How to access links from URL shorteners like bit.ly and tinyurl.com that are blocked at your school/office

 If you have a link to a website that can not be reached (see image below), chances are it is blocked because it is from a shortened URL (like bit.ly or tinyurl.com). 

A URL shortener takes a long link and turns it into a shorter, easy-to-share one. The problem with URL shorteners is that they hid the true link  which from a network security standpoint makes hard to verify that it is safe. However, if you feel the website is safe, you can unshorten the link using the directions below.

• Go to https://urlex.org/
• Copy and paste the link into the text box.
• Press "Expand"
• The website will "expand" the shortened URL so you can view the site (as long as it is appropriate).

Embedded below is a 1 minute YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad