In the digital landscape, the act of clicking a link can evoke a mix of excitement and trepidation. While it may lead to delightful content, such as a charming duck meme, it could also direct users to less desirable destinations. This uncertainty is particularly pronounced in applications where link previews are not available, leaving users in the dark about their next online stop.
To navigate this potential minefield, many Android users, including myself, have turned to URLCheck, an open-source application that has quickly become indispensable for managing links on Android devices. This app not only enhances security but also enriches the overall browsing experience.
What is URLCheck, and why do I use it?
URLCheck serves as a crucial intermediary, granting users greater control over the links they encounter. At its core, the app intercepts links, allowing users to view them in full before proceeding. However, its functionality extends beyond mere visibility; it offers the ability to modify links and check them for potential threats using the URL Scanner module, which integrates with the VirusTotal API (a user must sign up to utilize this feature). Such capabilities are notably absent from Android’s native offerings, making URLCheck an essential tool for enhancing smartphone security.
URLCheck intercepts links before they’re followed, allowing me to view them, modify them, or disregard them entirely.
Moreover, URLCheck proves its worth when sharing links. It adeptly removes tracking tags and unnecessary redirects, ensuring that friends and family receive clean and straightforward URLs. This functionality is particularly valuable in a world where convoluted links can obscure the intended destination.
How to set up URLCheck on Android
While the initial setup of URLCheck may seem daunting due to its extensive customization options, the app provides a user-friendly tutorial to guide you through the process. Here’s a concise overview to streamline your experience:
- Download URLCheck from the Play Store or GitHub.
- Launch the app, where you will encounter a series of tutorial screens. Feel free to skip the first two, which offer a general overview of the app’s functionality.
- On the third screen, select URLCheck as your default browser by tapping Set as default browser, Default web browser, or Android app settings.
- Next, choose your preferred modules by tapping Modules. I recommend enabling Input Text, Status code, Unshortener, URL Cleaner, Hosts labeler, and Open and Share. Review each option to determine its relevance to your needs.
- Conclude the setup by advancing to the final screen and tapping Next.
Once configured, URLCheck will display the destination of any selected URL within Android apps, empowering you to follow, modify, or bypass links as you see fit.
No tool can make the web completely safe
It is essential to acknowledge that while URLCheck is a formidable ally in link management, it does not guarantee complete safety online. The app does not provide real-time alerts for potentially harmful links unless the URL Scanner module is activated. Users must still exercise caution and discernment when navigating the web.
URLCheck won’t warn you if a link is bad unless you use its URL Scanner module.
Furthermore, to check a URL within your browser, you must utilize the share menu to send the link to URLCheck. In its standard operation, the app only intercepts links from applications that would otherwise redirect to a browser. If you encounter issues with URLCheck not opening links, it may be necessary to adjust the link-handling settings of the specific app in question.
In a world where digital navigation is fraught with uncertainty, URLCheck stands out as a valuable tool for Android users seeking to enhance their online security and browsing experience.
