Mobile Tor Browser for Nexus, notes and caveats
Using Tor Browser for Android against Nexus, what works, what does not, when to prefer desktop.
Tor Browser for Android exists and works against Nexus Market, but there are meaningful differences from the desktop experience. This report walks through what changes on mobile and when the reader should stick with desktop.
What works on mobile
The login flow works. The anti-DDoS queue renders. The captcha renders correctly with the embedded address visible. Registration, deposit, order placement, message system, dispute opening, finalisation all work.
What is more friction on mobile
Copying the onion address is fiddlier because mobile browsers do not always handle 56-character string selection cleanly. The Bureau recommends using long-press to select the full string carefully rather than trying to double-tap.
Tor Browser Android does not have the same security slider UI as desktop. The equivalent setting is in the security preferences, and the reader should still set it to Safest. It matters equally on mobile.
Fingerprint uniqueness on mobile is a bigger problem than on desktop because there are fewer mobile Tor Browser users, and mobile screen sizes vary more distinctly than desktop windows do. This reduces the anonymity set. Mobile is fine for reading but the Bureau prefers desktop for anything involving credentials.
Wallet on mobile
Cake Wallet is the natural mobile Monero wallet. It works well, is well-maintained, and integrates cleanly with the Nexus deposit flow if the reader is comfortable copying strings between apps.
Bitcoin on mobile is a mixed story. The Bureau recommends against using mobile hot wallets for Bitcoin deposits to a market. If you use Bitcoin, do it from desktop with Sparrow or Electrum.
When mobile is fine
Reading the mirror list. Reading Bureau reports. Checking the current signed rotation. Passive activities that do not involve typing credentials.
When desktop is worth switching to
Registration (mnemonic seed handling is easier on desktop). First login (captcha match is easier to read carefully). PGP verification (gpg or Kleopatra are desktop tools). Deposit signing (wallet software is more capable on desktop). Any high-value transaction.