How to Set Up Tor Bridges

Quick answer

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, and most of them also disguise your traffic so it doesn't look like Tor. That lets them 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.

The easiest way: let Connection Assist choose

If Tor Browser fails to connect, it will often offer to fix the problem for you. This feature is called Connection Assist. With your permission, it uses your location to pick a bridge that is known to work in your country. In places like Russia, it can even hand you a WebTunnel bridge automatically.

1. Try to connect normally

   If it fails, you'll see a message like “Tor Browser could not connect to Tor.”

2. Pick your location

   Under “Unblock the Internet in”, leave it on Automatic or choose your country from the list.

3. Click “Try a Bridge”

   Tor Browser downloads bridge settings that suit your country and tries them. This can take a minute, so let it finish.

Connection Assist is on desktop and, since 2025, on Android too. If it can't get you connected, set up a bridge by hand using the steps below.

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

Tor Browser ships with three bridge types, so there's no copying or pasting. These steps match Tor Browser 15 on Windows, macOS, and Linux:

1. Open the connection settings

   On the “Connect to Tor” screen, click Configure Connection…. If the browser is already open, go to ☰ menu → Settings → Connection, or type about:preferences#connection in the address bar.

2. Click “Select a built-in bridge…”

   You'll find it in the Bridges section.

3. Choose a bridge type

   Pick obfs4 for most networks. If obfs4 is blocked where you are, pick Snowflake. Use meek only as a last resort, because it's slow.

4. Confirm and connect

   Make sure “Use bridges” is switched on, then connect. Once it works, your bridge shows as Connected.

Which bridge type to choose: obfs4, Snowflake, WebTunnel, or meek

Each bridge type disguises Tor in a different way. Here's how they compare:

A simple order to try: on most networks, obfs4 → Snowflake → meek. In heavily censored countries, start with Connection Assist, then try WebTunnel or Snowflake.

WebTunnel: the bridge for heavy censorship

WebTunnel is the newest bridge type, launched by the Tor Project in 2024. It makes your Tor connection look like a normal visit to an ordinary HTTPS website. That helps on networks that block anything they can't identify, including obfs4. The Tor Project recommends it in particular for mobile networks in Russia, where obfs4 is often blocked. WebTunnel isn't in the built-in list, so you need to request one. Here's how:

1. Get a WebTunnel bridge

   On Telegram, open the official bot @GetBridgesBot and send /webtunnel. Or go to bridges.torproject.org/options, choose webtunnel under “Advanced Options”, click Get Bridges, and solve the CAPTCHA. If the website is blocked for you, use Telegram.

2. Copy the bridge line

   Copy the whole line, starting with webtunnel. Send /webtunnel again to get more than one, which gives you a backup.

3. Add it to Tor Browser

   Go to Settings → Connection, click Add new bridges…, paste the line(s), confirm, and connect.

Where to get fresh bridges (official sources only)

If the built-in bridges are blocked, request fresh, unlisted ones. Only use these official channels. Bridges from random websites or group chats can be fake or already blocked.

• Telegram: @GetBridgesBot

  Send /obfs4 or /webtunnel. This is often the best option in Russia and Iran, where the bridges website may be blocked.

• The official bridges site

  Visit bridges.torproject.org. “Just give me bridges!” gives you obfs4; choose WebTunnel under “Advanced Options”.

• Inside Tor Browser (desktop)

  In Settings → Connection, click Request bridges… and solve the CAPTCHA. This gives obfs4 bridges.

• Email

  Email bridges@torproject.org from a Gmail or Riseup address (other providers aren't accepted). You'll get obfs4 bridges in the reply.

• The Tor Project's support team

  If nothing else works, the support team can send you private bridges that aren't handed out publicly. Message @TorProjectSupportBot on Telegram (English, Russian, and Farsi). See all official support channels.

To use a bridge you received, go to Settings → Connection → Add new bridges…, paste the line(s), and connect. On Android, use Config Bridge → “Provide a Bridge I know”.

Bridges still not working? Try this

• Switch bridge type, not just bridges

  If obfs4 fails, a new obfs4 bridge usually fails too. Move on to Snowflake or WebTunnel, since they disguise Tor in a completely different way.

• Get fresh bridges

  Censors find and block bridges all the time, so one that worked last week may be dead today. Request new ones from an official source above.

• Try a different network

  Some mobile carriers block bridge types that still work on home Wi-Fi, or the other way round. If you can, test the same bridge on another connection.

• Rule out the usual suspects

  A wrong system clock, an antivirus or firewall blocking Tor, or an outdated Tor Browser can all look like a blocked network. Our Tor not connecting guide walks through each one.

• Slow with a bridge?

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

The bottom line

Bridges are the go-to fix when Tor is blocked. Let Connection Assist try first. Otherwise, start with the built-in obfs4 and move to Snowflake. In heavy censorship, a WebTunnel bridge from @GetBridgesBot is often what gets you through. Stick to official sources, and only use a bridge if you actually need one.

Frequently asked questions