Connections

The Connections settings control how Anonomi is allowed to communicate.

These options don’t change who you talk to or what you say — they define which network paths are permitted, and when. Choosing the right combination is part of your threat model.

Anonomi is designed to keep working when networks are blocked, monitored, unreliable, or intentionally avoided.

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Connection strategy

Before touching any toggles, decide one thing:

• If the internet is usable but risky → use Tor
• If the internet is the threat → go offline

Anonomi does not assume that being online is always safe.

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Local connections (offline)

Local connections allow communication without any internet access. No traffic leaves the area.

Connect via Bluetooth

When enabled, Anonomi can communicate directly with nearby devices using Bluetooth.

Use Bluetooth when

• Contacts are physically nearby
• Wi-Fi infrastructure is unavailable or unsafe
• Short range is a feature (not a limitation)

Tradeoffs

• Very limited range
• Lower throughput than Wi-Fi

Turning this off prevents any Bluetooth-based communication.

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Connect on the same Wi-Fi network

When enabled, Anonomi can communicate with contacts on the same local Wi-Fi network.

Use Wi-Fi when

• Devices share a trusted local network
• Internet shutdowns are in effect
• You need higher throughput than Bluetooth

Tradeoffs

• Limited to the local network
• Requires shared Wi-Fi access

Turning this off ensures no local Wi-Fi traffic is used.

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Internet connections (Tor)

When Anonomi connects to the internet, it does so only through the Tor network.

Tor routes traffic through multiple volunteer-run relays, helping reduce traceability, censorship, and network-level metadata exposure.

Connect via the Internet

This toggle controls whether any internet connectivity is allowed.

• Enabled: Anonomi may connect over Tor
• Disabled: All internet connections are blocked

When disabled, Anonomi operates strictly in offline modes.

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Connection method for Tor network

You can control how Tor is reached:

• Automatic (recommended)
  Anonomi selects the safest configuration for your environment.

• Use Tor without bridges
  Connects directly to the Tor network.
  Best when Tor is reachable and not blocked.

• Use Tor with bridges
  Uses Tor bridges to bypass censorship.
  Recommended in restricted or high-control networks.

• Don’t connect
  Completely disables Tor connectivity.

Choosing the wrong mode can prevent connections — choosing the right one can be the difference between working and being blocked.

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Mobile data control

You can decide whether Anonomi is allowed to use mobile data.

• Enabled: Tor may use mobile data or Wi-Fi
• Disabled: Internet connections only occur over Wi-Fi

This is useful when:

• Mobile networks are monitored
• Data usage itself creates risk
• You want predictable connectivity behavior

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Connect only when charging

When enabled, Anonomi will only use the internet while the device is plugged in.

This helps:

• Reduce battery drain
• Avoid unexpected Tor traffic while moving
• Make network usage more deliberate

Offline connections (Bluetooth / Wi-Fi) are not affected.

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External storage (store-and-forward)

Anonomi also supports carrying messages across boundaries using removable storage or file transfer.

Best for

• Checkpoints or border crossings
• Air-gapped workflows
• Situations where live connectivity is too dangerous

Tradeoffs

• Manual process
• Requires strong operational discipline

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Switching modes safely

• Decide early — don’t improvise under pressure
• Minimize exposure — disable internet when you don’t need it
• Assume compromise — if a device is seized, treat it as compromised

Turning off a connection method does not delete messages or contacts.
It only controls which network paths Anonomi is allowed to use.

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Related documentation

• Real-world scenarios and tradeoffs
• Operational security basics
• Offline app distribution