after updating the snowflake soft… --- ## [Automatic Tor Updates](https://forum.torproject.org/t/automatic-tor-updates/22129)
**Author:** [@Laie](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Laie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 11:29pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/automatic-tor-updates/22129 "2026-09-13T23:29:26Z")
Tor will automatically be updated on the 1st and 15th of every month at 04:00. (Also ask chatgpt.) Step 1 – Create the update service Open the service file: sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/tor-auto-update.service Enter… --- ## [Solved Debian 13.7 TRIXIE: updated system\_tor AppArmor profile silently breaks pluggable transports in /usr/local/bin](https://forum.torproject.org/t/solved-debian-13-7-trixie-updated-system-tor-apparmor-profile-silently-breaks-pluggable-transports-in-usr-local-bin/22114)
**Author:** [@agiteg](https://forum.torproject.org/u/agiteg)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/solved-debian-13-7-trixie-updated-system-tor-apparmor-profile-silently-breaks-pluggable-transports-in-usr-local-bin/22114 "2026-09-12T16:32:16Z")
After upgrading to Debian 13.7 (released today, new apparmor package accepted during upgrade), managed pluggable transports started failing silently on a production relay/bridge. Environment: Debian 13.7 (trixie), Tor 0… --- ## [Possible false downtime / StaleDesc issue affecting Tor relay statistics](https://forum.torproject.org/t/possible-false-downtime-staledesc-issue-affecting-tor-relay-statistics/22092)
**Author:** [@jorma](https://forum.torproject.org/u/jorma)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 3:32am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/possible-false-downtime-staledesc-issue-affecting-tor-relay-statistics/22092 "2026-09-12T03:32:16Z")
Hello, I am operating a Tor relay and have noticed what appears to be an inconsistency between the relay’s actual operation and the availability, stability, and traffic information shown by Tor Metrics. Relay Nickname: … --- ## [\[warn\] Please upgrade (Docker image)! This version of Tor (0.4.9.9) is obsolete, according to the directory authorities. Recommended versions are: 0.4.9.12](https://forum.torproject.org/t/warn-please-upgrade-docker-image-this-version-of-tor-0-4-9-9-is-obsolete-according-to-the-directory-authorities-recommended-versions-are-0-4-9-12/22110)
**Author:** [@siemien](https://forum.torproject.org/u/siemien)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 11:20pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/warn-please-upgrade-docker-image-this-version-of-tor-0-4-9-9-is-obsolete-according-to-the-directory-authorities-recommended-versions-are-0-4-9-12/22110 "2026-09-11T23:20:05Z")
Hi!First of all, thank you very much for maintaining the thetorproject/obfs4-bridge Docker image — it’s extremely useful and helps a lot of people run bridges easily.I noticed that the latest Tor stable release is now 0.… --- ## [TCP Close 5 sec, Anti DDoS iptables](https://forum.torproject.org/t/tcp-close-5-sec-anti-ddos-iptables/22095)
**Author:** [@Laie](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Laie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 9:40pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/tcp-close-5-sec-anti-ddos-iptables/22095 "2026-09-07T21:40:56Z")
Setup of a Tor relay as a middle relay or guard relay, as an example: ### 1) Internet connection Fiber-optic FTTH connection: 150 Mbit/s download / 150 Mbit/s upload. ### 2) UXG Pro + UniFi Network Application + UniFi… --- ## [Snowflake proxy volunteer confusion](https://forum.torproject.org/t/snowflake-proxy-volunteer-confusion/22045)
**Author:** [@confusedtorperson](https://forum.torproject.org/u/confusedtorperson)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/snowflake-proxy-volunteer-confusion/22045 "2026-08-31T17:41:35Z")
I have some possibly stupid questions about what information is given by a user who is a Snowflake volunteer. Note: I am a rather untechnical person who is occasionally forced to code small things or use command line to … --- ## [Terminated with status code 1](https://forum.torproject.org/t/terminated-with-status-code-1/21717)
**Author:** [@theking2](https://forum.torproject.org/u/theking2)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2026, 10:37am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/terminated-with-status-code-1/21717 "2026-08-25T10:37:23Z")
after updating my container obfs4-bridge I see this logged. Jun 08 21:04:04.000 \[warn\] Managed proxy "/usr/bin/obfs4proxy" having PID 826 terminated with status code 1 Jun 08 21:04:05.000 \[warn\] Managed proxy "/usr/bi… --- ## [Significant drop in connection counts](https://forum.torproject.org/t/significant-drop-in-connection-counts/22020)
**Author:** [@Vort](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Vort)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/significant-drop-in-connection-counts/22020 "2026-08-24T14:17:16Z")
Hello. About two weeks ago I started to notice strange dips on connection count graph for my relay (I’m using self-created monitoring software). At 15 minutes mark of each hour about 1k-2k connections was dropped (and … --- ## [DoS attack on my relay](https://forum.torproject.org/t/dos-attack-on-my-relay/21867)
**Author:** [@Vort](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Vort)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2026, 4:18am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/dos-attack-on-my-relay/21867 "2026-08-18T04:18:35Z")
My relay (v 0.4.9.11) was working fine for 1.5 months, but today problem appeared: It consumed 6 GB of RAM instead of usual 1 GB and started to print warnings to the log file: Jul 13 02:47:02.000 \[notice\] HSDir cache e… --- ## [Relay CPU/memory runaway from repeated "Service descriptor has an invalid signature length" parse loop (0.4.9.11)](https://forum.torproject.org/t/relay-cpu-memory-runaway-from-repeated-service-descriptor-has-an-invalid-signature-length-parse-loop-0-4-9-11/21994)
**Author:** [@NickTheConfig](https://forum.torproject.org/u/NickTheConfig)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2026, 1:38pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/relay-cpu-memory-runaway-from-repeated-service-descriptor-has-an-invalid-signature-length-parse-loop-0-4-9-11/21994 "2026-08-17T13:38:12Z")
Non-exit relay on Tor 0.4.9.11 pegs CPU to 100–365%+ and RAM climbs continuously within seconds of every startup, due to a tight loop on “Service descriptor has an invalid signature length” parse errors. \*\*Environment:\*… --- ## [Failure to connect to 0.0.0.0:12000 my tor port](https://forum.torproject.org/t/failure-to-connect-to-0-0-0-0-12000-my-tor-port/21923)
**Author:** [@simon.buenemann](https://forum.torproject.org/u/simon.buenemann)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2026, 1:56am UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/failure-to-connect-to-0-0-0-0-12000-my-tor-port/21923 "2026-08-13T01:56:06Z")
Hi, This is my first time asking a question here but I have been trying to setup a tor relay but it won´t connect to the internet on the port I assigned which is 12000 but something strange is happening the bind is conf… --- ## [Is there a more comprehensive description for Tor metrics?](https://forum.torproject.org/t/is-there-a-more-comprehensive-description-for-tor-metrics/21963)
**Author:** [@nugget](https://forum.torproject.org/u/nugget)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 1:44pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/is-there-a-more-comprehensive-description-for-tor-metrics/21963 "2026-08-07T13:44:10Z")
I saw that n hours ago on my bridge, there was a spike in tor\_relay\_connections\_total. 10+ hours after, tor\_relay\_traffic\_bytes started going up and tor\_relay\_circuits\_total is fluctuating but trending upwards. I would l… --- ## [Large jump in CPU usage for recent versions](https://forum.torproject.org/t/large-jump-in-cpu-usage-for-recent-versions/21821)
**Author:** [@Redwave](https://forum.torproject.org/u/Redwave)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2026, 11:01pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/large-jump-in-cpu-usage-for-recent-versions/21821 "2026-07-23T23:01:30Z")
Has anyone else noticed a large jump in tor’s CPU usage recently? Since about 4.9.8. --- ## [Backing up Tor Bridge](https://forum.torproject.org/t/backing-up-tor-bridge/20963)
**Author:** [@pineapple](https://forum.torproject.org/u/pineapple)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/backing-up-tor-bridge/20963 "2026-07-19T15:34:58Z")
Hello, I was just curious if it is necessary to backup a tor bridge. And if so how could I? Thanks --- ## [Giving away x3 servers to be used as Tor nodes](https://forum.torproject.org/t/giving-away-x3-servers-to-be-used-as-tor-nodes/21826)
**Author:** [@HiddenRelay999](https://forum.torproject.org/u/HiddenRelay999)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2026, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/giving-away-x3-servers-to-be-used-as-tor-nodes/21826 "2026-07-11T13:15:05Z")
Hey, so we’ve been a long-time supporting host when it comes to Tor, we’re located within the UK, which a lot of privacy-freaks will absolutely hate, and we understand that, regardless, its never a bad thing to contribut… --- ## [Keys compromised](https://forum.torproject.org/t/keys-compromised/21729)
**Author:** [@theking2](https://forum.torproject.org/u/theking2)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2026, 4:13pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/keys-compromised/21729 "2026-07-05T16:13:24Z")
My keys got compromised. They were leaked in a AI chat (by silly me) and I need to flag them. How do I rotate the keys, identity key fingerprint, hashed identity key fingerprint, identity key ed25519 fingerprint? How d… --- ## [Setup of dual tor relays seems to be ignored](https://forum.torproject.org/t/setup-of-dual-tor-relays-seems-to-be-ignored/21791)
**Author:** [@flagpole177](https://forum.torproject.org/u/flagpole177)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 12:42pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/setup-of-dual-tor-relays-seems-to-be-ignored/21791 "2026-06-29T12:42:29Z")
System info OS: (headless) Debian 13 Tor version 0.4.9.9.Tor is running on Linux with Libevent 2.1.12-stable, OpenSSL 3.5.6, Zlib 1.3.1, Liblzma 5.8.1, Libzstd 1.5.7 and Glibc 2.41 as libc. Tor compiled with GCC versio… --- ## [Subject: New restricted exit relay (HTTP/HTTPS only) received BadExit flag – seeking diagnosis](https://forum.torproject.org/t/subject-new-restricted-exit-relay-http-https-only-received-badexit-flag-seeking-diagnosis/21787)
**Author:** [@kanishkbakshi](https://forum.torproject.org/u/kanishkbakshi)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2026, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/subject-new-restricted-exit-relay-http-https-only-received-badexit-flag-seeking-diagnosis/21787 "2026-06-26T18:42:49Z")
Hello everyone, I am a new Tor relay operator. I recently converted my relay into a restricted exit relay that only allows HTTP and HTTPS traffic (ports 80 and 443). I am using OLA Krutrim After operating as an exit fo… --- ## [Experience with hosting providers](https://forum.torproject.org/t/experience-with-hosting-providers/21763)
**Author:** [@xxn7](https://forum.torproject.org/u/xxn7)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 8:49pm UTC](https://forum.torproject.org/t/experience-with-hosting-providers/21763 "2026-06-21T20:49:02Z")
Hello there, does anybody have experiences with pfcloud.io (german, locations among others in slovenia) , host.it (italian) or seflow.net (italian) in regards of non-exit relays? They are not listed in the good/bad ISP… [Next page](https://forum.torproject.org/c/support/relay-operator/17.md?page=1)