# Tor: When should I use a bridge?

Use a bridge when Tor Browser cannot connect directly because of network blocking, or when a direct connection to a public Tor relay would draw unwanted attention.

2026-08-24
::
Switchboard Tech Services


![Tor: When should I use a bridge?](https://switchboardtechservices.com/static/images/defaults/guides.webp)

## Short answer

Use a bridge when Tor Browser cannot connect directly because of network blocking, or when a direct connection to a public Tor relay would draw unwanted attention. In Tor Browser, open Connection settings and choose or enter a bridge. A bridge may slow the connection, so it is not a required setting for every user on an unrestricted network.

## Sources

[Tor Project: Using bridges](https://support.torproject.org/tor-browser/circumvention/using-bridges/), [Tor Project: Tor Browser best practices](https://support.torproject.org/tor-browser/security/using-tb-safely/).

- Categories:
  [Tor](https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/categories/tor/)
- Tags:
  [#tor](https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tags/tor/), [#Online Privacy](https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tags/online-privacy/), [#Tor Browser](https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tags/tor-browser/), [#Censorship](https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tags/censorship/)

[Guides RSS](https://switchboardtechservices.com/feeds/guides.xml "Subscribe using an RSS reader")

---

Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tor-when-should-i-use-a-bridge/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-24T14:04:25+00:00

Description: A practical answer to When should I use a bridge?