Free URL Decoder Online Tool - Decode URLs Instantly
Use our free URL decoder online to instantly convert any percent-encoded or URI-encoded string back into a readable format. Whether you are dealing with a URL that contains %20, %3A, or other encoded characters, our tool decodes it in one click — no registration or downloads required.
URL encoding, also known as percent-encoding, replaces special characters in a URL with a % followed by their hexadecimal value. This is how browsers and web servers safely transmit characters like spaces, slashes, and ampersands inside URLs and query strings. Our decode URI online tool reverses this process, giving you the original, human-readable text instantly.
To decode a URL online, simply paste your encoded string into the input box above and click the Decode button. The decoded output will appear immediately in the result box, ready to copy. Our tool handles all standard percent-encoded characters and is fully compatible with URIs encoded by encodeURI() and encodeURIComponent() in JavaScript.
This tool is completely free to use with no limits. If you need to go the other way, use our URL Encoder Online tool to encode any URL or text string.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL decoding?
URL decoding is the process of converting a percent-encoded URL or string back into its original, human-readable format. When URLs are transmitted over the internet, special characters like spaces, slashes, and ampersands are replaced with %XX sequences. URL decoding reverses this substitution so you can read the original text.
How do I decode a URL online?
To decode a URL online, paste your percent-encoded string into the input box at the top of this page and click the Decode button. The decoded output will appear instantly in the result box, ready to copy. No registration or installation is required.
What does %20 mean in a URL?
%20 is the percent-encoded representation of a space character. Since URLs cannot contain raw spaces, browsers and servers replace spaces with %20 when encoding a URL. Our URL decoder converts %20 back to a space, along with all other percent-encoded characters.
What is the difference between URL decoding and Base64 decoding?
URL decoding (percent-decoding) reverses percent-encoding used in web addresses and query strings, where special characters are represented as %XX hex sequences. Base64 decoding is a completely different process that converts Base64-encoded binary data back into its original form. They are not interchangeable — this tool performs URL/percent decoding only.
Is this URL decoder tool free?
Yes, our URL decoder online tool is completely free to use with no usage limits. There is no registration, no login, and no download required. You can decode as many URLs as you need at any time.