The fastest way depends on what device and app you're using
Sharing a link means sending the web address (URL) to another person so they can visit the same webpage. The method you use depends on what you're doing at the time — whether you're on a phone, computer, or tablet, and whether you want to send it through email, text, social media, or a messaging app.
On most devices, the simplest approach is to find a share button or menu, tap or click it, and choose how you want to send the link. The exact steps vary by device and browser, but the principle is the same: the app or website handles copying the address and opening your chosen sending method.
If no share button exists, you can copy the link manually and paste it into an email, text message, or chat. This takes a few extra steps but works on any device.
Key Takeaways
- Most websites and apps have a share button (often three dots or a square with an arrow) that opens a menu of sending options.
- On phones, the share button usually opens a list of apps you can send the link through — email, text, messaging apps, or social media.
- If there is no share button, you can copy the link from the address bar and paste it into any message or email manually.
- The link itself is just text, so it works the same way whether you send it through email, text message, WhatsApp, Facebook, or any other method.
Sharing from a phone or tablet
On an iPhone or iPad, open the webpage you want to share. Look for a square icon with an upward arrow, usually at the bottom or top of the screen. Tap it, and a menu appears showing apps you can send the link through — Mail, Messages, Notes, AirDrop, or third-party apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Slack if you have them installed.
On an Android phone, the share button looks similar — often three dots stacked vertically or a square with an arrow. Tap it and select the app you want to use. The link will open in that app with the URL already filled in, ready for you to add a message and send.
If you do not see a share button, try tapping the three-dot menu icon at the top or bottom of the screen. If that does not work, you can copy the link manually: tap the address bar at the top, select all the text, copy it, then open your messaging app and paste it.
Sharing from a computer or laptop
On a desktop or laptop, the method depends on your browser. In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, look for a share icon (usually near the address bar) or right-click anywhere on the page and select "Share" from the menu that appears.
If your browser has a share button, clicking it opens a menu of options — you might see email, messaging apps, or social media platforms depending on what you have set up on your computer. Some browsers also let you copy the link directly from this menu.
The manual method works on any computer: click the address bar at the top, select all the text (Ctrl+A on Windows, Command+A on Mac), copy it (Ctrl+C or Command+C), then open your email or messaging app and paste it (Ctrl+V or Command+V). The recipient will see the full web address and can click it to visit the page.
Copying and pasting a link manually
If the share button is missing or not working, you can always copy the link yourself. On any device, tap or click the address bar — the field at the very top of the browser that shows the web address starting with "http" or "https".
The entire address should highlight or become selected. If it does not, triple-click to select all of it. Then copy it: on a phone, look for a "Copy" button that appears; on a computer, use Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac).
Open the app or service where you want to send the link — email, text message, WhatsApp, Slack, or any other messaging tool. Paste the link into the message field using Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac), or by tapping and selecting "Paste" on a phone. Add any message you want, then send.
Shortening a long link
Some web addresses are very long and hard to read in a message. You can shorten them using a free link-shortening service like Bit.ly, TinyURL, or Google's URL shortener. These services take your long address and create a much shorter one that redirects to the same page.
To use one, copy your original link, go to the shortening service's website, paste the link into their field, and click the button to generate a short version. Copy the shortened link and share that instead. The person who receives it will see a much cleaner address, and when they click it, they will be taken to the original page.
Shortened links are useful when you are sharing in a text message where space is limited, or when the original address is so long it looks suspicious. However, for email or messaging apps with no character limit, sharing the full link is fine.
Sharing a link to a specific part of a page
Sometimes you want to share a link that takes someone to a particular section of a long webpage, not just the top. Many websites let you do this automatically — scroll to the section you want, right-click on it, and look for an option like "Copy link to heading" or "Share this section".
If that option does not exist, you can check the address bar. Some pages add a "#" symbol followed by a word when you scroll to a new section — for example, "example.com/article#benefits". That modified address is the link to that specific spot. Copy and share it as you normally would.
If the page does not support this, you can still share the full link and add a note in your message telling the person which section to look for — for example, "Check out the part about pricing halfway down the page."
Sharing links safely
Before you share a link, make sure it goes where you think it does. Hover your mouse over the link (on a computer) or long-press it (on a phone) to see the actual address. If it looks different from what you expected, do not share it.
Be cautious about shortened links from people you do not know well — they can hide where the link actually goes. If someone sends you a shortened link and you are unsure, you can paste it into a preview service to see the real address before clicking.
When sharing links in public spaces like social media or forums, remember that anyone can see them. Do not share links to private documents, personal accounts, or sensitive information unless you are sure only the right people will see it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share a link to a video or image instead of a whole webpage?
Yes. Right-click on the video or image and select "Copy link" or "Copy image address." This gives you the direct address to that specific file. You can paste and share it the same way you would share any other link. When someone opens it, they will see just that video or image, not the whole webpage.
What if the link does not work when someone clicks it?
The page might have been deleted, moved, or the website might be down temporarily. You can check by clicking the link yourself. If it works for you but not for them, they might have a connection problem or their browser might need updating. Ask them to try a different browser or device, or share the link again.
Is there a difference between sharing a link and sending a link?
No — the terms mean the same thing. Sharing a link means sending the web address to someone else through any method: email, text, chat, social media, or any other messaging service. The link itself is just text, so it works the same way no matter how you send it.
Can I share a link that requires a password to view?
Yes, you can share the link, but the person who receives it will need the password to see what is behind it. Share the link and the password separately — do not put the password in the same message as the link, especially if you are sharing publicly. For sensitive documents, consider using a service that lets you set an expiration date on the link.
How do I share a link without letting people see my browsing history?
Sharing a link does not show your browsing history — it only sends the address of that one page. The person who receives the link can see the web address and visit the page, but they cannot see what other pages you have visited. Your full browsing history stays private on your device.