URL Encoder / Decoder

A URL encoder converts special characters, spaces, and Unicode text into URL-safe percent-encoded strings for use in web addresses, query parameters, and API requests.

Text to encode

Encoded output

How to encode and decode URLs for Nigerian websites

Switch between Encode and Decode mode using the buttons at the top, then type or paste your text into the left panel. For encoding, choose Component mode to encode individual query parameters for your Paystack payment links (converting spaces to %20 and special characters like the Naira symbol) or Full URL mode to encode a complete URL while keeping the protocol and domain readable. The right panel updates instantly, and the stats bar shows you the character count change.

When should URL encoding be used?

Any time you send user input through a URL — search queries, form submissions, USSD payment redirects, or bank transfer references — you need URL encoding to ensure special characters like &, %, and spaces do not break the URL structure. Nigerian developers building payment integrations with Paystack, Flutterwave, Remita, or Moniepoint must encode callback URLs and transaction references properly, especially when the reference includes Naira symbols or special characters. Similarly, decoding is essential when reading query parameters from incoming requests in your Lagos-based or Abuja-hosted application.

Practical use cases for Nigerian businesses

A Lagos e-commerce site encoding product search queries with Naira symbols, spaces, and ampersands — e.g., \u201Cshoes & bags under ₦15,000\u201D becomes safe for the URL parameters.
An Abuja fintech encoding callback URLs for Paystack and Flutterwave transactions so payment references with special characters are transmitted without errors, preventing failed payment confirmations.
A Port Harcourt news portal decoding URL-encoded article titles from the query string to display human-readable headlines on the page for readers on MTN and Glo networks.
An Ibadan ed-tech platform encoding student names with Yoruba accented characters (ṣ, ọ, ẹ) in registration URLs to ensure accurate record-keeping.
A Kano logistics company decoding tracking URLs from Moniepoint and Remita payment webhooks to extract order references and update delivery statuses.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between encodeURIComponent and encodeURI?

encodeURIComponent encodes everything including URL-special characters like /, ?, and &, making it ideal for encoding individual query parameter values in Paystack callback URLs. encodeURI preserves the URL structure and only encodes characters that are not allowed in a full URL, which is useful when encoding an entire URL path like a Flutterwave redirect link.

Why do spaces become %20 in URLs?

Spaces are not allowed in URLs per RFC 3986. The encoding replaces each space with %20, the hexadecimal representation of the space character in ASCII. Some systems also accept + for spaces, but %20 is the standard.

Can I encode non-English characters like Yoruba or Igbo text?

Yes. The encoder supports Unicode characters. Yoruba accented characters (like ṣ, ọ, ẹ), Igbo vowels with tones, Hausa special letters (like ƙ, ɓ), and the Naira symbol (₦) are all converted to percent-encoded UTF-8 byte sequences, ensuring they are transmitted safely in URLs without corruption.

Why am I getting \u201CInvalid URL encoding\u201D when decoding?

This error means the string contains malformed percent-encoded sequences — for example, %2 without the required two hexadecimal digits. Double-check that the input is valid encoded text from Paystack, Flutterwave, or your web server logs, or try decoding smaller portions of it to locate the invalid segment.

What does the URL breakdown feature show?

When decoding, the URL breakdown parses the result and displays its components — protocol, hostname, port, path, query string, and hash. This helps you quickly verify that a decoded URL has the correct structure before using it in your application.

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