Troubleshooting

How to Set Up Tor Bridges

If the Tor Browser won't connect, Tor bridges are usually the answer. A bridge is a hidden way into the Tor network that helps you connect even when your internet provider, school, workplace, or country blocks Tor. The good news: setting one up takes less than a minute, and it's all built into the Tor Browser. This guide walks you through it step by step.

Quick answer

The quick version

Open Settings → Connection → Bridges → turn on “Use bridges” → “Select a Built-In Bridge” → choose obfs4 → reconnect. obfs4 works for most people. If it doesn't connect, try Snowflake, then meek. That's it.

What is a Tor bridge (and when do you need one)?

Tor's normal entry points are public, which means some networks keep a list of them and block them. Bridges are unlisted entry points that aren't on those block lists, so they can slip through where a normal connection can't.

You only need a bridge if Tor is blocked where you are. If the Tor Browser connects fine without one, you don't need it — and turning a bridge on unnecessarily just makes your connection slower.

How to set up a built-in bridge (step by step)

The easiest option is a bridge that already ships with the Tor Browser — no copying or pasting required. Here's how:

  1. Open the Tor Browser settings

    Click the menu, or type about:preferences#connection in the address bar and press Enter.

  2. Go to “Connection”

    In the left sidebar, click Connection.

  3. Turn on “Use bridges”

    Under Bridges, switch on Use bridges.

  4. Click “Select a Built-In Bridge”

    This lets you pick one of the bridges included with the Tor Browser.

  5. Choose obfs4

    Pick obfs4. It makes your Tor traffic look like random data and works in most situations — this is the one that most reliably fixes connection problems.

  6. Click OK and reconnect

    Tor should now connect through the bridge. If it does, you're all set.

Start with obfs4

obfs4 is the recommended first choice. If it doesn't work on your network, come back to this screen and try Snowflake, then meek.

Choosing the right bridge type (obfs4, Snowflake, meek)

The Tor Browser includes three built-in bridge types. Here's how they differ:

  • obfs4

    Disguises Tor traffic as random data. Best first choice and works for most people. It may struggle in the most heavily censored regions.

  • Snowflake

    Routes through volunteer proxies so your connection looks like a video call. A good backup if obfs4 fails.

  • meek

    Routes through a large cloud provider. Can work in heavily censored places, but is usually slow — use it as a last resort.

Try them in this order: obfs4 → Snowflake → meek.

Getting bridges manually (if built-in ones don't work)

If the built-in bridges can't get through, you can request a fresh, unlisted bridge from the Tor Project and add it yourself. Only use these official sources:

  • The official bridges site

    Visit bridges.torproject.org and follow the prompts to get a bridge line.

  • Telegram

    Message the official bot @GetBridgesBot to request bridges.

  • Email

    Send an email to [email protected] to receive bridge lines in reply.

Then, back in Connection → Bridges, choose “Add a Bridge Manually” and paste in the bridge line you received. This is simply another way to reach Tor where the network blocks it.

Common problems and tips

  • Still not connecting?

    Try a different bridge type, check that your computer's clock is set correctly, and make sure a normal browser has internet access.

  • Slow with a bridge?

    That's normal — a bridge adds an extra hop. If your network doesn't actually block Tor, turn the bridge off for better speed. (More speed tips: why is Tor so slow?)

  • Only use the official download

    Only ever download or reinstall Tor from torproject.org/download — never a “fixed” copy from a random site or ad.

The bottom line

Bridges are the go-to fix when Tor is blocked. Start with the built-in obfs4 — it solves most cases in under a minute — and only reach for Snowflake or meek if you need them. And remember: only use a bridge if you actually need one.

Download Tor Browser Tor still won't connect? See our full troubleshooting guide

Frequently asked questions

Which Tor bridge should I use first?

Start with obfs4. It disguises your Tor traffic as random data and works for most people. If obfs4 doesn't connect, try Snowflake, and use meek only as a last resort in heavily censored regions, because it's usually slow.

Do I always need a bridge?

No. You only need a bridge if Tor is blocked on your network. If the Tor Browser connects fine without one, you don't need a bridge — and using one unnecessarily just makes your connection slower.

Are Tor bridges safe?

Yes. Bridges are an official feature built into the Tor Browser. They only change how you enter the Tor network; your traffic is still protected by Tor's normal layered encryption. Just be sure to request bridges only from official sources like bridges.torproject.org. (More on this in is Tor safe?)

Why is Tor slow with a bridge?

A bridge adds an extra step to your connection, so some slowdown is normal. If your network doesn't actually block Tor, you don't need a bridge — turning it off will usually make browsing faster.