URL Decoder Online

Decode percent-encoded URL strings back to readable text — instant browser-based decoding

What Is URL Decoding?

URL decoding (percent decoding) converts percent-encoded strings back into their original readable text. Each %XX sequence in the encoded string is replaced with the character whose hexadecimal ASCII value matches XX. For example, %20 becomes a space, %26 becomes an ampersand, and %3D becomes an equals sign. Multi-byte UTF-8 sequences like %C3%A9 decode back to their original Unicode characters.

URL decoding is necessary when inspecting URLs from browser address bars, reading server access logs that contain encoded paths and queries, debugging API request parameters, extracting human-readable text from encoded form submissions, and processing webhook payloads that contain URL-encoded data. Developers frequently encounter encoded URLs in error logs, analytics reports, and redirect chains where the original user input is obscured by percent encoding.

How to URL Decode a String Online

1. Paste your percent-encoded URL or string into the input field
2. Click Decode to convert all %XX sequences back to original characters
3. Review the readable output — encoded spaces, symbols, and Unicode characters are restored
4. Copy the decoded text for logging, debugging, or further processing
5. Decode multiple times if the string has been double or triple encoded

Why Use PinusX for URL Decoding?

PinusX decodes your URL strings with 100% client-side processing. Your encoded URLs — which may contain user credentials, session tokens, redirect targets, or query parameters with sensitive data — never leave your browser. This is critical because URLs in server logs and analytics frequently embed sensitive information. In November 2025, jsonformatter.org leaked over 80,000 user credentials processed through their servers. PinusX eliminates this risk by running the decoding algorithm locally in your browser tab. No data is transmitted, logged, or stored on any external server. Decode sensitive URLs safely and privately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decode double-encoded URLs?

If a URL has been encoded twice (e.g., %2520 instead of %20), run the decoder twice. The first pass converts %25 to %, producing %20. The second pass converts %20 to a space. Our tool shows the output clearly so you can determine if additional passes are needed.

Does the decoder handle + as space?

Yes. In application/x-www-form-urlencoded format, + represents a space. Our decoder converts both %20 and + to spaces. This ensures correct decoding of form data, search queries, and legacy URL encodings that use + instead of %20.

Can I decode a full URL or just query parameters?

You can decode either. Paste a complete URL and the decoder will convert all percent-encoded sequences throughout the path, query string, and fragment. Or paste just a query parameter value. The decoder processes whatever text you provide without requiring specific URL structure.

What happens with invalid percent sequences?

If the input contains an invalid sequence (like %GZ where GZ is not valid hexadecimal), the decoder preserves it as-is rather than producing an error. This lets you partially decode strings that contain a mix of valid encoded sequences and literal percent signs.

Your data never leaves your browser. 100% client-side processing.