URL Redirect Checker — Trace Where Any Link Goes

What is a URL redirect?

A URL redirect is when one web address automatically sends you to a different address. Website owners use redirects when they move pages, shorten links, or run tracking campaigns. You click one link and end up somewhere else without even realizing it happened.

Is a redirected link safe to click?

Not always. Legitimate redirects are very common and completely harmless. However, scammers also use redirects to disguise phishing or malware links. If the final destination URL looks suspicious, has an odd domain name, or contains a long string of random characters, be cautious before visiting the site.

How do I check if a link is malicious?

Look at the final destination URL carefully. Watch for misspelled domain names, unusual country codes (like .ru or .cn when you expect .com), or very long random strings. You can also paste the final URL into Google Safe Browsing (safebrowsing.google.com) or VirusTotal for a deeper safety scan.

What is the difference between a 301 and 302 redirect?

A 301 redirect means a page has permanently moved to a new address. Search engines update their index to point to the new URL, and most link authority transfers over. A 302 redirect means the move is temporary, so the original URL stays in search results. Most website migrations use 301 redirects.

Why can't this tool always follow every redirect?

Browsers have built-in security rules called CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) that limit how JavaScript can make requests to other websites. Some redirects require the server to respond in a specific way for the browser to follow them. When that is not possible, the tool will show you a note explaining the limitation and suggest alternatives.

What types of redirects exist?

The most common redirect types are 301 (permanent), 302 (temporary), 307 (temporary, method preserved), and 308 (permanent, method preserved). Meta refresh and JavaScript redirects also exist but are handled differently by browsers and search engines. Only 301 and 308 pass full SEO link equity to the destination.

Why do marketing and social media links redirect?

Marketing links almost always route through a tracking server first so the sender can measure click counts, traffic sources, and conversion rates. URL shorteners like bit.ly add another layer so a single short link can be retargeted to a new destination at any time. This is why a short link might point somewhere different than you expect.

When should I check a URL before clicking?

Always check unfamiliar shortened links, links in unsolicited emails, and links shared in chat from unknown contacts. Phishing attacks frequently use redirect chains to disguise the real destination. If the final URL does not match the expected domain, do not proceed.