How to install TOR Browser in Linux

Simple, step by step instructions on how to install TOR Browser in Linux. The example is given for Linux Mint 19.2, though it should work with most other Ubuntu based Linux distributions (maybe even wider, I haven’t tried).

A separate post explains what TOR network and Onion routing are.

The instructions will be given for terminal (CTRL + ALT + T). I think it’s easier to explain and to do it that way. Each line of commands should be copy/pasted, then hit Enter. Sometimes you will be prompted for your root password, or to confirm the choice (by pressing keys ” Y “, or Enter). Let us begin.

1. Installing TOR browser launcher and trying to run it

Open the terminal (CTRL + ALT + T), then enter the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository universe && sudo apt update

sudo apt install torbrowser-launcher

sudo apt-get update

This will install the needed repositories, TOR browser launcher and updates. Now you can try starting TOR launcher, if it works, that’s it. It can be run by finding the icon in the menu, or using command prompt:

torbrowser-launcher %u

2. Solving TOR browser launcher starting problems

When starting TOR launcher, you might get this error:

“SIGNATURE VERIFICATION FAILED”

If that happens, first try the following command (then run TOR launcher again and see if it works):

gpg --homedir "$HOME/.local/share/torbrowser/gnupg_homedir/" --refresh-keys --keyserver pgp.mit.edu

This should download new keys for electronic signature and asymmetric encryption. If the problem persists, then do the following:

apt purge torbrowser-launcher

rm -r ~/.config/torbrowser ~/.cache/torbrowser ~/.local/share/torbrowser

The first line removes TOR launcher, while the second line confirms it’s been removed. Then add PPA (Personal Package Archive):

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:micahflee/ppa

The following commands will check for the existing version of TOR policies, install updated ones, then check again which version is installed:

apt policy torbrowser-launcher

apt update

apt policy torbrowser-launcher

It remains to install TOR launcher again:

sudo apt install torbrowser-launcher

It should now work when started, either using command prompt, or menu:

torbrowser-launcher %u

Just wait for it to download all that’s needed from the Internet and install the TOR Browser:

If all went well, you should see TOR Browser launched and visit the US websites that block visitors from Serbia: