URL redirect chain
A redirect chain is the sequence of URLs a short link or server redirect goes through before the final page.
In plain English
The path a short link takes before you land on the real page—like following a chain of “go to this address next” instructions until you reach the final site.
When you open a short URL (e.g. bit.ly or t.co), the server often responds with an HTTP redirect (301, 302, etc.) to another URL, which may redirect again. The full sequence from the link you clicked to the final destination is the redirect chain.
Attackers use redirect chains to hide the real destination. Our URL unwrapper and link checker follow these redirects on the server side so you can see the full chain and final URL without visiting the site in your browser.
Examples & Usage
Typical Redirect Path
1. https://bit.ly/example (Short Link)
2. https://tracker.serv/rd?id=123 (Analytics Tracker)
3. https://final-destination.com (Actual Site)