An .onion address is a hostname used exclusively within the Tor network. Current versions use v3 format, consisting of 56 alphanumeric characters followed by .onion. These strings look random because they are derived from cryptographic keys. You cannot guess them or shorten them.

Manual typing is prone to errors. A single character mistake leads to a connection failure. Bookmark every site you visit regularly. Copy-paste addresses whenever possible. If you must type, double-check every symbol. V3 addresses are longer than the older v2 format, making them even harder to memorize.

Unlike .com domains, .onion sites have no geographic presence. They exist only on servers hidden behind Tor relays. The address itself reveals nothing about the server location. However, the content served can reveal identity if the site uses HTTP instead of HTTPS. Always check the lock icon.

These addresses prevent domain registration hijacking. No central authority controls .onion naming. Sites self-certify via their private keys. If a site disappears, it is likely offline or blocked, not taken down by a registrar. For a list of current working links, visit the [mirror page](/mirrors.html).

FAQ

Can I access .onion sites in Chrome?

No. You need a Tor-compatible browser. Chrome and Firefox do not speak the Onion Routing protocol natively. Install Tor Browser or a proxy client.

Are .onion addresses permanent?

Not necessarily. Site owners can rotate keys, changing the address. Old links stop working immediately. Follow official channels for updated URLs.