Hey Dev Community 👋
I recently built a small but useful Chrome extension called URL Unshortener Pro that reveals the full redirect chain behind any shortened or obfuscated URL, and also helps strip tracking parameters like utm_source, fbclid, and more.
🚩 The Problem I Wanted to Solve
While browsing Twitter, Reddit, and various news sites, I kept running into shortened or tracking-heavy links. Before clicking, I wanted to know:
Where does this link actually go?
Are there any tracking redirects along the way?
Can I clean the final URL before visiting it?
Most online link unshorteners are web-based and slow. I wanted something that works locally, fast, and inside the browser, with privacy in mind.
🛠️ How I Built It
The extension handles multiple redirect types:
Standard HTTP redirects (301, 302, etc.)
Meta-refresh redirects
JavaScript-based redirects
It also detects known tracking domains and URL parameters (like utm_*, gclid, etc.)
For performance, I added smart result caching so repeated URLs resolve instantly.
It’s 100% privacy-friendly, with no external tracking or analytics.
✅ The Result
The final product is lightweight and works in one click. Just right-click any link or use the extension popup.
👉 Check it out on the Chrome Web Store
If you’re into privacy tools, security research, or OSINT, you might find it helpful.
Would love any feedback from fellow devs!
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