# How to hide referrer?

**URL:** <https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-hide-referrer/50>\
**Category:** Links\
**Tags:** shorten-link, hide-referrer\
**Created:** [August 29, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-hide-referrer/50 "2024-08-29T17:50:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![linko](https://discussions.linko.me/user_avatar/discussions.linko.me/linko/32/337_2.png) [@linko](https://discussions.linko.me/u/linko)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-hide-referrer/50/1 "2024-08-29T17:50:54Z")

</div>

## What is an HTTP referrer?

The HTTP referrer is a header included in an HTTP request that is sent from a user’s browser to the destination server when a webpage is requested.

This header provides details about the URL of the previous webpage from which the visitor navigated.

**Example of referrer domain from Linko analytics**

 ![Referrer domains screenshot](https://discussions.linko.me/uploads/default/original/1X/aa15955935256ee36e303b17c823288196b40e85.png)

> Screenshot is from [UserMetric.io](http://UserMetric.io) (A web analytics wesbite), and from Linko’s statistics dashboard.

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## How to hide referrer?

Hiding a referrer with Linko is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few clicks.

This feature is available at no cost to all users; the only requirement is to [sign up for a free account](https://linko.me).

1. Login to your account,

2. Go to the **URL shortening** section,

3. Paste your **URL** ,

4. Click on the **advanced icon** ,

5. Click on the **hide referrer** ,

6. Select **Yes** from the drop-down menu.

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## Why Do URL Shortener Users Want to Hide Referrers?

[URL shorteners](https://linko.me/free-tools/url-shortener) are commonly used by digital, social media, and affiliate marketers, as well as website owners.

These users may want to hide referrers for two main reasons:

1. **Protect Affiliate Earnings:** Hiding the referrer can prevent affiliate networks or ad agencies from tracking where conversions come from, which may help protect the marketer’s commissions.

2. **Keep Traffic Sources Private:** Marketers may want to conceal their traffic sources from competitors or third parties to maintain a competitive edge and protect valuable audience data.

**Recommendation:**

- If you’re shortening links to third-party sites, hiding the referrer can help maintain privacy (but use caution).

- If you’re linking to your own sites or products, it’s best not to hide the referrer, as this can limit your ability to analyze and improve your marketing strategies.