Can I shorten a Google Maps link?

Yes. In Google Maps, click Share and copy the link. Paste it into Qrinly to get a short URL and QR code. The short link routes anyone who clicks it directly to the location in Google Maps.

Will the short link open Google Maps or Apple Maps?

The short link routes to whichever URL you pasted as the destination. If you paste a Google Maps link, it opens Google Maps. If you want the link to open on the correct app per device, use a Google Maps web URL (maps.google.com) — iOS will often prompt to open in Apple Maps; Android will open in Google Maps.

What happens if my business moves?

Log into your Qrinly dashboard, find the location short link, and update the destination to the new Maps URL. Every QR code, printed sign, and digital share now routes to the new location. You do not need to reprint anything.

Can I track how many people navigate to my location?

Yes. Managed short-link clicks can be recorded with device type, country, and timestamp. You can see daily click patterns — useful for measuring foot traffic from print campaigns.

Can I use the short link in SMS for delivery or appointment reminders?

Yes. A short link in SMS takes up very few characters and does not trigger spam filters the way long URLs with parameters can. The recipient taps once and gets navigation.

Does this work for a Waze link?

Yes. Waze generates shareable links to specific locations. Paste the Waze link into Qrinly the same way you would any other Maps URL.

Short Links for Location and Directions

Location Links. Clean and Trackable.

Shorten any Google Maps, Apple Maps, or location URL into a short link your customers can type, scan, or click — and update the destination if you ever move.

No account requiredQR code includedUpdate destination anytime

A full Google Maps URL is often 100+ characters, contains encoded coordinates and query parameters, and is completely untypeable from a sign or a flyer. Even the shorter 'share' URLs from Google Maps are still 30+ characters with no readable context. When you shorten a location link, it becomes something a customer can actually type from a table card, a window sticker, or a receipt. It can also be embedded as a QR code for instant navigation. And if your business moves, or you want to redirect to a different location page, a short link lets you update the destination without reprinting a single sign.

Why shorten maps & directions links?

Typeable location links

A short link can be read, remembered, and typed. Print it on signage, receipts, or packaging so customers can navigate without scanning a QR code.

Works when you move

If your business relocates, update the destination to the new Maps link. Every existing QR code, window sticker, and printed material routes to the new location instantly.

Track who's navigating to you

See how many people click your location link each day, which device they use, and which city they're coming from. Useful for measuring the reach of print campaigns near your location.

QR code for wayfinding

Add a dynamic QR code using the same managed destination on a sign outside a building, on a conference badge, or at a trade show booth. Attendees scan once and get turn-by-turn navigation.

One link, any maps app

Route the short link to a web URL that prompts the user's device to open the preferred maps app — Apple Maps on iPhone, Google Maps on Android — or send to a specific app directly.

Event-specific destinations

For recurring events at different venues, update the short link before each event. Print the link once on branded materials and let the destination carry the venue information.

Common use cases

Physical storefronts and restaurants

Print a QR code on your window, your door, and your receipts. Customers scan to open navigation. When you move locations or temporarily relocate, update the destination — every QR code and printed link routes to the correct address.

Restaurant locationRetail shopPop-up locationParking entrance

Events and conferences

Event venues change. Print a short link on invitations, programmes, and emails early — then update the Maps destination as the venue is confirmed. Attendees who hold on to the printed programme still get the right directions.

Conference venueWedding locationTrade show hallOutdoor festival

Multi-location businesses

Create a separate short link for each branch. Track which location gets the most navigation clicks. When a branch moves or closes, update that specific short link — other locations are unaffected.

Branch ABranch BPop-up locationSeasonal venue

Service providers and home visits

Tradespeople, delivery services, and mobile businesses frequently visit clients at different addresses. A short link to a job site or a meeting point can be shared in a text and updated for the next job.

Job site addressClient meeting locationDelivery drop-offService area map

Business cards and print advertising

A short link that routes to Google Maps is more useful on a business card than a full street address that requires manual entry. It opens navigation in one tap.

Business cardPrint adFlyerDirect mail

How it works

1
Copy your Maps share URL
In Google Maps, search for your location, tap Share, and copy the link. In Apple Maps, use the Share button. Or use any URL that opens a map to a specific location.
2
Shorten it
Paste the Maps URL above. Qrinly creates a short link and a QR code immediately.
3
Print it or share it
Print the QR code on signage, windows, menus, and receipts. Add the short URL as text for those who can't scan. Share the link via SMS, email, or social.
4
Update when locations change
If you move, update the short link's destination to the new Maps URL. Every existing printed material and digital share routes to the new location automatically.

Best practices

Use a Google Maps 'Share' URL, not the browser URL

The browser URL for Google Maps contains your personal preferences and session data. Use the Share button inside Maps to generate a clean, permanent link that works for anyone.

Test the link on both iOS and Android

After shortening, open the link on an iPhone and on an Android phone to confirm it routes to the correct location in the expected maps app on both platforms.

Create separate links per venue or branch

If you have multiple locations, use one short link per location. Track which branch drives the most navigation clicks, and update each destination independently when anything changes.

Include the short URL as plain text alongside the QR

Print both the QR code and the typed short link. Customers who can't scan (older devices, poor lighting) can still type the URL. A short link like qrnl.co/findus is manageable; a full Maps URL is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

Booking & Forms

Turn long Calendly, Typeform, and Google Forms URLs into a clean short link. Switch booking tools anytime — the link on your business card stays the same.

Landing Pages

Record managed-link clicks to your landing page — know which campaigns convert before checking your ad platform.

Back to Short URL hub

Clean location links — free.

Shorten any Maps or location URL. Track navigation clicks and update the destination if you ever move.

Create a location short link Create a Free Account

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