URL Decoder Tool

Instantly decode any URL-encoded text or web link—transform percent-encoded strings into readable, human-friendly URLs. Perfect for web developers, marketers, and anyone who works with encoded links from emails, analytics, or web logs.

  • Paste your encoded URL or text—decode with a click.
  • Works with Google Analytics, marketing links, and more.
  • Quickly fix encoding errors and troubleshoot web links.
A web developer at a computer decoding URLs in a browser or code editor, digital workspace

Decode Your URL or Encoded Text

Paste your encoded URL, text, or query string in the box below. Click Decode to reveal the readable version. Copy the result with one click!

What Is URL Decoding? Why Does It Matter?

URL decoding is the process of converting characters that have been encoded within a web address (URL) or text—often using percent signs and codes (e.g., %20 for a space)—back to their original, readable form. This encoding, known as percent-encoding or URL encoding, is used so browsers and servers can safely transmit text that might otherwise break web links or have special meanings (like spaces, ampersands, or non-ASCII characters).

  • Web developers use decoding to debug query strings, parse parameters, and troubleshoot APIs.
  • Marketers and analysts decode URLs from tracking links or campaign reports to see real destination addresses.
  • Anyone copying/pasting URLs from emails, logs, or web tools benefits from making encoded links readable again.

How to Decode URL Encoded Text

Simply paste the encoded text into the tool above and click Decode. The tool instantly converts all percent-encoded sequences (like %3A for : or %2F for /) into their readable characters. It's perfect for decoding Google Analytics URLs, campaign links, and troubleshooting web application parameters.

Sample Encoded URL/Text Decoded Output
https%3A%2F%2Fminitweak.com%2Fcase-converter%2F https://minitweak.com/case-converter/
utm_source%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dsummer_sale utm_source=email&utm_campaign=summer_sale
Hello%2C%20world%21 Hello, world!
name%3DJohn%20Doe%26city%3DNew%20York name=John Doe&city=New York

Common URL Decoding Errors and How to Fix Them

  • Incomplete percent sequences: If a code like %2 appears (missing a digit), decoding will fail. Make sure codes are complete (e.g., %20).
  • Double encoding: Sometimes URLs are encoded multiple times (e.g., %2520 becomes %20 after first decode, then a space). Click decode again if needed.
  • Malformed input: Non-URL text or broken links may not decode as expected. Only paste encoded URLs or query strings.
  • Security caution: Never decode or click unknown or suspicious links—malicious content can be hidden in encoded URLs.

Related Tools

  • URL Encoder – Convert readable text into encoded URLs for safe web use.
  • HTML Entity Decoder – Turn & and < entities into readable symbols.
  • Base64 Decoder – Decode Base64-encoded strings from files or emails.
  • Text Cleaner – Remove unwanted characters, line breaks, and extra spaces.
  • Case Converter – Instantly change text to UPPER CASE, lower case, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Decoding a URL means converting percent-encoded characters (like %20) back to their normal form (in this case, a space). This makes web links and parameters readable for humans and is essential for debugging, analytics, and safe sharing.

URL decoding deals with percent-encoded characters (%20, %3F, etc.) used in web addresses, while Base64 decoding translates a special alphabet used for encoding binary data (like images or files) to text. Each is used for different purposes—URLs for safe web transmission, Base64 for data storage or email attachments.

Links often appear strange because browsers and web services encode special characters for safety. For example, a space becomes %20, and an ampersand becomes %26. Decoding restores them to their original form so you can read, copy, or debug them easily.

Yes! Paste a block of encoded URLs, query strings, or parameters. The tool will attempt to decode everything at once—great for batch processing links or reviewing logs. If some parts don’t decode, check for incomplete or malformed percent-encodings.

If you see an error or the decoded result is unexpected, check your input for incomplete percent-codes (e.g., %2 instead of %20), remove unwanted symbols, and try again. If your URL was encoded twice (%2520), decode it a second time. For persistent issues, try our Text Cleaner first.

Decode URL Encoded Text Online—Free, Fast, and Secure

Our free online URL Decoder helps you quickly convert percent-encoded web links and parameters into plain, readable text. Whether you’re a developer troubleshooting query strings, a marketer decoding tracking URLs, or simply copying links from emails, this tool makes the process instant and hassle-free. Try our related tools for even more web and text utilities!