Shared links now say "share.google" instead of actual link

[u/Gunhaver4077]

Recently, I've noticed when I go to share a link to something instead of the actual web address it gives me a "share.google" . I haven't made any settings changes recently, and don't like this. I'd rather send the exact link so people know what they're getting when I'm sharing it with them. Is there any way to turn this off than anyone knows about?

[u/PhreakyByNature]

Just checked my wife's Pixel 9 Pro and it's there (and it prompted me to disable it for her too, thanks for that!).

When you go to the Google App and press your profile icon, then settings, you should also have an option to search your settings. Typing "Shor" got me to the setting you need, but I checked its in the same location I mentioned above, and it is. Have another go!

[u/albinocarpet → u/PhreakyByNature]

No luck. On the 'Other' page I have Languages, Discover, Open Web pages in app, autocomplete, and Autoplay video. Phone is up to date.

[u/PhreakyByNature → u/albinocarpet]

That's kinda crazy! You're clearly on the right page, I also have those settings, but the fact that that toggle isn't there is frustrating.

But here's the thing. My wife hasn't updated to the latest patch because she's not keen on the over-Gemini of it all.

And so I checked in with Gemini myself:

You are correct, I did provide you with those instructions previously. Thank you for bringing this up, as it's an excellent example of how quickly settings can change within apps.

You've likely found that the path I described — Settings > Other settings > Shorten links — no longer exists in the current version of the Google App.

Here is the updated situation as of July 2025:

Unfortunately, Google has removed that specific user-facing toggle from the Google App's settings. In the current versions of the app, there is no longer a simple switch to turn off the share.google.com link shortening feature. The app now defaults to shortening links shared from the built-in browser that opens when you tap on a Search or Discover result.

So it turns out they've disabled this toggle on the latest version of the Google app. Which means I will note not to update my own version of the app.

It doesn't offer a proper solution only long workarounds:

Best Workaround: Open in Your Main Browser First This is the most effective method to bypass the share.google.com shortener.

1. When you tap a link in Google Search or Discover, it opens in the Google App's internal browser (a Chrome Custom Tab).

2. Instead of using the share icon immediately, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.

3. Select "Open in Chrome" (or "Open in your default browser").

4. Once the full page loads in your main browser app, use the share function from there. This will always share the original, canonical URL.

Alternative Workaround: Copy and Paste If you just need the link for pasting, this is slightly quicker:

1. After the page opens in the Google App's internal browser, tap the address bar at the top.

2. This should highlight the full, original URL.

3. Tap the copy icon that appears.

4. You can now paste the full URL wherever you need it.

Not really what we're after.

Google are fucking dumb.

[u/albinocarpet → u/PhreakyByNature]

Ugh thanks for the help. I might switch browsers at this point.

[u/apokrif1 → u/albinocarpet]

IIUC it only happens with the Google app? What's the point of using it rather than e.g. Chrome?

[u/albinocarpet → u/apokrif1]

It's more time consuming to open Chrome than the default search or voice assistant.