# HTTPS by default

> Request websites over secure https by default from the location bar instead of insecure http.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/https-by-default](https://chrome-stats.com/d/https-by-default)

## Overview

- **ID:** `https-by-default`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Rob W
- **Category:** privacy-security
- **Daily users:** 559
- **Weekly downloads:** 6
- **Rating:** 5.00 / 5 (9 ratings)
- **Version:** 0.4.6resigned1
- **Last updated:** 2024-04-25
- **First published:** 2015-04-25
- **Size:** 14 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-06
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/https-by-default/)
- **Website:** [https://github.com/Rob--W/https-by-default/issues](https://github.com/Rob--W/https-by-default/issues)

## Description

The HTTPS by Default extension ensures that all websites you visit from your browser's location bar are loaded over a secure HTTPS connection automatically. Typically, browsers load sites using HTTP if no protocol is specified, risking insecure connections. This extension reverses that behavior, making HTTPS the default for all web requests unless explicitly overridden by typing "http://".

Key features include always requesting HTTPS except for localhost, IP addresses, and dotless domains. It also offers an exceptions list for specific sites. The extension enhances your browsing security by minimizing exposure to insecure HTTP, while allowing flexibility when needed. Visit the project page on GitHub for more details and configuration options.

## Rankings

- #4,730 — Overall
- #25 — defi
- #88 — default search
- #105 — location
- #147 — request

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `storage`
- `tabs`
- `webNavigation`
- `webRequest`
- `webRequestBlocking`
- `*://*/*`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** High risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
- This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

### Pros

- Easy to use
- Provides a secure browsing experience
- Works as expected

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/https-by-default)