A URL expander (or URL unshortener) follows a short link, like one from bit.ly or TinyURL, and shows you the full URL it points to. You see the destination without visiting it in your browser.

No. It shows where a link goes, which is often enough to spot a fake login page or a domain you don't recognize. It doesn't scan the destination for malware or phishing. When in doubt, don't open the link.

It's free, with no sign-up. We use the link only to follow it and don't save it. To prevent abuse, the number of checks per visitor is limited for a few minutes after many requests in a row.

Yes. It works for any URL, not only short links. It lists every hop in the redirect chain with its HTTP status code (for example 301, 302, 307 or 308), the number of redirects and the final status code, so you can check a site's redirects after a migration or find a redirect loop.

HTTP redirects (301, 302, 303, 307, 308), the Refresh header and HTML meta refresh tags, up to 10 hops. Redirects made with JavaScript aren't followed, so a few links can end on an intermediate page.

Yes. With Replug you create branded short links, edit their destination later, add retargeting pixels and see click analytics for every link. You can start on the free plan.