An excerpt from the repository, fetched Nov 13, 2026.
Read the project’s introduction
ZeroNet
Decentralized websites using Bitcoin crypto and the BitTorrent network - https://zeronet.io / onion
Why?
We believe in open, free, and uncensored network and communication.
No single point of failure: Site remains online so long as at least 1 peer is
serving it.
No hosting costs: Sites are served by visitors.
Impossible to shut down: It's nowhere because it's everywhere.
Fast and works offline: You can access the site even if Internet is
unavailable.
Features
Real-time updated sites
Namecoin .bit domains support
Easy to setup: unpack & run
Clone websites in one click
Password-less BIP32
based authorization: Your account is protected by the same cryptography as your Bitcoin wallet
Built-in SQL server with P2P data synchronization: Allows easier site development and faster page load times
Anonymity: Full Tor network support with .onion hidden services instead of IPv4 addresses
TLS encrypted connections
Automatic uPnP port opening
Plugin for multiuser (openproxy) support
Works with any browser/OS
How does it work?
After starting zeronet.py you will be able to visit zeronet sites using
http://127.0.0.1:43110/{zeronet_address} (eg.
http://127.0.0.1:43110/1HeLLo4uzjaLetFx6NH3PMwFP3qbRbTf3D).
When you visit a new zeronet site, it tries to find peers using the BitTorrent
network so it can download the site files (html, css, js...) from them.
Each visited site is also served by you.
Every site contains a content.json file which holds all other files in a sha512 hash
and a signature generated using the site's private key.
If the site owner (who has the private key for the site address) modifies the
site, then he/she signs the new content.json and publishes it to the peers.
Afterwards, the peers verify the content.json integrity (using the
signature), they download the modified files and publish the new content to
other peers.
Slideshow about ZeroNet cryptography, site updates, multi-user sites »
Frequently asked questions »
ZeroNet Developer Documentation »
Screenshots
More screenshots in ZeroNet docs »
How to join
Windows
Download ZeroNet-py3-win64.zip (18MB)
Unpack anywhere
Run ZeroNet.exe
macOS
Download ZeroNet-dist-mac.zip (13.2MB)
Unpack anywhere
Run ZeroNet.app
Linux (x86-64bit)
wget https://github.com/HelloZeroNet/ZeroNet-linux/archive/dist-linux64/ZeroNet-py3-linux64.tar.gz
tar xvpfz ZeroNet-py3-linux64.tar.gz
cd ZeroNet-linux-dist-linux64/
Start with: ./ZeroNet.sh
Open the ZeroHello landing page in your browser by navigating to: http://127.0.0.1:43110/
Tip: Start with ./ZeroNet.sh --ui_ip '*' --ui_restrict your.ip.address to allow remote connections on the web interface.
Android (arm, arm64, x86)
minimum Android version supported 16 (JellyBean)
APK download: https://github.com/canewsin/zeronet_mobile/releases
XDA Labs: https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/in.canews.zeronet
Docker
There is an official image, built from source at: https://hub.docker.com/r/nofish/zeronet/
Install from source
wget https://github.com/HelloZeroNet/ZeroNet/archive/py3/ZeroNet-py3.tar.gz
tar xvpfz ZeroNet-py3.tar.gz
cd ZeroNet-py3
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install python3-pip
sudo python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt
Start with: python3 zeronet.py
Open the ZeroHello landing page in your browser by navigating to: http://127.0.0.1:43110/
Current limitations
No torrent-like file splitting for big file support (big file support added)
No more anonymous than Bittorrent (built-in full Tor support added)
File transactions are not compressed or encrypted yet (TLS encryption added)
No private sites
How can I create a ZeroNet site?
Click on ⋮ > "Create new, empty site" menu item on the site ZeroHello.
You will be redirected to a completely new site that is only modifiable by you!
You can find and modify your site's content in data/[yoursiteaddress] directory
After the modifications open your site, drag the topright "0" button to left, then press sign and publish buttons on the bottom
Next steps: ZeroNet Developer Documentation
Help keep this project alive
Bitcoin: 1QDhxQ6PraUZa21ET5fYUCPgdrwBomnFgX
Paypal: https://zeronet.io/docs/help_zeronet/donate/
Sponsors
Better macOS/Safari compatibility made possible by BrowserStack.com
Thank you!
More info, help, changelog, zeronet sites: https://www.reddit.com/r/zeronet/
Come, chat with us: #zeronet @ FreeNode or on gitter
Email: hello@zeronet.io (PGP: 960F FF2D 6C14 5AA6 13E8 491B 5B63 BAE6 CB96 13AE)
Read the full README on GitHub