Ahrefs What Does the Lock Mean Beside a URL?

When using Ahrefs or browsing the internet, you might notice a small lock icon beside a URL. This often raises the question — “Ahrefs what does the lock mean beside a URL?” In this blog, let’s understand what this lock symbol really means and why it’s important.

What Does a Lock Next to a URL Mean?

The lock icon next to a URL indicates that the website is using HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure). This means the website has an SSL certificate installed and the connection is encrypted. In simple terms, any data shared between the browser and the website is safe from hackers.

You can read more about HTTPS from Google Search Central – Google recommends secure connections for better SEO and user trust.

What Does the Padlock in the URL Box at the Top of a Web Browser Mean?

This padlock icon, usually seen in the address bar of your browser, is a sign of a secure website. It tells users that:

The site is using HTTPS
The connection is encrypted
Information like passwords and payment details are kept private and secure

Search engines like Google also prefer secure websites and may rank them better.

Why Does Ahrefs Show a Lock Icon Beside a URL?

In tools like Ahrefs, the lock icon appears beside a URL to indicate that the page is secured with HTTPS. Ahrefs provides detailed information about any domain, including traffic, backlinks, keywords, and whether the site uses a secure protocol.

So, when you see a lock icon in Ahrefs, it simply means that the link leads to a secure website.

What Is a Locked URL?

A locked URL means the webpage is accessible via HTTPS. It doesn’t mean the content is restricted — it just refers to the secure connection. A locked URL ensures that users’ data is encrypted and protected while interacting with the site.

What Is the URL Link to Lock?

To lock your own URL, you need to install an SSL certificate on your website. This will change your website link from:

http://yourwebsite.com → https://yourwebsite.com

After that, a lock icon will appear in the address bar, showing visitors that your site is secure. Many hosting providers now offer free SSL certificates, making this an easy step for any website owner.

You can get SSL certificates from many providers. A popular and free option is Let’s Encrypt, supported by many hosting companies.

Why Is the Lock Icon Important?

Here are a few reasons why the lock symbol matters:

✅ Builds trust among users
🔐 Protects user data
🌐 Improves search engine rankings
💼 Required for safe online transactions
📊 Shown in SEO tools like Ahrefs for reference

Along with Ahrefs, tools like SEOquake are also useful for quick SEO insights while browsing. It helps users see keyword info, on-page SEO data, and more directly in search results. You can learn more here: SEOquake Overview and Features.

Final Words

To wrap up:

Ahrefs what does the lock mean beside a URL? → It shows the URL is secure.
What does a lock next to a URL mean? → It uses HTTPS encryption.
What does the padlock in the URL box mean? → It signals a secure website.
What is a locked URL? → A website URL protected with HTTPS.
What is the URL link to lock? → A secure site address like https://yourdomain.com

Hope this article helped you understand the meaning and importance of the lock icon beside a URL.