What Is URL Decoding?

URL decoding is the process of converting percent-encoded characters in a URL back to their original, human-readable form. It's the reverse of URL encoding and is essential for:

• Debugging HTTP requests — Inspecting encoded query strings from server logs or browser devtools.
• Reading redirect URLs — OAuth redirect URIs and complex redirect chains are often heavily encoded.
• Parsing API responses — URLs returned by APIs may contain encoded parameters that need decoding for display or further processing.
• Analysing email marketing links — Tracked links from email campaigns are usually percent-encoded and hard to read.

How to Decode a URL?

1. Paste your "URL Encoded" string into the input box above.
2. Press the "Decode" button to Decode to the Normal string.
3. Click to copy the result to your clipboard.

`decodeURI` vs `decodeURIComponent` — What's the Difference?

• `decodeURI` decodes a full URL but preserves characters that have special meaning in URLs like `/`, `?`, and `#`.
• `decodeURIComponent` decodes every encoded character, including those special URL characters.

Our decoder lets you choose which behaviour you need, giving you the right output for your specific context.