Frequently asked questions

Short answers to the questions we hear most. Each links to a fuller guide if you want the detail.

About TYO Reach

What is TYO Reach?

It's a lightweight traffic proxy for one browser you choose. Switch it on and that browser is routed through us, so content that's blocked or region-locked opens up. Switch it off and everything returns to normal. See How Reach differs from a VPN.

Is Reach a VPN?

No. A VPN reroutes your whole device, all the time. Reach routes only the single browser you pick — every other app and browser keeps using your normal connection. It's also not a privacy cloak: it changes where your browser appears, but it isn't full whole-system encryption. More in Reach vs a VPN.

Will it slow down my computer?

No. Only the browser you choose is affected — the rest of your computer is untouched, and nothing runs in the background when Reach is switched off.

Browsers & devices

Which browsers can I use?

Any Chromium-based browser — Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera — or Firefox. Safari and a few browsers that can't be configured this way aren't supported. Only the browser you select is routed. See Choosing a browser.

Which devices does Reach run on?

A desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux (from the Download page), plus an Android app. Pick your browser, switch on, and you're routed.

Getting started

How do I get started?

Create a free account (no card needed), download the app, choose your browser, and switch it on. Full walk-through in Getting started.

Do I need a credit card to try it?

No. Your first 500 MB is free with no card and no verification, so you can confirm the connection works first.

Windows warned me the app isn't safe, or a firewall box popped up — is that normal?

Yes, both are expected one-time prompts for a newly published app. On the SmartScreen warning click More info → Run anyway; on the firewall prompt tick Public networks → Allow access. Step-by-step in the Installation guide.

How do I check Reach is actually working?

Open myip.tyo.com.au in the browser Reach is set up for — it shows the IP address your browser appears to be coming from. With Reach switched on, that's our gateway's address; switch it off (or open a browser Reach isn't set up for) and you'll see your own. If the two differ, Reach is working.

Plans, data & billing

What does it cost?

• Free — 500 MB to start, then 2 GB/month, 1 device.
• Pro — 50 GB/month, up to 3 devices.
• Business — 200 GB/month, up to 10 devices.

See current pricing; upgrade any time from your dashboard.

What happens when I reach my data limit?

Reach simply pauses — no surprise charges, ever. Allowances reset on the 1st of the month and don't roll over. To keep going, upgrade for a larger allowance. See Managing your data.

Why is there a $1 charge? What's the age check?

Australian law requires an age check before reaching certain content, and because TYO Lab is an Australian business we handle it here rather than via an overseas third party. Past your first 500 MB we take a $1 payment and refund it in full — it's a privacy-friendly way to confirm you're an adult without storing your ID.

Privacy & support

Does Reach make me anonymous?

Reach keeps your everyday browsing separate from your home location so blocked content opens up, but it's built for reach, not for encrypting everything you do. If you need whole-device privacy, use a full VPN. See Reach vs a VPN.

Who runs Reach, and where's my data handled?

TYO Reach is built by TYO Lab, an Australian business, and the age check is done in Australia rather than handed to an overseas third party. See our privacy policy.

A site won't open, or the app won't switch on — what do I check?

Make sure Reach is on and you're using the browser it's set up for, then reload. If you're past 500 MB, finish the age check first. More fixes in Troubleshooting.

How do I get help?

Get in touch and we'll help.