Help test URLStrip.

URLStrip removes known tracking parameters from links before you open, save, copy, or share them. This guide explains what to test, what to report, and what to expect during the beta.

URLStrip cleans links locally. Optional missed-tracker reports only send information to Tacita Labs if you choose to send them.

Download URLStrip · How to report issues

Install the beta

What URLStrip does

URLStrip removes known tracking parameters from URLs while preserving parameters that appear necessary for the link to work. Not every parameter is tracking. Some are needed for content, login state, search, app behavior, or page routing.

The most useful beta feedback is whether URLStrip feels clear, trustworthy, and safe to use with real links.

Try URLStrip with real links from:

  • newsletters
  • social media
  • shopping sites
  • search results
  • YouTube
  • affiliate-heavy pages
  • QR codes, where supported
  • links friends send you

What to test on every platform

  • URLStrip removes obvious tracking parameters.
  • The cleaned link still opens the intended page.
  • The app explains what changed clearly.
  • Copy, share, and restore actions do what they say.
  • The workflow feels safe enough to trust with real links.
  • Missed-tracker reporting is understandable when available.

iOS / iPadOS flows

  • Main app: paste a URL, tap Clean, review what changed, then copy or share the cleaned link.
  • Share Extension: share a link from Safari or another app into URLStrip and confirm the cleaned result looks right.
  • Safari Extension: enable URLStrip in Settings > Safari > Extensions, then test it from Safari's extension controls.
  • QR flow: scan a QR code or import a QR-code image from Photos and confirm URLStrip shows and cleans the destination.
  • Widget / system integration: add the widget if available and confirm the behavior makes sense.

macOS flows

  • Install and launch URLStrip.
  • Confirm the menu bar app appears.
  • Copy a tracked URL to the clipboard and confirm URLStrip reacts as expected.
  • Confirm the cleaned result is clear and trustworthy.
  • Confirm recovery or restore behavior works when available.
  • Try a URL that should not change and confirm that does not feel like a failure.
  • Test disabling cleaning for a site if that option is available.
  • Use missed-tracker reporting if URLStrip leaves tracking parameters behind.

Windows flows

  • Install or unpack and launch URLStrip.
  • Confirm the app or tray behavior is sane on first launch.
  • Copy a tracked URL to the clipboard and confirm URLStrip reacts as expected.
  • Confirm the cleaned result is clear and trustworthy.
  • Confirm restore or recovery behavior works when available.
  • Try a URL that should not change and confirm that does not feel like a failure.
  • Test disabling cleaning for a site if that option is available.
  • Use missed-tracker reporting if URLStrip leaves tracking parameters behind.

What to report

High-value feedback includes:

  • URLStrip missed an obvious tracking parameter.
  • A cleaned link broke.
  • The wrong URL was copied or shared.
  • Clipboard behavior was surprising or unsafe.
  • Different URLStrip surfaces produced different results for the same URL.
  • A screen or explanation felt confusing.
  • You hesitated because the app did not make clear what it changed.
  • QR scanning or QR image import failed.
  • Report Missed Tracker failed or produced a confusing report.

What to include in a report

  • Original URL.
  • Cleaned URL shown by URLStrip, if any.
  • Platform: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or Windows.
  • Device or computer model, if known.
  • OS version.
  • Where it happened: main app, share extension, Safari extension, QR flow, widget, macOS menu bar app, Windows app/tray, or clipboard monitor.
  • What you expected.
  • What actually happened.
  • Screenshot or screen recording if the issue is visual.

Beta caveats

  • URLStrip removes known tracking parameters. It will not catch everything yet.
  • On iOS and iPadOS, Apple may ask you to allow paste/clipboard access. That is an iOS privacy control, not a URLStrip setting. URLStrip cannot disable it, so expect to approve paste access when iOS asks.
  • Some parameters are intentionally preserved because removing them would break links.
  • Some links may expose edge cases.
  • Platform behavior and feature coverage vary.
  • Safari Extension behavior may vary by iOS or iPadOS version.
  • macOS and Windows security prompts may vary depending on build/signing state.
  • Report Missed Tracker depends on the reporting surface and local email/share configuration.
  • Disabled domains and other beta behavior may be local to each device.
  • TestFlight may collect crash logs, screenshots, beta feedback, diagnostics, and device details under Apple's terms for iOS/iPadOS testers.