Google Chrome Version 76: Why WWW and HTTPS are No Longer Visible in the Address Bar

With the introduction of Google Chrome version 76, users have encountered a notable change in how web addresses appear in the browser’s address bar. This update has hidden the ‘HTTPS://’ and ‘www’ prefixes in URLs, meaning that when you access a site like ‘https://www.example.com’, the address bar now simply shows ‘example.com’.

While this shift aims to streamline the browsing experience, users who prefer seeing the full URL can revert this setting. By navigating to ‘chrome://flags/#omnibox-ui-hide-steady-state-url-trivial-subdomains’ in their Chrome browser and disabling the ‘Omnibox UI Hide Steady-State URL Trivial Subdomains’ option, users can restore the complete view of web addresses.

Google’s rationale for this change is rooted in their commitment to enhancing simplicity, usability, and security. The company argues that for the average user, these prefixes do not contribute significantly to the browsing experience. By removing them, Google intends to make URLs less cluttered and easier to read, ultimately aiming for a cleaner user interface across both desktop and Android versions.

However, the significance of ‘HTTPS’ as an indicator of a site’s security status cannot be understated. It ensures that data transferred between the user and the site is encrypted, safeguarding against potential threats. To address this, Google Chrome still indicates the security status of a site with ‘secure’ or ‘not secure’ labels, providing users with essential security information.

While some users appreciate the streamlined appearance of the address bar, others miss the detailed information that the full URL used to provide. As Google continues to refine its browser, it’s yet to be seen if this feature will become a permanent aspect of Chrome’s design.

For those keen on enhancing their online safety, especially in light of these changes, exploring additional security measures like VPNs can be beneficial. Our detailed guide on the best Android VPNs for 2023 offers valuable insights into the top VPN services that can help protect your online privacy and security.

As the digital landscape evolves, staying informed about such updates and understanding their implications can greatly enhance your online experience.