Deep Web Guide: Getting There & How It Differs from the Dark Web

Curious about what happens on the Deep Web? The Deep Web refers to web data you can't find using a search engine like Google. Unlike the Dark Web, the hidden corner of the internet often used to conduct illicit or anonymous activity, anyone can get to the Deep Web safely using a regular browser. We'll show you how to find information on the Deep Web and safely dip your toes into the Dark Web.

Accessing the Deep Web: Quick Info

You can't use Google to access the Deep Web—you'll need to go directly to websites and archives to find non-indexed files, or try a Deep Web search engine. Unlike the Dark Web, which requires a special web browser called Tor, you can use any browser to get to the Deep Web.

Section 1 of 8:

Deep Web Search Engines

Download Article

Many websites have search engines built into them, which allow you to find information on the site that isn't indexed by Google or Bing. The information you find on a website's internal search engine is part of the Deep Web. Millions of websites have their own search engines, but here are a few that you may find interesting:
- Biznar searches over 100 different search engines at once and removes the duplicates, ensuring you'll find deep web content you wouldn't on Google.
- IntelligenceX is a massive search engine that allows you to search document sharing platforms, whois data, data leaks, domains, Bitcoin addresses, and even the dark web.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
- Think Tank Search is a one-stop search engine meant for finding public policy research and analysis from governments, universities, advocacy groups, NGOs, and other partisan and non-partisan think tanks.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- Napalm FTP indexer lets you search for files on thousands of public FTP servers at once.
- Search Engine Colossus isn't a search engine, but a list of smaller global search engines and indexes that contain links to millions of sites and documents you won't find on Google.
- Facebook's search tool is even a Deep Web search engine—you can find many users, groups, and Pages that aren't indexed by mainstream search engines.

Section 2 of 8:

Access the Deep Web at Archive.org

Download Article

Find archived websites that no longer exist. The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine is an amazing Deep Web tool that lets you view websites that no longer exist and older versions of websites that exist now.
- For example, if you search for Facebook.com, you can see what Facebook's homepage looked like in 2006.
- Not all websites are archived by the Wayback Machine—some webmasters prefer their sites not to be indexed and can opt out.

Section 3 of 8:

Deep Web Access via Academic Databases and Archives

Download Article

Academic databases and archives are some of the most interesting parts of the Deep Web. There are plenty of great databases that contain peer-reviewed and other academic data that isn't completely searchable in Google or Bing, including:
- PubMed indexes articles about biomedical topics. Google indexes some of what is on PubMed, but you can browse and search the website for difficult-to-find articles.
- DOAJ offers a one-stop option to search over 20,000 journals for free open-access articles.
- Project Muse lets you read peer-reviewed academic journal articles and e-books about the humanities.
- Voice of the Shuttle is another humanities-focused resource curated by humans who share helpful and interesting Deep Web content.
- Library of Congress's Digital Collections is home to hundreds of manuscripts, photos, videos, articles, and other historical information you won't find in Google.
- National Archives Catalog search lets you search multiple archives, including documents uploaded by citizen archivists.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Most regional libraries have extensive websites available for members. As a library card holder, you can search dozens to hundreds of databases you won't find anywhere online. This includes genealogical information, local news archives, public directories, oral histories, and much more.

Section 4 of 8:

Other Deep Web Tools

Download Article

Use Deep Web tools to look up information. As you can see, anything behind a paywall, username and password, or CAPTCHA is technically the Deep Web. You might not realize that many online tools that show live content are also on the Deep Web. Some examples:
- Usenet Archive is a searchable archive of Usenet posts from the early days of the internet.
- The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center lets you view live flight delays across the United States.
- Melissa lets you look up and verify the names and addresses of people across the globe.
- The United States Department of Transportation is home to a great lookup tool that lets you find documented safety issues and recalls by vehicle—enter your VIN to find out if your car is safe.
- The United States Congress website has a searchable index of bills, laws, and congressional records.
- Access to Archival Databases offers records that identify specific people and organizations, making it great for genealogy and social research.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- The United States Copyright Office lets you search for copyright information.
- Project Gutenberg is home to over 60,000 free eBooks you can read on your eReader, computer, or tablet.
- SearchCode lets you search for code snippets from billions of projects.

Section 5 of 8:

Deep Web vs. Dark Web

Download Article

1
The Deep Web is made up of information you can't get to from Google. Library archives, private databases, online banking accounts, subscription-only magazines, and court dockets are all things you'll find on the Deep Web. Although the Deep Web sounds mysterious, you've likely spent time there!
- Basically, anything that requires a password, subscription, or even a CAPTCHA to access is part of the Deep Web.
While the Dark Web requires using a special web browser to access anonymous websites, anyone can find information on the Deep Web through a regular web browser like Chrome or Safari. Unlike browsing the depths of the Dark Web, checking out sites on the Deep Web is just as safe as browsing any other website.^{[5]
X
Research source}
3
The Dark Web refers to a small sliver of the web that is impossible to access without special software and links. Since the Dark Web's focus is on anonymity, it's home to a lot of illicit content, which gives it a bad reputation.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Although the Dark Web is most known for its illegal marketplaces, it's also used to provide anonymity to journalists, political dissidents, whistleblowers, and the like.

Section 6 of 8:

Browsing the Dark Web with Tor

Download Article

1
Download and install Tor. Dark Web addresses typically look like long strings of letters and numbers and always end with .onion. Unlike browsing the Deep Web, you'll need a special web browser to browse the Dark Web because of these strange addresses. You can find Tor, the most popular browser used to access the Dark Web, at https://www.torproject.org/download.
- Tor has some added features for security, including the ability to change your location so that websites think you're in another region.
2
Connect to Tor. Open Tor and click Connect. This will open the Tor home page.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Tor recommends that you don't maximize the Tor window, as doing so will publicize your screen size—this could be problematic if you're trying to be anonymous.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
Once you've launched Tor, click the shield icon at the top-right, select Change, and then choose Safest as your security level.^{[9]
X
Research source} This ensures that tracking scripts and other forms of monitoring cannot load on Dark Web sites.
4
Browse the Dark Web. Now that you're on the Dark Web, you can visit websites that end with .onion.
- A mostly safe place to start is The Hidden Wiki, a site that contains a frequently updated set of links to common Dark Web sites including email tools, messaging, website hosting, blogs, and more. Find it at http://6nhmgdpnyoljh5uzr5kwlatx2u3diou4ldeommfxjz3wkhalzgjqxzqd.onion.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}

Section 7 of 8:

Dark Web Search Engines

Download Article

Dark Web search engines only index the Dark Web. Be careful when using Dark Web search engines, as many could point you in disturbing directions. Here are a few relatively safe places to start your journey into the Dark Web:
- Torch is a commonly used Dark Web search engine with over one million indexed hidden pages. You can access it at http://xmh57jrknzkhv6y3ls3ubitzfqnkrwxhopf5aygthi7d6rplyvk3noyd.onion/ .
- AHMIA is another Dark Web search engine that indexes non-abusive sites on the Dark Web. Check it out at juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}

Section 8 of 8:

Dark Web Browsing Precautions and Tips

Download Article

1
Consider using a VPN. Before downloading Tor, which is the most common Dark Web-accessible web browser, you may want to sign up for and install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.^{[12]
X
Research source} This is not required, but it does add an extra layer of anonymity to your Dark Web browsing. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are common choices, but you can choose any VPN that has the following features:
- A kill switch for when your VPN goes down.
- A no-log policy can protect you if the government demands log files from your VPN server.
- Anonymous sign-up.
- Quick load times.
- Protection against IP and DNS leaks.
- The ability to connect via another country's server.
2
Linux is strongly recommended for people who plan on using the Dark Web. Tails is a popular option, as it's portable and has the Tor network built in. You could also use a virtual machine instead of booting Tails from a USB or optical drive, such as VirtualBox.
- If you're on a Mac, you should be fine if you use a VPN and Tor. Just make sure you're protected from viruses and other malware—Malwarebytes is a great option for malware protection.
Much of the Dark Web's illegal content is based on things like human trafficking, illicit drug and firearm sales, and so on. Nearly anything available for sale on the Dark Web would be illegal in most regions.
Do not search for or click links to pages referring to or participating in illegal topics. Simply viewing certain types of web pages may be illegal in your region, so it's best not to take any chances.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Should I take any precautions while on the deep web?

Community Answer

Cover your webcam and microphone. Do not enter your email address or any passwords while using TOR. Hide your IP address. Be aware in advance that you may see things you later wish you hadn't.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 54 Helpful 474
Question

If someone is trying to hunt me down what do I need to do in order to keep out of their way?

JayRulesWikihow

Community Answer

Make sure you do not make any contact with ANYONE on the deep web so you do not have this issue. Have a VPN and antivirus protection software on hand so you can keep yourself safe from hacks. If possible, use an old computer you don't mind getting messed up and make sure it is running Mac or Linux, so it is less likely to get viruses. I recommend using a VM.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 115
Question

How much trouble can I get into just for venturing onto the deep web?

Community Answer

None, as long as you don't do anything illegal like buying or selling illicit items. You are protected under the first amendment. Also, follow good OPSEC.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 39 Helpful 164

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Parts of the Dark Web are used to store raw research data and other tidbits of information that you may find interesting to browse.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 4
The internet can be broken up into three main parts: the Surface or Clear web (roughly 4 percent of the Internet), the Deep Web (roughly 90 percent of the Internet), and the Dark Web (around 6 percent of the Internet).

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1