How to Find Your Website URL
What Is a Website URL?
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address you type into your browser to visit a website. It's the string of text that starts with http:// or https:// followed by the domain name.
Examples:
- https://www.google.com
- https://www.amazon.com/products
- https://example.org/blog/post-123
Every page on the internet has a unique URL. Finding one is usually straightforward — but there are a few places to look depending on what you're trying to do.
How to Find a URL in Your Browser
On Desktop (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
Look at the address bar at the top of your browser window. That's your URL. Click on it to select the entire address, then copy it with Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac).
If the address bar isn't visible, press F11 to exit fullscreen mode.
On Mobile (iPhone and Android)
Tap the address bar at the top of your browser. The full URL should appear. Tap and hold to select it, then copy.
On Safari for iOS, you might need to tap and hold the link first, then select "Copy" from the menu that pops up.
How to Find Your Own Website's URL
If you built a website and don't know its URL, here's where to look:
- Check your domain registrar. Sites like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains show your registered domains in your account dashboard.
- Check your hosting provider. Companies like Bluehost, HostGator, or SiteGround display the domains attached to your account.
- Look at your welcome email. When you signed up for hosting, you received an email with your account details and temporary URL.
- Check your DNS settings. Your domain points to your hosting server through DNS records. If you can access your DNS panel, you'll see where your domain is connected.
How to Find a URL for a Specific Page or Image
Sometimes you need the URL for a specific page, not just the homepage.
Finding a Page URL
Navigate to the page you want. Click the address bar. Select the entire URL. Copy it.
Finding an Image URL
Right-click on the image. Select "Copy image address" (Chrome/Edge) or "Copy Image Location" (Firefox). The image URL will be copied to your clipboard.
Finding a Link URL Before Clicking
Hover your mouse over the link (don't click). Look at the bottom-left corner of your browser window — the full URL will appear there. On Mac with Safari, you might need to hold the mouse button down briefly.
Common Problems When Finding URLs
URL Is Too Long to Copy
Some URLs contain tracking parameters after a ? symbol. You can copy just the base URL before the question mark if you only need the page address, not the tracking data.
URL Shows Weird Characters
Long, messy URLs with %20 or other encoded characters are normal. They're URL-encoded special characters. You can decode them using an online URL decoder if needed.
Can't Select the URL in Address Bar
Some browsers hide the full URL for security. Try clicking directly in the address bar, then pressing Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to select everything.
Quick Reference: Finding URLs Across Different Browsers
| Browser | Desktop Method | Mobile Method |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Click address bar, Ctrl+A to select all, Ctrl+C to copy | Tap address bar, tap and hold, select Copy |
| Firefox | Click address bar, Cmd+A / Ctrl+A, Cmd+C / Ctrl+C | Tap address bar, tap and hold, select Copy |
| Safari | Click address bar, Cmd+A, Cmd+C | Long-press link, select Copy Link |
| Edge | Click address bar, Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C | Tap address bar, tap and hold, select Copy |
How to Share a URL
Once you've found and copied a URL:
- Email: Paste it directly into your email body. Most email clients will make it clickable automatically.
- Social media: Paste the URL into your post. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook will generate a preview card.
- Messaging apps: Paste the URL and send. Most apps (Slack, Discord, WhatsApp) will automatically format it as a link.
- Documents: Paste the URL and consider adding hyperlink text (e.g., "Click here") so readers know what to expect.
When URL and Domain Are Different Things
People use "URL" and "domain" interchangeably, but they're not the same:
- The domain is the main address (example.com)
- The URL is the full address including the page path (example.com/blog/post)
Think of the domain as the street address and the URL as the full directions including apartment number.
Finding URLs for SEO and Marketing
If you're doing SEO work, you'll often need to audit URLs. Here's what to look for:
- Canonical URLs — The preferred version of a page (with or without www)
- URL structure — Shorter URLs with keywords tend to perform better
- URL parameters — The parts after ? that often create duplicate content
Use your browser's address bar to check these. If you're auditing a site with thousands of pages, export a sitemap from your hosting account or CMS instead.
Bottom Line
Finding a URL is basic browser literacy. Click the address bar. Copy. That's it. If you're struggling, it's usually a browser setting (fullscreen mode, hidden address bar) or you're looking in the wrong place. Check the top of your screen, not the search bar.
For your own website's URL and you don't know it — check your hosting account or domain registrar. The information is there. You paid for it.