Google has announced that its URL shortening service, goo.gl, will officially shut down on August 25, 2025. After this date, all links in the “https://goo.gl/*” format will return a 404 error. The service, which was discontinued in 2019 due to changes in how people find content on the internet, has seen a significant decline in usage, with over 99% of links showing no recent activity. In response, Google began displaying warning pages in 2024 to alert users of the impending shutdown.
Developers and users who have relied on goo.gl links are encouraged to transition to alternative URL shorteners before the shutdown date. Options include services like Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly, which offer similar functionalities. Additionally, Google recommends Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) as a more robust solution for deep linking and app engagement.
To assist users during the transition, Google has provided a temporary solution: by adding the query parameter “si=1” to existing goo.gl links, users can suppress the interstitial warning page that appears before the link redirects. However, this is a short-term fix, and migrating to a new URL shortening service is strongly recommended.
With the shutdown of goo.gl, it’s important for users and developers to act promptly to ensure that their links continue to function smoothly after August 25, 2025
