Unshorten.link for Chrome — Reveal Full URLs Instantly
What it does
- Expands shortened URLs (bit.ly, t.co, tinyurl, etc.) to show the full destination before you click.
- Shows final landing URL, HTTP status, and any redirects in the chain.
- Helps detect phishing, malicious sites, and unexpected redirects.
Key features
- One-click preview: Right-click or click the extension icon to expand a shortened link.
- Redirect chain view: See each intermediate URL and the final destination.
- HTTP info: Displays status codes (200, 301, 404, etc.) and server headers for each hop.
- Safety cues: Highlights suspicious domains and known risky behavior (e.g., multiple opaque redirects).
- Domain reputation: Optionally shows basic reputation signals (e.g., known trackers, whether the site uses HTTPS).
- Context menu integration: Expand links directly from a page without copying URLs.
Why use it
- Prevents accidental visits to malicious or deceptive sites.
- Useful for journalists, researchers, and security-conscious users who need to verify links before opening.
- Saves time compared with manually unshortening links or using separate web tools.
Limitations
- Cannot unshorten links that require JavaScript-driven navigation or authentication to reveal the final URL.
- May not detect all forms of malicious content — still exercise caution with unfamiliar sites.
- Extensions require permissions that some users may find intrusive (access to page content or link clicks).
How to get started
- Install the Unshorten.link extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- Pin the extension to the toolbar for quick access.
- Click the icon or right-click a shortened link and choose “Unshorten.link” to view the expanded URL and redirect chain.
Quick tips
- Use with an ad/tracker blocker for added privacy.
- If a link shows multiple redirects through unrelated domains, avoid clicking it.
- Combine with a URL scanner (VirusTotal) for higher confidence before visiting suspicious destinations.
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