Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Natao arisiva ity resaka mitohy ity. Mametraha fanontaniana azafady raha mila fanampiana.

when is http:// and www. not needed in the url typed in the address bar?

more options

I don't understand when it is necessary to add "http://" and when is it necessary to add "www." to the web address typed in the address bar? What does Firefox automatically fill in? Is there a way to configure what Firefox will autofill in the url?

I don't understand when it is necessary to add "http://" and when is it necessary to add "www." to the web address typed in the address bar? What does Firefox automatically fill in? Is there a way to configure what Firefox will autofill in the url?

Vahaolana nofidina

When you request an incomplete URL from a server, it usually sends back a redirect to the correct address. Same if you request an insecure (HTTP) page on a server that wants you to use a secure (HTTPS) connection. Over time, these little delays add up, so if you are setting up a bookmark, your home page, etc., go ahead and use the full URL so you can avoid the extra step.

Hamaky an'ity valiny ity @ sehatra 👍 0

All Replies (2)

more options

The www.prefix is part of the domain of a website and if the domain without this prefix doesn't exist (a DNS look up fails) then Firefox will automatically try another look up with the www. prefix.
The http:// prefix is the default protocol and uses port 80 to connect to the server.

See Domain Guessing:

more options

Vahaolana Nofidina

When you request an incomplete URL from a server, it usually sends back a redirect to the correct address. Same if you request an insecure (HTTP) page on a server that wants you to use a secure (HTTPS) connection. Over time, these little delays add up, so if you are setting up a bookmark, your home page, etc., go ahead and use the full URL so you can avoid the extra step.