Copying links on a smartphone Android seems like a simple task - until you encounter unobvious nuances. Depending on the application, operating system version, and even phone model, the process can vary dramatically. For example, in Google Chrome 2026+ a link can be copied with a gesture, but in older versions Samsung Internet this requires 3 additional touches. This article covers all current methods - from standard to hidden functions that are not written about in official instructions.

We will pay special attention to common problems: why sometimes the "Copy link" button is inactive, how to bypass restrictions in some instant messengers (for example, in VK Messenger when forwarding messages), and what to do if, after copying, the link is pasted into distorted form. We will also look at little-known tricks - for example, how to copy hidden link from a preview card to Telegram or extract a URL from an embedded video in Instagram.

For convenience, we structured the material by application types and use cases. If you urgently need to copy the link right now, go to the section "Quick methods for the most popular applications". For those who want to understand the mechanics of the process, technical details have been prepared on how Android processes the clipboard and why some links "break" during transmission.

If you need to copy link right now, use this cheat sheet. Select the application you are in and follow the instructions:

  • 🌐 Google Chrome / Yandex Browser / Opera: Tap on the address bar (where the URL is displayed) → select the text → click "Copy". Alternative: click on the icon ⋮ (three dots) → "Copy link".
  • 💬 Telegram: Long-press the message with the link → select "Copy text" (for regular links) or "Copy link" (for attachments). For hidden links in the preview: hold down the preview card → "Copy link".
  • 📱 WhatsApp: Long-press the message → click on the arrow ↗ in the top menu → "Copy link". For media files: open the file → click ⋮ → "Copy link".
  • 📺 Instagram / TikTok: Click on ⋯ (three dots) under the post → "Copy link". In Instagram Stories: swipe up on the story → click on the chain icon (or ⋯) → "Copy link".
  • 📧 Gmail / Mail.ru Mail: Open the letter → press the link in the text → "Copy link". For attachments: click on the file → ⋮ → "Copy link".

These methods work on Android 10 and newer. If you have an older version of the system (for example Android 8.1 on Samsung Galaxy J5 2017), additional steps may be required - read about this in the section "Features of older versions of Android".

📊 Which browser do you most often use on Android?
Google Chrome
Yandex Browser
Samsung Internet
Opera
Other

Universal method: via the Android clipboard

Any link to Android can be copied via the system clipboard, even if the application does not provide a direct option. This method works in 98% of cases, including little-known applications and web versions of services.

Instructions:

  1. Find a text or element containing a link (for example, a post on a social network, a message in an instant messenger, or an address in a browser).
  2. Long-press your finger on the text or element until the context menu appears. In some applications (for example, VKyou must first press three. dots ⋯.
  3. If the menu does not appear, try:
    • 🔍 Zoom in with two fingers (sometimes links are hidden under the preview).
    • 🖱️ Connect the mouse via OTG and right-click.
    • 📋 Click "Select all" (if this is a text field).
  • In the menu that appears, select "Copy" or "Copy link". If there is no such option, select the text manually (drag the selection markers) and click "Copy".
  • Check the clipboard: open any input field (for example, notes or message) and hold your finger → "Paste."

    • Important: some applications (for example, Snapseed or CapCut) block copying links from their interfaces. In this case, use a workaround - take a screenshot and recognize the text through Google Lens or the application Text Scanner.

    ☑️ Checking successful copying

    Done: 0 / 4

    Browsers on Android offer several ways to copy links, and their set depends on the version of the application. For example, in Google Chrome 120+ the "Copy link with a gesture" function appeared, but in Samsung Internet there is still no built-in link manager.

    Comparison of methods for popular browsers:

    Browser Method 1 Method 2 Features
    Google Chrome Tap on the address bar → "Copy" Press the link on the page → "Copy link" V versions 120+ supports the gesture of swiping down the address bar for copying
    Mozilla Firefox Press ⋮ → "Copy link" Press link → "Copy link address" In the settings you can enable display of the full URL in address bar (about:config → browser.urlbar.trimURLs)
    Samsung Internet Tap on the address bar → select → "Copy" Press the link → "Copy link address" Some versions do not have the "Copy link" option for images - you need to open the image in a new tab
    Yandex Browser Tap on the address bar → "Copy" Press the link → "Copy link address" Supports copying links from the built-in translator (press the translated text)
    Opera / Opera Mini Click on the icon 🔗 to the left of the address bar Press the link → "Copy address" B Opera Mini some links are copied in a truncated form (without UTM tags)

    If you need copy all links from the page at once, use the extension Link Grabber (available for Chrome and Firefox). It exports a list of links to a text file or clipboard. An alternative is to open the page on a PC and use the tool. Inspect Element (key F12).

    💡

    In Google Chrome you can quickly open all copied links in new tabs. To do this, paste them into the address bar separated by a space and click Enter.

    Some applications hide real links behind preview cards, built-in players or "Share" buttons. For example, in Instagram when you click on a link in your profile bio, the browser opens, but the link itself is not copied. data-i="133">or Telegram preview link cards (for example, from YouTube or Twitter) do not have a visible URL.

    How to extract such links:

    • 🔗 Preview cards in Telegram:
      1. Press the preview card (not the message text!).
      2. In the menu, select "Copy link".
      3. If there is no option, tilt the phone to the right (the mode is activated Peek in some firmware) and try again.
  • 🎵 Links from built-in players (YouTube, TikTok):
    • V YouTube: click "Share" → "Copy link".
    • V TikTok: click on the three dots ⋯ → "Copy link". a shortened URL is displayed).
  • 📸 Links from images (QR codes, screenshots):
    • Use Google Lens (built into Google Photos): point the camera at the image with a link → select the text → "Copy."
    • Text recognition applications: Text Scanner, CamScanner.
  • 🌐 Links in web previews (Twitter, VK):
    • B Twitter: hold down the preview card → "Open link" → in a new window, copy the URL from the address bar.
    • V VK: click on preview → in the window that opens, copy the address from the browser.

      • If none of methods did not work, try workaround via PC:

      1. Open the same application on your computer (or through an emulator BlueStacks).
      2. Find the same content (post, video, message).
      3. Right-click on the element → "Copy" link."
      4. Send yourself a link via messenger or email.
      Why are some links copied in a distorted form?

      This is due to character encoding. For example, Cyrillic domains (like example.rf) are automatically converted to Punycode (xn--e1afmkfd.xn--p1ai). To return to the normal view, paste the link into the address bar of the browser - it will automatically decode it.

      Features of older versions of Android (8.0 and below)

      On devices with Android 8.0 Oreo and older versions (for example Samsung Galaxy S7 2016 or Xiaomi Redmi 4A), the process for copying links may differ due to an outdated interface and lack of modern clipboard functionality. Here are the key differences:

      • 📱 There is no universal menu "Copy link": In most applications, you need to manually select the URL text and copy it as plain text.
      • 🔗 No support for rich-link preview: In messengers (for example, WhatsApp 2017) links are displayed without preview cards, so copying is easier.
      • 🚫 Clipboard limitations: Some firmware (for example, on Meizu or Fly) reset the clipboard after restarting or closing the application.
      • 🌐 Outdated versions of browsers: There is no "Copy link" option for a long time when pressed - only text selection. Chrome 50-60 There is no "Copy link" option when long pressing - only text selection.

      Instructions for older versions:

      1. If you need to copy a link from the browser:
        • Tap on the address bar.
        • Hold your finger on the URL text until the cursor appears.
        • Drag the selection handles to the entire address.
        • Click "Copy" in the menu that appears.
      2. If you need to copy a link from the text (message, post):
        • Long-press the word next to the link (not the link itself!).
        • Drag the selection handles to capture the entire URL.
        • Click "Copy".
    • If the link is a button (for example, "Read more"):
      • Press and hold the button.
      • If the menu does not appear, try opening the link in the browser and copying the URL from there.
      ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 6.0 and older, some applications (for example, Facebook Lite or OK.ru) can block copying of links from messages. In this case, use a workaround: take a screenshot and recognize the text via Google Keep or Office Lens.

      Even in modern versions Android users encounter bugs when working with links. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

      Problem Cause Solution
      "Copy" button link" is inactive Application restriction (for example, VK Messenger blocks copying in some chats) Copy the entire message text, then extract the link manually or use Google Lens to recognition
      The link is copied with extra characters (%20, %3F) Automatic URL encoding of spaces and special characters Paste the link into the browser's address bar - it will automatically decode it. Or replace %20 with a space manually
      The link is not inserted (the clipboard is empty) The clipboard service has failed or there is a conflict with cleaner applications (for example, Clean Master) Reboot the device. If the problem persists, disable memory optimizers in the settings
      The link is cut off when insert Limit the input field (for example, in Instagram bio you cannot insert a link longer than 150 characters) Use link shortening services (bit.ly, clck.ru) or break the link into parts
      When inserting, the wrong page opens The link contains a redirect or UTM tags that are processed incorrectly Remove everything after the symbol from the link ? (for example, &utm_source=telegram)

      If none of the solutions helped, check:

      • 🛠️ Clipboard settings: Go to Settings → System → Advanced → Clipboard (on some firmwares). Make sure the function is enabled.
      • 📱 Application updates: Old versions of instant messengers or browsers may not support modern link formats. Update them via Google Play.
      • 🔒 Access rights: Some applications (for example, Parallel Space or Island) block data exchange between "sandboxes". Check permissions in the settings.
      💡

      If the link is not copied in any way, try opening it in the browser's incognito mode - sometimes the blocking is due to cookies or cache.

      If you often have to work with links (for example, you run a blog, do SMM, or simply actively share content), you can automate the process using special tools. Here are the best ways to speed up copying:

      • 🤖 Applications for managing the clipboard:
        • Clipboard Manager — saves the history of copied links, allows you to edit them before pasting.
        • Copy Bubble — adds a floating button for quick access to the clipboard.
        • Clip Stack — supports tags and search by copied links.
      • ⚡ Gestures and hotkeys:
        • B Nova Launcher or Action Launcher you can configure a gesture (for example, swipe up) to open the last copied link.
        • The application Tasker allows you to create an automatic rule: “When copying a link → open it in the browser.”
      • 🔗 Services for working with links:
        • Bitly or TinyURL — shorten long links and save them in your personal account.
        • Raindrop.io —save links with tags and support quick search.
        • Notion or OneNote —allow you to create link databases with comments.
      • 📲 Widgets for the desktop:
        • Widget Clipboard displays the last copied link on the main screen.
        • Widget Shortcuts can be configured for quick access to frequently used links.

      For advanced users: if you often work with API or parsingyou can use Termux to automate the extraction of links from text. For example, the command:

      grep -E 'https?://[^ ]+' | pbcopy

      will extract all URLs from a text file and copy them to the buffer. exchange.

      💡

      In Google Chrome you can enable the experimental function "Copy Link to Text" (enter in the address bar chrome://flags/#copy-link-to-textIt allows you to copy not only the URL, but also the page title in Markdown format: [Title](https://link).

      Why, when copying a link from Telegram, is it pasted as plain text and not as a clickable link?

      This happens due to the format in which Telegram copies links. To fix:

      1. Paste the copied text into the input field.
      2. Make sure there are no extra characters before the URL (for example, quotes or periods).
      3. If the link is still not clickable, add in beginning http:// (for example, convert primer.rf to http://primer.rf).

      In some messengers (for example, Viber) links are automatically converted to clickable if they are preceded by a space or a line break.

      Is it possible to copy a link from a video on YouTube or TikTok?

      Yes, but the methods are different:

      • YouTube: Click "Share" under the video → "Copy" link".
      • TikTok: Click on the three dots ⋯ → "Copy link". If there is no option, copy the text under the video (sometimes a shortened URL is displayed there like vm.tiktok.com/...).
      • Instagram Reels: Click on the three dots ⋯ → "Copy link". In In some regions, this option may not be available.

      For live broadcasts (for example, in Twitch or Facebook Gaming), you can copy the link only through the "Share" button. Direct copying from the browser address bar may not work due to dynamically changing URL parameters.

      How to copy a link if the phone does not respond to long presses?

      If the touch screen does not recognize long presses (for example, due to a protective glass or malfunction), try alternative methods:

      • Connect mouse via OTG and right-click on the link.
      • Use voice assistant:
        1. Say "Okay, Google" or activate Google Assistant.
        2. Say: "Copy link from [application name]."
        3. Confirm the action with your voice.
    • Turn on accessibility mode:
      1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility.
      2. Turn on Mouse Pointer or Menu Assistant.
      3. Use the virtual cursor to highlight a link.
    • Do screenshot screen and recognize the text via Google Lens.

      • If the problem is related to protective glass, try increasing the screen sensitivity in the display settings or temporarily remove the glass.

      Why do some links open in the wrong browser after copying?

      This happens due to settings default browser i intent filters in Android. To fix:

      1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Browser.
      2. Select desired browser (for example Chrome instead of Samsung Internet).
      3. If the problem persists, clear the cache and data of the Settings application (Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Show system → Settings → Memory → Clear cache).

      Some firmwares (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) have a separate setting for processing links. Find it in the "Advanced" or "System settings" section.

      If the link opens in WebView (built-in app browser), try holding it down and selecting “Open in browser.”

      Is it possible to copy all links from a page at once?

      Yes, there are several ways to do this:

      • Browser extensions:
        • Link Grabber (Chrome, Firefox) - exports everything links to a text file.
        • Copy All URLs — copies all URLs on the page to the clipboard.
      • JavaScript code (for advanced):
        1. Open the page in Chrome on Android.
        2. In the address bar enter javascript: (without transition).
        3. Insert this code: 
          var urls = Array.from(document.getElementsByTagName('a')).map(a => a.href).join('\n'); copy(urls); copied!');
        4. Click Enter —all links will be copied to the clipboard.
      • Link parsers:
        • Service ExtractURL (enter the page address → get a list links).
        • Application Link Extractor (scans the page and exports links to CSV).

      Please note: some sites block link parsing through robots.txt or JavaScript protection. In this case, copy the HTML code of the page (RMB → View page code) and extract the links manually.