Google's URL shortener goo.gl will only show 404 errors from the end of August

Google had already warned in 2024 that its own URL shortener would be switched off and that previously created short URLs would no longer work with goo.gl. However, the data company had given users a period of one year to change the corresponding shortened Internet addresses. Now the time will soon have come. From August 25, 2025, all links in the format "https://goo.gl/*" will no longer go out and produce a 404 error message.

Google justified the shutdown of goo.gl with the fact that there are enough other providers for such services – some "new popular URL shortening services". In addition, the way people find content on the Internet has changed. If you're looking for alternatives, you might find what you're looking for in our tips and tricks: How to shorten URLs.

First the change, now the end

Google had already introduced its own URL shortener in 2009 and replaced it with the current service in 2018, as a result of which the URL shortener goo.gl was switched off and new short URLs could no longer be created. The background to this was the takeover of Firebase and a migration of the service offered to Firebase Dynamic Links. At that time, it was still said that all existing short URLs would remain accessible. This changed in 2024, when Google announced that it would discontinue the URL shortener completely.

Until the final shutdown, goo.gl was still given a one-year grace period so that users could replace these short URLs with the original addresses or alternative short URLs. However, a notice has been displayed since August 2024 that the link will no longer work in the coming year. The "interim page" was initially displayed for a certain percentage of existing links. Only after this warning page was it possible to navigate to the actual desired destination address.

Grace period with warning ends

Google warned, however, that the interstitial page can hinder the flow of the actual page – for example when using 302 redirects. These are usually temporary redirects. It also said: "If you have embedded social metadata in your landing page, the interstitial page will likely result in it no longer being displayed where the original link is displayed." This is why it was recommended to switch as soon as possible.

Now the time is almost up, because after August 25, 2025, clicks on still existing short URLs with goo.gl will only lead to a 404 error message. With goo.gl, Google is finally laying another service to rest – in the graveyard of Google products.

(fds)