Browsers have used a lock icon in the address bar to indicate HTTPS for decades now. This means the site you are browsing uses a secure encrypted connection. However, given how HTTPS has become a common standard, Google decided to replace it with a new “Tune” icon. Long-time Chrome users were somewhat confused as to why the lock symbol was changed as a result. Therefore, here’s why the lock icon was changed in Chrome and what the new one stands for.
Why Did Google the Padlock Icon in Chrome?
With the introduction of the Chrome Refresh 2023 in Chrome, Google silently switched the lock icon with their new Tune icon. The reason given for this change is that unlike the early days of the internet, when only a handful of websites were using the HTTPS protocol, nowadays, more than 95% of the sites are using this standard.
Moreover, some users had a misconception that the lock icon meant that the website was not harmless. This is not the case, as even phishing and malware websites use a HTTPS connection.
Besides that, 11% of users did not know that you can click on the lock icon to learn about website certification. Therefore, it was replaced by another icon.
What is the New “Tune” Icon in Chrome?
Chrome’s new Tune icon emphasizes that security is the browser’s default state. It also gets rid of any misunderstandings related to the website to keep you cautious of the webpage.
It uses a neutral indicator for a design that signals users that the icon is actionable and you can click on it. With the new icon, you can easily manage site permissions, cookies, and cached data, along with the security details.
How to Revert to Old Lock Icon in Chrome?
The good thing is that if you want to keep track of the HTTP status of the websites at a glance or just feel nostalgic, you can bring back the old lock icon.
To achieve this, disable the experimental Chrome flag to return to the previous Chrome UI. Below, we have mentioned steps to revert to the old icon on both the PC and the mobile version of Chrome.
Bring Back the Lock Icon on Chrome Desktop (Windows, Mac)
Here are the steps to get the lock icon back in the address bar of Chrome on your desktop. Just follow these steps.
Step 1: On Chrome, visit this URL chrome://flags/#chrome-refresh-2023.
This will take you to the Chrome experimental feature webpage.
Step 2: Here, click on the box next to Chrome Refresh 2023.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select Disabled option.
Step 4: Now click on Relaunch to apply changes.
The browser will now ditch the Material U theme for the old one with the addition of the lock icon in the address bar.
Uninstall Updates to Get Lock Icon in Chrome (Android)
Unlike the desktop version, you cannot use these flags on the mobile version of Chrome. Instead, you can uninstall updates for the app to get the older version to get the lock icon. Use the steps below to uninstall updates for Google Chrome. Though the steps may differ for your device.
Step 1: Press and hold on the Google Chrome icon.
Step 2: Tap on the i icon as shown in the image below.
Step 3: On the App Info page, tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Step 4: Tap on Uninstall Updates.
Step 5: In the confirmation box, tap on OK.
Restart the browser, and the old theme should be applied with the lock icon back in its place.
Wrapping Up
Now you know why Google changed the lock icon and what the new icon stands for. This subtle change goes a long way to help users stay more vigilant about the sites they browse. The Tune icon menu can become more useful as more actions and features are added. If you have any queries related to this article, do reach out to us. Till then, stay tuned on BrowserToUse for more such articles, guides, and how-tos.
Related:
