Backspace Enabler
Re-enable disabled by default ability to hit the Backspace key to go back to the previous page. Backspace Enabler gets this functionality, while keeping ability to delete text while in text box.
PLEASE POST FEEDBACK / REVIEW
Manifest V2
- By:
- Mikko Hämäläinen
- Rating:
- 4.26 (23)
- Version:
- 1.0 (Last updated: 2022-05-27)
- Version code:
- 5410112
- Creation date:
- 2022-05-26
- Permissions:
- activeTab
- tabs
- storage
- Size:
- 48.76K
- Full description:
- See detailed description
- Source:
- Firefox Browser Add-ons
- Updated:
- a day ago
User reviews
Backspace Enabler is a lightweight Firefox extension that restores the backspace key's ability to navigate back, a feature many users miss from Chrome. It works well generally and aids keyboard-focused navigation, especially for Chrome migrants. However, it can be inconsistent or inoperative on some sites like YouTube and GitHub. Some users note intermittent failures and visual clutter from its icon. Additionally, some found that this feature can be enabled natively via about:config, raising questions about the extension's necessity.
Pros
- Enables backspace key to navigate back to previous page, a familiar feature missing in Firefox by default.
- Lightweight and easy to install extension with immediate effect.
- Helpful for users migrating from Chrome or those preferring keyboard navigation over mouse.
- Works well on most standard webpages and improves browsing efficiency.
Cons
- Does not work reliably on certain websites like YouTube and GitHub where users want it most.
- Sometimes doesn’t work consistently; functionality may be intermittent or unreliable.
- Icon indicator in the URL bar is considered visual clutter by users and there is no option to disable it.
- Some users discovered that the functionality can be enabled through Firefox's about:config without the extension, questioning its necessity.
Recent reviews
by GothGlamPrincess, 2025-02-08
I recently migrated from Chrome to Firefox and had been missing the ability to use backspace to back to the previous page. It occurred to me that there might be a Firefox extension and this one seems to work well for me. Now that I think about it, I probably had to install an extension for it to work in the latest incarnations of Chrome - it's just been so long that I added it that I didn't remember doing it.
by Firefox user 18758547, 2024-12-31
This doesn't seem to work on all webpages anymore. Any chance of a fix for that?
Or maybe it randomly stops working...
by Firefox user 13133424, 2024-08-16
Extension safety
Risk impact
Backspace Enabler requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.
Risk impact analysis details
- Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
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Risk likelihood
Backspace Enabler has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.
Risk likelihood analysis details
- High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
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