Why does my destination URL show parameters?

If you open an Azaz short link and notice extra information after the destination URL, you may be seeing query parameters.

Parameters are commonly used by websites for analytics, campaigns, filters, referral information, page settings, and other functionality.

What do URL parameters look like?

A normal URL might look like:

https://example.com/product

A URL containing parameters might look like:

https://example.com/product?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social

The question mark (?) normally marks the beginning of the query string.

Additional parameters are commonly separated using an ampersand (&).

Why are parameters added to URLs?

Websites can use URL parameters for many purposes, including:

• Campaign tracking
• Analytics
• Referral information
• Search queries
• Filters and sorting
• Language or regional preferences
• Page or application functionality

The meaning of a parameter depends on the destination website that processes it.

What are UTM parameters?

UTM parameters are commonly used to identify marketing campaigns and traffic sources.

Common examples include:

• utm_source
• utm_medium
• utm_campaign
• utm_term
• utm_content

For example:

https://example.com/page?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=launch

Does Azaz remove URL parameters?

If parameters are part of the destination URL you provide when creating a short link, they may be necessary for the destination or its analytics.

You should not remove parameters unless you understand what they do and know that the destination does not require them.

Check the destination saved with your link

If you are signed in, open My Links and review the destination configured for the relevant short link.

If the parameters are already present in the saved destination, they are part of the URL being used for that link.

Why did parameters appear after I opened the destination?

Sometimes the destination website itself may add or change parameters after the Azaz redirect has completed.

Websites can modify URLs for analytics, navigation, language settings, advertising, authentication, or other application behavior.

In that situation, the parameters you see are not necessarily part of the original Azaz short URL.

Can I remove the parameters?

Only remove parameters if you know they are unnecessary.

Removing an important parameter could cause a page to behave differently, remove campaign attribution, change search or filter settings, or prevent some website functionality from working correctly.

What if my destination already has parameters?

A destination might already look like this:

https://example.com/product?id=123

Because the URL already contains a question mark, additional parameters normally use an ampersand.

For example:

https://example.com/product?id=123&utm_source=email&utm_medium=newsletter

Avoid manually adding another question mark unless the URL format specifically requires it.

Do parameters affect Azaz Statistics?

You can review available link activity through Azaz Statistics.

Parameters used by the destination website and statistics recorded by Azaz are not necessarily the same type of analytics.

For example, UTM parameters may be interpreted by analytics software on the destination website, while Azaz Statistics reports available activity associated with your Azaz links.

Why don't the statistics match?

Different analytics systems can report different numbers because they may use different:

• Bot and spam filtering
• Privacy protections
• Cookie and consent settings
• Attribution rules
• Time zones and reporting periods
• Methods for counting visits or clicks

A difference between Azaz Statistics and another analytics service does not automatically indicate a problem with your short link.

Can I use parameters with QR codes?

Yes. A URL containing supported query parameters can be used as the destination when creating a QR code.

Visit Azaz QR Codes to create a QR code.

Always scan and test the finished QR code before publishing or printing it.

Never put sensitive information in URL parameters

URL parameters may be visible in the browser and can potentially appear in analytics systems, server logs, browser history, referral information, and other systems.

Do not place sensitive information in URL parameters, including:

• Passwords
• API keys
• Private access tokens
• Authentication credentials
• Sensitive personal information

Test your short link

After creating or changing a destination URL, open the short link and verify that it reaches the correct page.

If the destination contains parameters, confirm that the page still works as expected.

Use Azaz responsibly

URL parameters must not be used to disguise phishing, malware, scams, or other prohibited destinations.

All Azaz links must comply with the Azaz Terms of Service.

Need help?

If your short link is redirecting incorrectly or you need help managing its destination, visit the Contact page.

To report a suspicious or harmful Azaz link, use the Report page.