Guides
Plain-language guides to links, redirects, QR codes and online privacy, for everyday users and for site owners.
Safety basicsClicked a suspicious link? What to do nextStep-by-step actions for the first few minutes and the next few days, and where to report it.Safety basicsHow to see where a short link goes before you clickThree ways to unmask bit.ly, TinyURL and other short links, and what to check in the result.Everyday devicesHow to check a link on iPhone, Android and computerLong-press and hover tricks to see a link's real address on any device, without opening it.QR codesWhy did my QR code stop working?The six common causes, how to tell which one you have, and how to stop it happening again.Safety basicsHow to spot a fake linkThe tell-tale signs of a phishing link, and a 30-second routine to check any link before you tap it.QR codesAre QR codes safe to scan?How QR code scams work, where fake codes show up, and how to check one before your phone opens it.For site owners301 vs 302 redirects explainedWhich redirect to use, how search engines treat each one, and how to fix chains and loops.PrivacyWhat tracking codes in links revealWhat utm_, fbclid and gclid mean, what they share about you, and when it is safe to remove them.Using LinkCheckNowHow to read your link check resultsWhat each step, status code and warning in your LinkCheckNow result means.
Where to start
Got a message with a link you're not sure about? Read how to check a link on iPhone, Android and computer for the quick long-press and hover checks, and how to see where a short link goes for bit.ly and TinyURL links. Already tapped one? Go straight to what to do if you clicked a suspicious link.
New to checking links? Start with how to spot a fake link, then try the Link Expander on a short link from your inbox. Running a website? 301 vs 302 redirects explained pairs with the Redirect Checker.