In today’s digital world, URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) are the addresses that help us access websites and online content. However, long URLs are often shortened to make sharing easier, especially on social media platforms or messaging apps. This is where unshorten url come into play. But what if you want to see the real, full link behind a shortened URL? This is where unshortening URLs becomes important.
What is a URL Shortener?
A URL shortener is a service that converts a long URL into a shorter one. For example, a long link like:
bashCopyEdithttps://www.example.com/articles/2025/seo-best-practices-for-beginners
might become:
arduinoCopyEdithttps://bit.ly/3aBcdEf
This short link redirects to the original long URL when clicked. Popular URL shorteners include Bitly, TinyURL, and Ow.ly.
Why Are URLs Shortened?
- Convenience: Short links are easier to share, especially on platforms with character limits like Twitter.
- Tracking: Shorteners often provide analytics, showing how many clicks the link received.
- Aesthetic: Short URLs look cleaner and more professional in emails and posts.
What is Unshorten URL?
Unshortening a URL means expanding a shortened URL back to its original full address. This process helps users verify the destination before clicking, ensuring the link is safe and legitimate.
For example, unshortening the Bitly link:
arduinoCopyEdithttps://bit.ly/3aBcdEf
would reveal the full original URL:
bashCopyEdithttps://www.example.com/articles/2025/seo-best-practices-for-beginners
Why Should You Unshorten URLs?
- Safety and Security: Shortened URLs can hide malicious sites, phishing scams, or harmful content. Unshortening helps you verify the true destination, reducing the risk of cyber threats.
- Transparency: Knowing where a link leads builds trust. This is especially important in professional communication, marketing emails, or unfamiliar sources.
- SEO and Analytics: For marketers and SEO professionals, unshortening URLs can help analyze link structures and the true source of traffic.
- Avoiding Redirect Loops: Sometimes shortened URLs redirect multiple times. Unshortening can help trace these paths and avoid broken or infinite loops.
How to Unshorten a URL?
Step 1: Use Online URL Unshortening Tools
There are many free websites where you can paste the shortened URL, and they will show you the original URL. Examples include:
- CheckShortURL.com
- Unshorten.It
- GetLinkInfo
Step 2: Use Browser Extensions
Some browser add-ons automatically reveal the full URL when you hover over or click a shortened link.
Step 3: Manual Method
You can also copy the shortened URL and paste it into your browser address bar, but instead of pressing enter, use tools or extensions to avoid visiting unsafe sites directly.
Step 4: Command Line (Advanced)
For tech-savvy users, commands like curl -I [shortened_url] in the terminal can show HTTP headers including the redirect location.
Conclusion
Unshortening URLs is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your online safety, improve transparency, and maintain control over the links you click or share. Whether you are a regular internet user, a digital marketer, or an SEO expert, knowing how to unshorten URLs helps you navigate the web more securely and professionally.
Always verify shortened URLs before clicking, especially from unknown sources. This practice protects you from scams, phishing attempts, and unwanted content while maintaining a trustworthy online presence.