How to Install Bisq on Tails OS Using the .deb Package

Install Bisq on Tails OS using the official .deb package. Learn how to persist the app, run it via Tor, and store wallet and trade data securely.

Why Use Bisq on Tails?

• 🔐 Bisq is a decentralized, Tor-based Bitcoin exchange
• 🧅 Tails routes all traffic through Tor by default
• 💾 Using persistent storage allows you to save wallet/trade data securely

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What You’ll Need

• Tails OS installed with Persistent Storage enabled and unlocked
• At least 500MB of free persistent space
• Internet access (Tor)

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Step 1: Create a Persistent Folder for Bisq

mkdir -p /media/amnesia/Persistent/bisq
cd /media/amnesia/Persistent/bisq

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Step 2: Download the Official .deb Package

Get the latest .deb file from the official site using torsocks:

torsocks wget https://bisq.network/downloads/Bisq-1.9.13.deb -O bisq.deb

(Replace the version number if there’s a newer release)

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Step 3: Install Dependencies

First update APT (over Tor):

torsocks apt update

Install required packages:

torsocks apt install -y openjdk-17-jre libsodium23 libxss1 libxrender1 libxtst6 libnss3

Note: These packages are not persistent. You’ll need to reinstall them after each Tails reboot unless automated via a script.

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Step 4: Install Bisq

Now install the downloaded .deb package:

torsocks dpkg -i bisq.deb

If it complains about missing dependencies, run:

torsocks apt --fix-broken install

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Step 5: Launch Bisq

bisq

The GUI should open in a few seconds. It uses the built-in Tor daemon unless otherwise configured.

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Step 6: Store Wallet and Trade Data Persistently

By default, Bisq stores your data in:

/home/amnesia/.local/share/Bisq

But this data is not persistent. To persist it:

1. Create a persistent config directory:

mkdir -p /media/amnesia/Persistent/bisq-data

2. Before launching Bisq, symlink the config folder:

rm -rf ~/.local/share/Bisq
ln -s /media/amnesia/Persistent/bisq-data ~/.local/share/Bisq

This ensures your wallet, trades, and preferences are saved between reboots.

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Optional: Create a Launcher Script

nano /media/amnesia/Persistent/bisq/start-bisq.sh

Paste this:

#!/bin/bash
# Ensure dependencies (must be manually installed after reboot)
/usr/bin/bisq

chmod +x /media/amnesia/Persistent/bisq/start-bisq.sh

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Optional: Add Desktop Shortcut

nano /home/amnesia/Desktop/bisq.desktop

Paste:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Bisq
Exec=/media/amnesia/Persistent/bisq/start-bisq.sh
Icon=utilities-terminal
Type=Application
Categories=Finance;

chmod +x /home/amnesia/Desktop/bisq.desktop

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Security Tips

• Always verify downloads: use the GPG signature available at bisq.network/downloads
• Keep backups of your Bisq wallet and data in encrypted storage
• Use strong passwords and enable arbitrator protection where available

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Troubleshooting

• Java not found? → Reinstall openjdk-17-jre after reboot
• GUI won’t open? → Try running bisq from terminal to check errors
• Data not saved? → Ensure the ~/.local/share/Bisq symlink is set up properly

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Final Thoughts

Running Bisq from Tails offers unmatched privacy and anonymity for peer-to-peer Bitcoin trading. While Tails is ephemeral by design, combining it with Persistent Storage and careful folder setup lets you securely retain your Bisq wallet and trading history across sessions — all routed through Tor.

Next step? Fund your Bisq wallet, register a payment method, and try your first offer!