Tech Desk 
Jul 24, 2025
Google is formally disabling every URL created with its old URL-shortening service, goo.gl, next month. Beginning August 25, 2025, any link starting with https://goo.gl/ will cease working and show a 404 error.
The goo.gl link shortener was introduced by Google in 2009 to make long links shorter and more shareable. These shorter links were primarily used in emails, social postings, and app tracking.
Eventually, the tool became unnecessary by 2019, as users began to rely heavily on other services like Bitly or the direct link itself.
Even after shutting down the tool, Google kept older goo.gl links active. However, last year, Google confirmed the phasing out of those links would start soon.
In a blog post, Google gave light to the reason behind the decision: “More than 99% of those links had no activity in the last month.”
Starting in 2024, Google warned everyone that those using the links would receive a warning that the URL would be inactive soon, and that time is fast approaching.
If you happen to be using goo.gl links for your websites, blogs, portfolios, or business, it is encouraged to switch to a new, shorter link today. There are many free options available.
