How to Turn On HTTPS-Only Mode in Mozilla Firefox

The secure protocol HTTPS is the bedrock technique of keeping privacy and protection on the world wide web. It sets up an encrypted link involving your browser and the website server that prevents third events from eavesdropping on or tampering with the data staying despatched concerning you and the web-site you are browsing.

Regrettably, not all sites aid HTTPS, and some that do could drop back again to non-encrypted HTTP variations of a site if you pay a visit to them by way of an HTTP hyperlink (these kinds of as http://www.instance.com alternatively of https://www.case in point.com—notice the missing “s” in the address).

Commencing in Mozilla Firefox edition 83, which was released on November 16, 2020, you can change on HTTPS-Only Method. Firefox will automatically endeavor to load the HTTPS variation of a web-site even if you go to the web page by a url to an unencrypted HTTP tackle. If just one isn’t offered, you’ll have to give express permission ahead of Firefox will load an HTTP site. Here’s how to permit this solution.

Associated: What Is HTTPS, and Why Really should I Care?

How to Allow HTTPS-Only Method in Firefox

Initially, open up Firefox and click on the hamburger button (a few horizontal strains) in any Firefox window. In the menu that pops up, select “Options” on Windows and Linux or “Preferences” on a Mac.

Idea: If you’re not working Firefox model 83 or increased, you’ll have to have to update Firefox to use the HTTPS-Only Manner attribute. To examine for updates manually, click the Firefox menu, then decide on Support > About Firefox. Then click the “Update Firefox” button.

Similar: How to Update Mozilla Firefox

In the “Options” or “Preferences” tab, click on “Privacy & Security” in the sidebar menu.

On the “Browser Privacy” choices web page, scroll down to the bottom and track down the “HTTPS-Only Mode” portion. Click the radio button beside “Enable HTTPS-Only Manner in all windows” to choose it. (You also have the preference to permit HTTPS-Only Mode in non-public home windows only, so find that in its place if you desire.)

After that, close the Solutions tab, and the transform will take impact right away. If you check out a internet site by way of a non-encrypted HTTP website link that supports HTTPS, you will be redirected to the encrypted HTTPS variation of the web page instantly.

What Transpires If a Web site Doesn’t Help HTTPS?

If you pay a visit to a site with HTTPS-Only Method turned on and the web page does not help HTTPS, you will see an mistake website page similar to this one.

Also, if you visit a site that is only partially HTTPS-secure—that is, it pulls non-encrypted factors into the secure page—it may not display screen correctly with HTTPS-Only Method enabled.

In either scenario, Mozilla has offered a brief way to briefly disable HTTPS-Only Mode. To do so, click the lock icon beside the website tackle in the URL bar.

In the menu that pops up, simply click the drop-down menu down below “HTTPS-Only Mode” and decide on “Off temporarily” to temporarily disable HTTPS-Only Mode.

Alternately, if you’d like to permanently disable HTTPS-Only Method just for this particular internet site, find “Off” from the list. Firefox will bear in mind these options individually for just about every website.

Right after that, you’ll be equipped to see the website as regular. If the web-site ever updates to aid HTTPS fully, you can allow HTTPS-Only Method for the internet site yet again utilizing the same menu choice concealed less than the website address lock icon. Happy browsing!

Net browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are encouraging internet sites to transfer absent from HTTP to much more protected HTTPS connections. It’s most likely that Firefox’s HTTPS-Only Method will 1 working day turn into the default alternative, boosting privacy and protection online—and more encouraging website proprietors to improve to HTTPS.