The Hidden “HTTPS://” Protocol
In an effort to make web addresses look cleaner and less intimidating to average users, modern web browsers have started hiding the technical components of a URL. By default, Google Chrome’s address bar (the Omnibox) hides the “https://” and the “www.” prefix from the domain name. If you visit https://www.example.com, Chrome will simply display example.com.
While this looks tidy, it is incredibly frustrating for web developers, IT professionals, and security-conscious users who need to know exactly what protocol they are using. While Chrome does display a small padlock icon to indicate a secure connection, many power users prefer to see the raw, unedited URL structure at all times to verify subdomains and encryption protocols at a glance without having to double-click inside the address bar. You can force Chrome to show the complete address.
How to Always Show Full URLs
You can reveal the hidden protocols by right-clicking inside the Omnibox.
- Open Google Chrome.
- Look at the main address bar at the top of the browser.
- Right-click anywhere inside the empty space of the address bar (or right-click directly on the current website address).
- A context menu will appear. Look down the list for the option labelled Always show full URLs.
- Click on “Always show full URLs” so that a checkmark appears next to it.
Chrome will immediately update the address bar. From now on, every website you visit will display its absolute, complete URL, explicitly showing the http:// or https:// scheme and the www. subdomain if it exists.