brave browser wiki

What Is Brave Browser?

Brave Browser is a privacy-focused web browser built on an open-source engine, designed to automatically block ads and trackers by default. It also integrates Web3 features, bringing everyday browsing, optional incentive mechanisms, and a built-in crypto wallet into a single platform, thereby reducing the complexity and security risks of installing multiple extensions.

From a user perspective, Brave Browser maintains the familiar look and feel of conventional browsers while connecting users to decentralized applications (DApps) and content distribution networks through built-in privacy protection and wallet functionalities. This allows newcomers to explore Web3 without drastically changing their browsing habits.

How Is Brave Browser Different from Traditional Browsers?

Brave Browser’s main distinction lies in its privacy-centric approach and integrated features: it blocks ads and tracking modules (which record your online behavior) by default, and provides a built-in wallet and rewards options without requiring third-party extensions. In contrast, traditional browsers typically rely on additional plugins to deliver similar capabilities.

Brave utilizes the same core technology as leading browsers, ensuring compatibility and performance for daily web usage without the need for adjustment. It emphasizes local privacy controls, such as fingerprinting protection and automatic HTTPS upgrades, which minimize data exposure to advertisers and data brokers.

What Are Brave Rewards and BAT in Brave Browser?

Brave Rewards is an optional ad incentive program in Brave Browser. With user consent, Brave locally matches advertisements to your interests and rewards you with BAT (Basic Attention Token), a crypto token that can be used to tip creators or spend in supported scenarios.

Public sources indicate BAT has a maximum supply of 1.5 billion tokens. Users can tip verified creators directly on websites using BAT, or choose to cash out or spend their tokens where available, subject to regional support and identity verification requirements.

If you’re interested solely in trading BAT, it is available on Gate’s spot market, where you can utilize price alerts or grid strategies for management. Note that BAT is subject to significant price volatility; always assess risks and compliance requirements before trading.

How Does the Built-in Wallet in Brave Browser Work?

The built-in wallet in Brave Browser is a self-custody wallet, meaning private keys are managed by the user rather than a centralized custodian. This gives you full control over your assets, but also requires strong security practices.

When you first create a wallet, it generates a mnemonic phrase (usually 12 or 24 English words), which serves as the master key to your assets. This phrase must be written down offline and stored securely; never take screenshots or upload it to the cloud. If you lose your mnemonic phrase, your assets cannot be recovered by anyone.

Brave Wallet supports Ethereum and a range of Ethereum-compatible networks (known collectively as EVM chains), and is gradually expanding support for non-EVM networks. When transferring funds or interacting with apps, you’ll need to pay gas fees (transaction fees for on-chain activity), which vary depending on network congestion.

How Do You Connect Brave Browser to Web3 Applications?

Connecting to Web3 apps in Brave Browser is straightforward and similar to most wallet integrations:

1. First, open the target DApp website. DApps are decentralized applications, such as decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, or NFT marketplaces.
2. Click “Connect Wallet” on the site, select Brave Wallet or the appropriate option in the popup window, and confirm that the network matches (e.g., Ethereum mainnet).
3. Follow prompts to sign or authorize within the wallet. Signing uses your private key to confirm information; authorizing allows the application limited access to your address for operations.
4. Start with a small test transaction. Use a minimal amount to test the process and fees before increasing transaction size—this helps avoid mistakes during contract interactions.

What Privacy and Security Mechanisms Does Brave Browser Offer?

Brave Browser protects privacy through multiple layers:

• Shields: Blocks ads, trackers, and cross-site requests to reduce profiling and tracking.
• Automatic HTTPS upgrades: Forces encrypted connections where supported to minimize interception risks.
• Fingerprinting protection: Obscures or randomizes device information to lower the chance of being identified via “device fingerprinting”.
• Private window with Tor: For heightened anonymity, users can browse using Tor through private windows (requests are routed via the Tor network), though this may reduce browsing speed.

Security settings are not foolproof; they form only the first line of defense. Users should still remain vigilant against phishing links, fake sites, and malicious contract authorizations.

What Is the Purpose of IPFS Support in Brave Browser?

Brave Browser allows direct access to IPFS links. IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a peer-to-peer file distribution network that locates resources by content address rather than server address, making it ideal for decentralized content and large static files.

When accessing ipfs or ipns links with Brave, you can choose between using a local node or a public gateway. A node is a computer participating in the IPFS network; running one locally enhances decentralization. A gateway provides IPFS content via standard web access—this is more convenient but relies on third-party infrastructure.

Typical use cases include hosting decentralized websites, storing NFT metadata and media files, or publishing documents that are resistant to takedowns.

How Do You Get Started with Brave Browser and Basic Setup?

Getting started with Brave Browser is simple—focus on installation channels, settings configuration, and security habits:

1. Download Brave Browser from official sources and install it; complete initial setup and bookmark import. Enable auto-update in both your system and browser.
2. Review privacy-related settings such as Shields to ensure default blocking is active. For sites with functionality issues, adjust blocking intensity for individual domains as needed.
3. Enable Brave Rewards if desired. Check regional availability, authentication requirements, and whether incentives impact your browsing experience.
4. Create a Brave Wallet and back up your mnemonic phrase. Write down two offline copies and store them separately; avoid taking photos or saving online.
5. Test with small transactions. Before connecting to DApps, transfer a minimal amount to familiarize yourself with transfers, signing, and gas fee settings—then gradually increase usage depth.

What Are Common Risks and Compliance Considerations with Brave Browser?

Using Brave Browser requires assessing privacy, asset security, and regulatory risks:

• Regulatory compliance for ad rewards and crypto assets varies by region; functions such as Brave Rewards, tipping, cash-out processes, and verification may differ—always follow local policies and official guidance.
• BAT token holdings and trades are subject to price volatility; if trading BAT on Gate, manage position sizes wisely and understand fees, deposit/withdrawal rules, and risk control tools. No earnings are guaranteed—never borrow or use high leverage blindly.
• The primary risk with self-custody wallets is mnemonic phrase exposure or loss. Beware of phishing sites, fake airdrops, and excessive authorizations; limit permission scope and duration as necessary, and regularly check authorized contracts in your wallet.

Key Takeaways for Brave Browser

Brave Browser integrates privacy blocking features, optional reward mechanisms, and a self-custody wallet within a single interface—lowering the barrier for newcomers to Web3. Through Shields, fingerprinting protection, and HTTPS upgrades, it offers robust default privacy and security for daily browsing. With Brave Rewards and BAT tokens as bridges, users can support creators or participate in incentives. The built-in wallet and IPFS support make it easier to connect to DApps and decentralized content. In practice, stay mindful of regional compliance requirements, asset volatility risks, and self-custody safety—adopting habits like “small-scale testing” and “stepwise verification” helps strike a balance between efficiency and security.

FAQ

Which Country Is Brave Browser From?

Brave Browser is developed by Brave Software Inc., headquartered in San Francisco, USA. Its core codebase is based on the open-source Chromium project, welcoming contributions from developers worldwide. As an international product, Brave supports multiple languages and regions with users across the globe.

Is Brave Browser Open Source?

Yes—Brave Browser is fully open source with its code hosted on GitHub for public review and contribution. Open source ensures transparency and security: anyone can inspect its codebase to verify privacy protections or spot vulnerabilities for community-driven improvement.

What Is Brave Search?

Brave Search is an integrated privacy-focused search engine within Brave Browser that does not track users’ search history or personal data. Unlike conventional search engines, it delivers unbiased results without ranking manipulation based on user data. You can set it as your default search engine in browser settings for a privacy-friendly search experience.

Does Using Brave Browser Cost Money?

Brave Browser is completely free to download and use with no paywalls or restrictions. Users may opt into the Brave Rewards program to earn BAT tokens by viewing privacy-respecting ads—this is strictly optional. All core features such as privacy protection and ad blocking are available at no cost.

How Does Brave Browser Compare with Chrome in Terms of Privacy?

Brave enables ad-blocking, tracker protection, and enforced HTTPS encryption by default; Chrome requires manual setup for similar protections. Brave does not collect user browsing data for ad targeting purposes—Chrome uses this data within Google’s advertising system. Additionally, Brave supports integrated Tor browsing for advanced privacy needs not available in Chrome.