# Tor: How can I verify that an onion address is genuine?

Get the address from the organization through a trusted channel, such as its official website or an independently verified announcement, and compare the entire address carefully.

2026-08-18
::
Switchboard Tech Services


![Tor: How can I verify that an onion address is genuine?](https://switchboardtechservices.com/static/images/defaults/guides.webp)

## Short answer

Get the address from the organization through a trusted channel, such as its official website or an independently verified announcement, and compare the entire address carefully. A valid-looking 56-character `.onion` address only proves the service controls that address; it does not prove who operates it. Tor Browser may also show an Onion-Location suggestion when a regular site advertises its onion counterpart.

## Sources

[Tor Project: Onion services](https://support.torproject.org/tor-browser/features/onion-services/).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tor-how-can-i-verify-that-an-onion-address-is-genuine/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-18T23:35:54+00:00

Description: A practical answer to How can I verify that an onion address is genuine?