Frequently asked questions

Answers before and after you shorten a link

These answers explain the normal behavior of the service. Features, limits, and retention can vary by package and may change as security or operational requirements evolve. The package page and the options shown in your account are the best reference for what is currently available to you.

What does a short link actually do?

It receives a request for a compact address and redirects the browser to the destination stored for that alias. It does not host or copy the destination content. The destination website still controls the page that appears after the redirect.

Does creating a short link change the original URL?

No. The original page and URL remain where they are. The short link is an additional route to that destination. Removing or changing the short link does not edit the destination website itself.

Do short links expire?

A link without a selected expiration date normally remains active while it complies with the service rules and its account or package permits it. It can still become unavailable if it is deleted, disabled, blocked for safety, affected by account rules, or if the destination is no longer valid. A link with an expiration date stops redirecting after that time.

Does “no expiry” mean the link is guaranteed forever?

No online service can promise that unconditionally. Keep the original destination and campaign records for links used on permanent packaging, printed signs, legal documents, or other materials that are expensive to replace.

Can I create a link without an account?

Yes, when guest shortening is available. A guest link may be associated with the browser that created it so it can be shown again or attached to a new account. Clearing browser data, switching devices, using private browsing, or blocking required cookies can prevent the service from recognizing that link as yours.

What is the benefit of creating an account?

An account keeps eligible links in one workspace and may provide management, package, billing, security, and analytics tools. The exact controls depend on the package assigned to the account.

Can I choose my own alias?

Only when the package includes custom aliases. The alias must meet the configured minimum length, use supported characters, remain unique across current and protected historical links, and must not be a reserved system word or violate another party’s rights.

Can I edit or delete a link?

Link management is controlled by the package. If included, you can change supported settings or remove access through your dashboard. Updating a destination can trigger another safety review. Some technical, billing, security, or aggregated records may be retained separately where needed to operate and protect the service.

Can a link have a password or expiration date?

These controls are available only in packages that include them. A password adds a step before redirecting but does not replace security on the destination itself. An expiration date is useful for time-limited files, events, offers, and private campaigns.

When do click statistics appear?

When analytics collection is enabled, eligible activity is processed according to the system configuration. Totals may take a short time to update, particularly during heavy traffic or scheduled processing. Repeated, automated, suspicious, and otherwise ineligible requests may be excluded, so click totals are not necessarily a count of unique people.

Why does my link show “checking”?

If automated safety review is enabled, a newly created or edited destination may wait for a technical check. The status changes after processing. When automated review is disabled, eligible new links can be marked safe immediately, while reports and later checks can still affect their status.

Why can a link be blocked?

A link may be restricted when automated checks, trusted external signals, or a reviewed report indicate phishing, malware, spam, deceptive behavior, prohibited content, legal risk, or another violation. Blocking protects visitors and the service. A report alone should not be treated as final proof; relevant information should be reviewed before a legitimate destination is restricted.

Why does a link return 404 or fail to redirect?

The alias may not exist, may have been typed incorrectly, or the link may be disabled, deleted, expired, password-protected, or blocked. The destination may also be offline. Check the spelling without changing uppercase or lowercase characters unnecessarily, and contact the link owner if you expected the link to work.

Does every short link include a QR code?

A QR code can be generated for supported links. It contains the short URL, not a copy of the destination page. Test the code at its final printed size and keep enough contrast and quiet space around it before producing a large quantity of printed material.

Can I use short links in advertising, email, or social media?

Often yes, but every advertising network, email provider, marketplace, and social platform has its own rules. Some restrict link shorteners or require the destination domain to be visible. Approval by this service does not override the rules of another platform.

Is a technically safe result a guarantee?

No. A technical check is a useful snapshot of the address, redirect chain, and signals available at that moment. A destination can change later, and deceptive content may not be detectable automatically. Consider the sender, context, final domain, and what the page asks you to do.

What should I do with a suspicious link?

Do not enter personal or financial information. Copy the short URL without repeatedly opening it and submit it through the link-reporting page with a clear reason and any non-sensitive evidence. For immediate financial or account risk, also contact the relevant bank, platform, or organization through an independently verified channel.

How should I ask for help?

Include the alias or page address, the approximate time, the device or browser, and what you expected to happen. Do not send passwords, one-time codes, recovery keys, full identity numbers, or complete payment-card details.