How To Check if a Link Is Safe

Updated on April 8, 2025.

You can check if a link is safe by hovering over the link to see the full website address (URL) or by using a URL checker. Hovering your mouse over a link lets you preview the URL, which helps you spot suspicious or unfamiliar website addresses without actually clicking it. Alternatively, URL checkers analyze links for potential security risks, such as malware, that could compromise your device. These methods can help reduce the risk of clicking on dangerous links that could put your personal information at risk.

Continue reading to learn how to tell when a link is dangerous and what to do if you click on a malicious link.

1. Hover your mouse over the link

A simple way to check if a link is safe is by hovering your mouse over it. When you hover over a link, you’ll see a URL preview at the bottom of your browser or in a small pop-up near the link. This lets you evaluate the address before clicking. While hovering over the URL, pay close attention to the domain name to ensure it matches the expected website and has no misspellings. For example, a link claiming to be “www.amazon.com” but showing “www.amaz0n.com” in the URL preview is trying to impersonate a legitimate domain. 

2. Use a URL checker

Another efficient way to check if a link is safe is by using a URL checker. Tools like Google Transparency Report allow you to safely copy and paste a link into them. After running the tool, you’ll receive a safety report that tells you if the URL contains potential security risks. Many URL checkers compare the link against databases of known malicious and spoofed websites. They may also provide you with a reputation score, helping you determine if the link is trustworthy based on how many people have visited it or if others have reported it as unsafe.

3. Use a URL expander

Shortened URLs can hide their true destination. To ensure shortened URLs from services like bit.ly are safe, use a URL expander tool. Expanding the link using an expander tool lets you see the full URL, so you can verify its safety before clicking. You can use online tools like GetLinkInfo and ExpandURL or browser extensions to preview shortened URLs, identify redirects and check for any malicious content.

Why should I check if a link is safe?

Cybercriminals rely on malicious links to steal your data, infect your devices with malware or gain unauthorized access to your online accounts. Malicious links can appear in phishing emails, text messages or even search engines. If you receive a link from an unexpected source or unknown sender, it may be a phishing scam. Clicking on a dangerous link can lead to identity theft and compromised accounts. By verifying a link’s safety, you will reduce the risk of becoming a victim of phishing scams and other types of cyber attacks.

What to do if you click on a malicious link

Even after taking the best precautions, there’s always a chance you may end up clicking on a malicious link. If this happens to you, act quickly to minimize potential damage to your device and personal information.

1. Don’t enter any data 

If you land on a suspicious website, do not enter any personal information, including passwords, credit card details and email addresses. Cybercriminals aim to steal this information from you by creating believable malicious websites, so avoid providing anything that could compromise your security and identity.

If you reuse the same password across multiple accounts, entering your data on a malicious website can be even more dangerous because a cybercriminal may use it to access your other accounts. Create a strong, unique password for each of your accounts so that one compromised account doesn’t lead to more damage.

2. Don’t click on anything on the site

Resist the urge to click on pop-ups, malvertisements, buttons or any other elements on a page – even if it’s to exit out of them. These interactions can trigger malicious actions, such as downloading malware or redirecting you to harmful websites. Simply close the page as quickly as possible.

3. Disconnect from the internet

To prevent malicious software from spreading further on your device or network, disconnect your device from the internet. Turn off your WiFi or temporarily disable your mobile data to minimize the amount of damage the malware can cause.

4. Scan your device with antivirus software

Once you’ve disconnected your device from the internet, run a full scan using antivirus software. This will detect and remove any potential malware, ransomware and viruses that may have been downloaded while you visited the malicious website. Make sure your antivirus program is up to date for maximum protection against the latest cyber threats.

5. Keep an eye on your accounts

After scanning your device, closely monitor your financial and social media accounts for unusual activity. If you entered any personal information or login credentials on the malicious website, change your passwords immediately and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all accounts.

Stay protected from malicious links

Protecting yourself from malicious links requires you to stay aware at all times. By hovering over links and using URL checkers, you can minimize your chances of falling victim to phishing attacks or malware infections. Be cautious about which links you click, and keep your devices safe with antivirus software.