TorVPN won't connect with Tor Browser

Support
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1

Why can’t I connect to Tor Browser using torvpnbeta

2

That’s expected: Tor VPN leaves Tor Browser out by default, because Tor Browser already makes its own connection to the Tor network. You don’t need Tor VPN running to use Tor Browser. Just open Tor Browser and tap Connect. Tor VPN is meant for your other apps.

If Tor VPN itself won’t connect, two common causes are a custom “Private DNS” hostname in Android’s network settings (Tor VPN doesn’t support it, so switch it to Automatic or Off) and another VPN or firewall app running at the same time, since Android only allows one VPN at a time.

Troubleshooting page: Troubleshooting - Encountering Issues - Tor VPN Beta — Tor

3

OkThanks for explaining that

4

In China, how do I set up this Tor VPN? And how do I set it up on my phone? I’d like to ask you for some advice

5

Happy to help. In China the hard part is getting a bridge, because direct Tor connections are blocked there. Since you already have Tor VPN (it’s Android only), you need a WebTunnel bridge, which is what the Tor Project recommends first for China. Here are the ways to get one, starting with the most likely to work:

  1. Email (works even when everything else is blocked): write to frontdesk@torproject.org with “connect cn” in the subject line and ask for WebTunnel bridges for Tor VPN. You don’t need Gmail for this; use whatever email you have. The support team replies Monday to Thursday.
  2. Telegram (probably blocked for you, but if it works): message @GetBridgesBot and send /webtunnel.
  3. The bridges website (also usually blocked in China): Defend yourself against tracking and surveillance. Circumvent censorship. | Options, choose webtunnel under “Advanced Options”.

Then add them in Tor VPN: tap Connection, turn on “Use a bridge”, tap “Add new bridges”, paste the lines, tap Save, then tap Connect.

While you wait, you can try the built-in Snowflake bridge (Connection > Use a bridge > Snowflake). It sometimes works in China, but WebTunnel is usually more reliable.

If you ever need to reinstall Tor VPN: Google Play and F-Droid are usually blocked in China, so ask the support team in the same email how to get it safely, and don’t install copies from random websites.

Two notes: Tor VPN is still beta, so don’t rely on it for anything sensitive. For websites, Tor Browser for Android is the safer choice: it has its own bridge setting (Settings > Config Bridge), and the same WebTunnel lines work there too. And if your phone is an iPhone, Tor VPN isn’t available for iOS at all.

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I get what you mean, I’ll take care of that. Thank you so much :folded_hands:

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Requesting webtunnel bridges from Tor exit nodes is allowed, so people can use snowflake to “bootstrap” then open https://bridges.torproject.org in Tor browser.

8

Okay, I’ll give it a try. Thanks