# Tor: How do I host an onion service?

Run a local web service, install and configure Tor, and map an onion service port to the local service as shown in the Tor Project's setup guide.

2026-08-19
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Run a local web service, install and configure Tor, and map an onion service port to the local service as shown in the Tor Project's setup guide. Tor creates a `.onion` address and private key in the service directory. Test from Tor Browser, protect the key, and harden the web application itself; onion routing does not repair application vulnerabilities.

## Sources

[Tor Project: Set up an onion service](https://community.torproject.org/onion-services/setup/).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tor-how-do-i-host-an-onion-service/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-19T12:36:43+00:00

Description: A practical answer to How do I host an onion service?