File Extension Database

Open TORRENT File

File extension TORRENT is associated with BitTorrent clients, and denotes a file which stores metadata about files available for download via any torrent compatible peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Files shared over the BitTorrent network are split into parts to allow clients to upload and download data simultaneously hence reducing the load on the original source, or seed. The location of these parts is needed by a client to download the complete file, and the resources needed to gather this information are stored in a TORRENT file.

TORRENT files are small text files which are used by BitTorrent clients to initialise the download of other files. TORRENT files typically include the individual filenames contained within a download, the URL of a tracker, which is used to monitor the location and availability of all the parts of the given file, as well as the length of each part and an SHA-1 hash code, which is used to verify the integrity of received data. This ensures that the correct parts are being downloaded and that they have not been corrupted during transfer.

The concept of TORRENT files and peer-to-peer networks are entirely legal and many publishers use the network to promote free games, movie trailers or software. However, the TORRENT file extension has become synonymous with piracy due to the large numbers of illegal games, software, movies and music available via P2P networks. Therefore, it is advisable to check the contents of a TORRENT file before opening it in a BitTorrent client as it could prompt the download of illegal, copyrighted material. TORRENT files are stored in plaintext, so can be opened using any text editor. Usually, filenames are also stored, which will give some indication as to what will be downloaded if the file is opened in a BitTorrent client.

TORRENT files can be opened using any BitTorrent client application, such as BitTorrent, BitLord, uTorrent and Azureus. They can also be opened in Mozilla Firefox with the FoxTorrent extension installed.

TORRENT files are similar in nature to File extension ED2K, which was the equivalent format used to store download link information for files on the former eDonkey P2P network. ED2K files could be opened with compatible clients such as eDonkey and eMule.

Typical TORRENT application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\Opera.exe "%1"

Frequently used application names to open TORRENT files:

Opera

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Opera.HTML

How Can I Open TORRENT File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open TORRENT file is to find a TORRENT file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TORRENT file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open TORRENT file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as TORRENT file opener then try to search online for "TORRENT viewer", "application to open TORRENT file" or "open TORRENT file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open TORRENT file

How Can I Open TORRENT File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a TORRENT file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a TORRENT file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with TORRENT file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as TORRENT file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open TORRENT file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open TORRENT file then try to search for "TORRENT viewer", "application to open TORRENT file" or "read TORRENT file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read TORRENT file

How Can I Open TORRENT File on Android

If you downloaded a TORRENT file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded TORRENT file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "TORRENT".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "TORRENT viewer", "TORRENT file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open TORRENT File on iPhone or iPad

To open TORRENT File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the TORRENT file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "TORRENT". This way you can find apps which can open TORRENT files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "TORRENT viewer" or "TORRENT file" online in your favorite search engine.