URL Expander — See Where Short Links Go

Received a short link and not sure where it leads? Our URL expander reveals the full destination of any shortened URL before you click it. Simply paste a bit.ly, tinyurl, t.co, or any other short link, and y.hn will follow the redirect chain and show you the final destination URL, along with any intermediate redirects. This lets you verify the link is safe before visiting it.

URL expansion is an important security practice. Phishing attacks, malware distribution, and scam websites frequently hide behind shortened URLs because the short format obscures the actual destination. By expanding the link first, you can check whether it leads to a legitimate domain, an unexpected download, or a known malicious site. Our expander also displays the HTTP status codes in the redirect chain so you can spot suspicious behavior.

The y.hn URL expander works with all major shortening services including bit.ly, tinyurl.com, t.co, goo.gl, ow.ly, is.gd, and hundreds of others. It is completely free with no account required. Use it alongside our URL shortener to both create and verify short links from a single platform.

Key Features

✓Expand any short URL instantly
✓Shows full redirect chain
✓HTTP status code display
✓Works with all shortening services
✓Free with no sign-up
✓Security check for phishing links
✓Detects redirect loops
✓Fast and private

Frequently Asked Questions

What URL shortening services does the expander support?▼
The y.hn URL expander works with all major services including bit.ly, TinyURL, t.co (Twitter), goo.gl (Google), ow.ly (Hootsuite), is.gd, rebrand.ly, and hundreds of other shorteners. If it redirects, we can expand it.
Is it safe to use the URL expander?▼
Yes. The expander follows redirects server-side without opening the final page in your browser. You see the destination URL without actually visiting it, keeping you safe from malicious websites.
Can I expand multiple short URLs at once?▼
The free tool expands one URL at a time. Pro users have access to the API, which can be used to batch-expand multiple URLs programmatically.
How is this different from the URL unshortener?▼
They serve the same purpose. "URL expander" and "URL unshortener" are two names for the same functionality. Both resolve a short URL to its full destination.

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