Please Show Full URLs by Default and Disable “Show Search Terms in Address Bar” by Default

[pforam64]

Subject: Feedback: Please Show Full URLs by Default and Disable “Show Search Terms in Address Bar” by Default

Hello Mozilla Firefox Team,

I would like to suggest two changes to Firefox’s default address bar behavior that I believe would improve transparency, usability, and user trust.

1. Show Full URL Addresses by Default

Currently, Firefox hides parts of the URL such as “https://” and may simplify portions of the displayed address. I believe Firefox should display the complete URL at all times by default, including:

• Protocol (“https://”)

• Full subdomains (“www”, “m”, etc.)

• Complete path when relevant

Displaying the full address helps users:

• Better verify website authenticity

• Detect phishing or deceptive domains more easily

• Understand exactly where they are navigating

• Maintain consistency with technical and professional workflows
  
  
  

1. Disable “Show Search Terms in the Address Bar on Results Pages” by Default

The feature that replaces the actual search engine URL with the search query text can be confusing and reduces transparency. Many users expect the address bar to show the real URL of the page they are visiting.

I recommend disabling this feature by default because:

• It hides useful navigational information

• It makes copying and sharing URLs less predictable

• It can create ambiguity about the actual site or page being viewed

• Advanced and privacy-conscious users generally prefer seeing the real URL

Users who prefer the simplified search-term display could still enable it manually in settings.

Firefox has traditionally been a browser focused on user control, openness, and transparency. These changes would align well with those principles.

Thank you for your work on Firefox and for considering this feedback.

[Agentvirtuel]

Hello

To complement, https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1581181

[Agentvirtuel]

To complement, https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/ideas/please-show-full-urls-by-default-and-disable-show-search-terms/...

[mikyjunina]

I totally agree that transparency in the address bar is vital for security. Hiding the full URL makes it way too easy for phishing sites to hide their true identity. When browsers prioritize aesthetics over clear data, users lose control.

This reminds me of how I handle system resources; I prefer seeing exactly what’s happening under the hood. For instance, I use a lightweight utility called Mem reduct to monitor and clean RAM usage in real-time. Just like seeing a full URL, having that clear, real-time data on my PC's performance helps me manage things much more effectively. Clear information is always better for the user!
https://thememreduct.com/download/

[Agentvirtuel]

Hello

HTTPS, It does not guarantee that the website is legitimate. Phishing sites, look-alike domains (e.g. fake bank pages)

Other discussions
https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/trustpanel-s-shield-with-checkmark-icon-may-create-a/td-p...

[Agentvirtuel]

And, for illustration, http, http://fromspacestation.free.fr

Note:
Some websites only support HTTP and the connection cannot be upgraded. If HTTPS-Only Mode is enabled and an HTTPS version of a site is not available, you will see a Secure Site Not Available page.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/https-only-prefs#w_secure-site-not-available-page 

Additional information
Keyboard shortcuts https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/keyboard-shortcuts-perform-firefox-tasks-quickly#w_tools

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