How to Fix a Short Link That Isn't Redirecting

A short link that suddenly stops redirecting correctly can be frustrating, especially if it's actively being shared. Here's how to troubleshoot the most common causes.

Check the Original Destination First

Visit the original long URL directly to confirm whether the destination page itself is still live. If it's been moved or deleted, that's likely the actual source of the problem, not the short link itself.

Confirm You Typed the Short Link Correctly

Double-check for typos, especially with characters that look similar, like a lowercase "l" and the number "1," which can easily be mistyped when sharing links manually.

Check the Shortening Service's Status

Occasionally, a shortening service itself experiences temporary downtime. Check the provider's status page or social media for any reported outages before assuming the issue is with your specific link.

Review Your Account for Changes

If you're using an account-based shortener, confirm the link hasn't been accidentally deleted, deactivated, or set to expire by checking your dashboard directly.

What to Do If the Destination Has Moved

• Update the short link's destination if your service supports editing.
• Create a new short link pointing to the correct destination if editing isn't available.
• Update any places where the old link was shared with the corrected version.

Preventing Future Issues

Periodically test long-lived short links, especially ones used in printed materials, to catch and fix problems before they affect a large audience.