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How to show the full URL in Firefox

Wondering if you're on http or https in Firefox? A recent change removes the protocol from the URL. Find out how to add it back!

Firefox made a change to how URLs are displayed when visiting Web pages. Unfortunately, if you're trying to find out if you're on a secure connection by reading the protocol at the start of the URL, you can't do that anymore. Here's a quick fix for getting the protocol back in the address bar so you can see the full URL, every time:

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

The current address bar appears like the one above.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 1: Open Firefox and type "about:config" into the address bar.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 2: Click the button that says, "I'll be careful, I promise" when warned about editing these settings.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 3: Find browser.urlbar.trimURLs in the long list of settings.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 4: Double-click on this line to change the value on the right-hand side from true to false.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 5: Visit your favorite Web sites, with the ability to see the URL protocol.

These steps are very useful if you're doing online monetary transactions, or even sending out sensitive information via e-mail from a computer away from home.