URL Decoder
Decode a URL-encoded (percent-encoded) string back to plain text instantly. Free, single-purpose online URL decoder.
URL-Encoded Input:
Decoded Text:
How to Decode a URL-Encoded String
Paste a percent-encoded (URL-encoded) string into the box above and it decodes to readable plain text instantly — no button to click, no upload, and no account needed. This tool only decodes; if you need to URL-encode plain text instead, use our combined URL Encode/Decode tool.
Example
Pasting hello%20world%21 decodes instantly to hello world!.
Common Use Cases
- Reading a query string parameter copied from a browser address bar.
- Decoding a URL-encoded value found in server logs or API responses.
- Making sense of a long, percent-encoded redirect or tracking link.
FAQs
Why do I see % symbols followed by two characters in encoded URLs?
URL encoding replaces unsafe or reserved characters with a % followed by their two-digit hexadecimal code — for example, a space becomes %20. Decoding reverses this back to the original character.
Why does decoding sometimes fail?
Decoding fails if the string contains a stray % that isn't followed by two valid hexadecimal digits, since that isn't valid percent-encoding — double-check the string was copied in full.
Does this tool also encode text into a URL-safe format?
This page is decode-only, for a simpler, focused experience. Use our combined URL Encode/Decode tool if you need to encode plain text for use in a URL.