How to Install Tor Browser on Linux Mint 22, 21 or 20

Tor Browser is a crucial tool for users who prioritize privacy and anonymity online. It routes your internet traffic through the Tor network, which consists of thousands of volunteer-run servers known as relays. This process encrypts your data multiple times, ensuring that your browsing activities remain anonymous and secure. Tor Browser is especially important for journalists, activists, and anyone needing to bypass censorship or surveillance. Key features of Tor Browser include anti-tracking technology, multi-layered encryption, and built-in privacy protection measures that prevent websites from tracking your activity.

To install Tor Browser on Linux Mint 22, 21, or 20, you can use two primary methods: installing via Flatpak with Flathub or manually downloading and installing the Tor Browser archive. This guide will walk you through both methods to ensure you have the latest version of Tor Browser on your system.

Method 1: Install Tor Browser via Flatpak and Flathub

This section will explore an alternative Tor Browser installation on Linux Mint utilizing Flatpak. Flatpak is an adaptable package manager that functions across various distributions. It enables you to install the latest versions of packages that might not be available in your distribution’s central repositories. Linux Mint includes Flatpak by default.

Ensure Flathub Repository is Enabled for Tor Browser

Flathub is a repository that hosts Flatpak applications. It’s essential to have Flathub enabled to access a wide range of applications, including the Tor Browser. Though Flathub should be enabled by default in Linux Mint, running the following command ensures it’s available:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install Tor Browser via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now proceed to install Tor Browser. Use the following command to install it from Flathub:

flatpak install flathub com.github.micahflee.torbrowser-launcher -y

This command tells Flatpak to install the Tor Browser package from Flathub. The -y flag at the end signifies your confirmation, so the installation proceeds without asking for a manual confirmation.

Method 2: Install Tor Browser via Source Archive

This section illustrates a more hands-on method for installing the Tor Browser on Linux Mint. This procedure directly downloads the latest browser version from the Tor Project website. This guarantees you are installing the most recent build. While the browser has self-update capabilities, significant updates might require you to repeat this manual installation process.

Download Tor Browser Archive

The current versions of Tor Browser are consistently available as .tar.xz archive files from the Tor Project’s official website. The wget command is an efficient tool for downloading these files through the terminal.

Use the command below:

wget https://www.torproject.org/dist/torbrowser/{version}/tor-browser-linux64-{version}_ALL.tar.xz

Make sure to replace {version} with the actual version number of the Tor Browser you intend to download. It’s advisable to check the Tor Project’s official download page to ensure you are downloading the latest version.

Extract the Downloaded Archive

After downloading the archive, extract its contents. The tar command can perform this task:

tar -xvJf tor-browser-linux64-{version}_ALL.tar.xz

Again, ensure that {version} is replaced with the actual version number of the downloaded Tor Browser.

Move the Tor Browser Directory and Register as a Desktop Application

It’s considered best practice to relocate the Tor Browser directory to a location conventionally used for applications. The /usr/local/share directory is a logical choice as it is commonly used for local application shared data.

To move the tor-browser directory to /usr/local/share, execute the following command:

sudo mv tor-browser /usr/local/share/

Note: Use sudo because altering the contents of /usr/local/share requires root privileges.

Navigate to the new directory by using the cd command:

cd /usr/local/share/tor-browser

With the files in the appropriate directory, register the Tor Browser as a desktop application:

./start-tor-browser.desktop --register-app

The output should indicate that the Tor Browser has been registered as a desktop application:

Tor Browser has been registered as a desktop app for this user in ~/.local/share/applications/

This method ensures that you control the version you install, making it suitable for those who require particular versions or want to ensure they have the latest available build for enhanced security and privacy.

Launching and Configuring the Tor Browser

After successfully installing the Tor Browser on your Linux Mint system, you can launch it and explore its configurations.

CLI Commands to Launch Tor Browser

For manual installations, run the following command:

torbrowser

For users who have installed Tor Browser using Flatpak, launch it by running the following command in the terminal:

flatpak run com.github.micahflee.torbrowser-launcher

This command tells Flatpak to execute the Tor Browser launcher. You can also create a custom alias to launch the browser more quickly.

GUI Method to Launch Tor Browser

To launch the Tor Browser graphically, navigate through the following path:

Taskbar > Internet > Tor Browser

First Interaction with the Tor Browser

Upon launching the Tor Browser for the first time, a window presents two options: “Connect” and “Configure Connection…”

Option 1: Connect

Most users will opt for the “Connect” option, which is ideal for general browsing. This default option will connect you to the Tor network with standard settings.

Option 2: Configure Connection for Advanced Users

For users in regions with strict internet censorship or those needing advanced privacy features, “Configure Connection…” enables you to set up proxy settings and Tor bridges. Tor bridges are essential when accessing specific sites is difficult or you require a more stable connection.

After selecting “Connect,” the Tor Browser initiates the connection to the Tor network. Depending on your location and the network you’re connecting to, this may take 15 to 60 seconds.

Tor offers an outstanding Internet browsing method anonymously without traceability, including bridges! You can either request or configure pre-set ones to evade blocks. For instance, on linuxcapable.com, if an individual accesses the site through blocked entries like The Onion Router (TOR) using a malicious attacker’s Node, my automatic security rules might temporarily restrict access until the threat ceases.

Therefore, you might need to choose from the numerous other bridges that attackers are not using against my website; this situation is common across many websites.

Navigating the Tor Browser Landing Page

Once the connection process concludes, the Tor Browser will direct you to its default landing page. DuckDuckGo, known for its robust privacy features, is the browser’s default search engine.

Congratulations, you have connected to the Tor Network through your Tor Browser.

Managing Tor Browser with Terminal Commands

Update Tor Browser

Flatpak Update Method for Tor Browser

For installations done via Flatpak, use the below command in the terminal:

flatpak update

This updates all Flatpak applications, including Tor Browser, to the newest versions available.

Archive Update Method for Tor Browser

Repeat the installation process if you must update the Tor Browser binary.

Remove Tor Browser

If you decide that you no longer need Tor Browser on your system, it’s crucial to remove it properly.

Archive Remove Method for Tor Browser

If you manually installed Tor Browser and placed it in /usr/local/share, you must remove the tor-browser folder. Use this command:

sudo rm -r /usr/local/share/tor-browser

This command deletes the tor-browser folder and all of its contents.

Flatpak Remove Method for Tor Browser

For Flatpak installations, execute the following command to remove Tor Browser:

flatpak remove  --delete-data com.github.micahflee.torbrowser-launcher -y

This command not only removes the Tor Browser but also deletes associated data.

Conclusion

With Tor Browser successfully installed on your Linux Mint system, you can enjoy a secure and anonymous browsing experience. Whether you choose to install via Flatpak with Flathub for easy updates or manually download and install the browser, both methods ensure you have access to Tor’s robust privacy features. Regularly update Tor Browser to benefit from the latest security enhancements and maintain your online anonymity. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using Tor Browser for secure and private browsing.