What happened to my browser ‘lock’?
Google’s Chrome browser has changed the way it deals with secure websites. Here’s what you need to know.
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If you’ve been using the internet for a while, you’ve probably become accustomed to seeing a little padlock icon in the address bar of your web browser.
For many of us, it’s been a reassuring sign that the website we’re visiting is secure. But that’s changing.
Google Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, has removed the lock icon from its address bar in its newest iteration.
It now uses a “tune” icon – which has a circle followed by a dash on top of a dash followed by a circle – to indicate site information and settings.
If you click on the icon, you’ll find some detail about the security of the settings, as follows:
This change rolled out with Chrome version 117, released in September 2023, but some people are still using earlier versions or have just updated either their computer or their software and are just starting to notice the change.
You might wonder: Why get rid of something that seems helpful?
Google says the padlock icon caused confusion because many people believed it meant the site was trustworthy or safe from scams.
In reality, it simply meant the site used a secure connection (where the address begins with https rather than just http), which encrypts the data sent between your computer and the website. That’s a good thing, but it doesn’t mean the site itself is honest or safe. Even scam websites can use secure connections.
So, to help avoid misunderstandings, Chrome is switching to a new symbol that encourages users to click and learn more about a site’s connection and privacy settings, without suggesting the site itself is “safe”.
Apple’s Safari browser has also phased out the lock icon, while Microsoft Edge, which is built on the same technology as Chrome, still uses the padlock as of early 2025. However, because it often follows Chrome’s lead, this might change in upcoming updates.
What should you do?
For everyday users, there’s no need to worry. Secure websites still use encryption, and you’re still protected when you visit them. You can still click the icon (whatever it looks like) to view details about the site’s connection.
Here are a few simple tips to keep browsing safely:
Don’t assume a site is safe just because it has a lock icon (or its replacement).
Look at the website address and make sure it matches what you expect (e.g., mybank.com.au not mybánk.xyz.au).
Use bookmarks for important sites such as banking, email, or government services.
Keep your browser up to date so you get the latest security improvements.
If you’re ever unsure about a website, take a moment to check the address carefully. If in doubt, ask someone you trust or check with the organisation directly.
Related reading: Chromium Blog, Make Use Of, Apple Discussions
