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Privacy~20 minUpdated 2026-08-13

How do I run a Tor relay?

To run a Tor relay, you need a VPS with a public IP address, install Tor, and configure it as a relay. MurmurHost offers no-KYC VPS plans starting at $8/mo with DDoS protection, ideal for this purpose.

This guide will help you set up a Tor relay on a MurmurHost VPS, contributing to the Tor network's privacy and resilience. By the end, you'll have a functioning middle relay that helps anonymize traffic.

Prerequisites: A MurmurHost VPS (any plan, e.g., VPS-1 at $8/mo) with a public IPv4 address, root access via SSH, and basic command-line familiarity. MurmurHost's no-KYC signup and crypto payment options make it easy to get started anonymously.

  1. 1

    Order a MurmurHost VPS

    Sign up at MurmurHost.com (no KYC, email optional) and order a VPS plan. Choose a location (e.g., Switzerland or Romania) and pay with Bitcoin, Monero, or Lightning. You'll receive root credentials within 60 seconds.
  2. 2

    Connect to your VPS via SSH

    Use an SSH client (e.g., Terminal on macOS/Linux, PuTTY on Windows) to connect to your VPS IP as root: ssh root@your_server_ip. Use the password provided by MurmurHost.
  3. 3

    Update your system

    Run apt update && apt upgrade -y (for Debian/Ubuntu) to ensure your system is up-to-date. This is crucial for security.
  4. 4

    Install Tor

    Install the Tor daemon and torrc configuration file: apt install tor -y. This will install the latest Tor version from the official repositories.
  5. 5

    Configure Tor as a relay

    Edit the Tor configuration file: nano /etc/tor/torrc. Uncomment and set the following lines: Nickname yournickname, ORPort 443, ExitRelay 0 (for a middle relay), SocksPort 0. Save and exit.
  6. 6

    Start and enable Tor

    Start the Tor service and enable it to run on boot: systemctl start tor and systemctl enable tor. Check its status with systemctl status tor to ensure it's running.
  7. 7

    Verify your relay is online

    After a few hours, check the Tor Metrics site (metrics.torproject.org) to see if your relay appears. You can also check logs with journalctl -u tor -f for any errors.

Running a Tor relay is legal in most jurisdictions, but check local laws. MurmurHost's offshore hosting in 8 jurisdictions (including Iceland and Switzerland) provides flexibility. DDoS protection is included, which helps mitigate attacks. Remember to keep your Tor software updated and monitor your relay's bandwidth usage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a middle relay and an exit relay?+
A middle relay forwards traffic from entry nodes to exit nodes without revealing the source. An exit relay is the last node that sends traffic to the destination, so it may attract abuse complaints. For privacy, start with a middle relay (ExitRelay 0) to avoid legal issues.
How much bandwidth does a Tor relay use?+
Bandwidth usage depends on your relay's advertised capacity. A typical middle relay might use 100-500 GB per month. MurmurHost's VPS-1 includes 1 TB transfer, which is sufficient for a small relay. You can set a bandwidth limit in torrc with RelayBandwidthRate and RelayBandwidthBurst.
Can I pay for a MurmurHost VPS anonymously?+
Yes, MurmurHost accepts Bitcoin, Monero, and Bitcoin Lightning, and you can sign up with just a pseudonym and optional email. No government ID or KYC is required. This makes it easy to run a Tor relay without revealing your identity.
What if my relay gets blocked or attacked?+
MurmurHost includes DDoS protection (10-400 Gbps) on all plans, which helps mitigate volumetric attacks. If your relay's IP gets blocked, you can quickly redeploy a new VPS in a different jurisdiction (e.g., from Romania to Moldova) using MurmurHost's fast provisioning.

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