Backspace Enabler

Name: Backspace Enabler
Rating: 4.2222 (27 reviews)
Author: Mikko Hämäläinen

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

Download

Install

Features & Capabilities

Backspace Enabler is a Firefox extension designed to restore the convenient navigation shortcut of using the Backspace key to go back to the previous page, a feature disabled by default starting Firefox 86. This extension preserves the standard text deletion functionality while your cursor is within text fields, ensuring a seamless browsing and editing experience. Simply install Backspace Enabler to bring back the familiar Backspace navigation without sacrificing typing accuracy. It works only when there is a page to go back to. Users are encouraged to share feedback and report issues via reviews to improve functionality.

User Growth & Download Statistics

Add-on Developer Tools

By:

Daily users:

Rating:

Version:

1.0 Last updated: 2022-05-27

Version code:

5410112

Creation date:

2022-05-26

Risk:

Permissions:

Content scripts matches:

Size:

47.61KB

Full description:

Source:

Firefox Add-ons Store

Data ingested on:

2026-07-06

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 2,269 ▼ 12

Other rankings

#195 in Tabs

#358 in Appearance ▲ 1

#54 in feedback keyword 24 ▲ 2

#59 in function keyword 19 ▲ 1

#99 in cursors keyword 69 ▼ 1

Upgrade to see more rankings

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Firefox add-on. Please use these information below to contact the Firefox add-on developer.

Developed by:

Mikko Hämäläinen

Firefox Add-ons Store

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/backspace-enabler/

User Reviews

Backspace Enabler is a lightweight, easy fix that restores Backspace navigation for going back a page. Reviews praise its core function and small footprint, but note inconsistent reliability across pages and sites (notably YouTube and GitHub). Some users realize Firefox can enable this behavior via about:config, making the extension optional. A few mention the URL-bar indicator as clutter. Overall, it’s a convenient keyboard shortcut, but not universally dependable.

Pros

Restores back navigation using the Backspace key across many sites, addressing a feature users were missing.
Lightweight and compact extension with a minimal footprint.
Easy to install and use; provides an immediate benefit without complex setup.

Cons

Reliability is inconsistent: it doesn’t work on all pages and can stop working unpredictably.
Site-specific reliability issues; some users report it failing on YouTube and GitHub.
Firefox already supports backspace navigation via about:config (browser.backspace_action), so the extension can be redundant for some users.
Some users would prefer to hide or remove the indicator icon in the URL bar to reduce visual clutter.

Recent reviews

Works for me - I really loved this feature, glad to have it back :) Thanks!

by Zo*****, 2026-03-28

The add-on works, but only to the degree that doing the same edit to the config file would - reason for the rating is primarily due to the 'developer' being both rude to others, as well as simply making stuff up in some responses (which I admit, I did get a chuckle out of at least)

by *****, 2025-11-22

Absolutely perfect. Not sure when exactly Firefox removed this functionality by default but missed it an absolute tonne and this adds it back without any issue :)

by Na*****, 2025-09-28

View all user reviews ›

Is Backspace Enabler Safe?

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

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.
Critical ****** ****** ** *** ********* ****** * *********** ******** **** ** ** *** ******* *** ****** **** **** *** ******* *****
High ******* ******* **** *** ****** ***** *** ***** ** ******* **** ********* ********* ** * *********** *****

Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Firefox add-on may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Firefox add-on reputation on Firefox Add-ons Store, the amount of time the Firefox add-on has been around, and other signals about the Firefox add-on. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Firefox add-on.

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.
Low **** ********* *** ******* **** **** * ****** **** ***** ******** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******