A click string (sometimes called a click tag) is part of the URL that takes the user to the ad's destination. A click string can come from display ads in web browsers or mobile apps and contains encoded information for the ad that's served.
This article gives simple instructions for how to get started capturing click strings in a web browser or on a mobile device, which may be helpful when troubleshooting ad delivery issues with Google Ad Manager.
In some advanced cases, additional tools and resources are listed.
On this page
- Capture a click string from an ad in a web browser or on a mobile device
- Use Google Ad Manager troubleshooting tools
Example
Usable click strings contain some reference to the system where they were served, such as:
googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk…oradclick.g.doubleclick.net/pcs/click…
Capture a click string
In a web browser
Right-click the ad and copy the link address. If you can't right-click the ad, you may need to disable your computer's internet connection, click the ad, and then copy the URL that's in the address bar in your browser.
Additional tools and resources
There are a few other recommended tools to find the click string of an ad used in combination with your browser:
- Using Google Chrome: Chrome's Developer Tools can capture all traffic, including the click intermediate destinations such as the click string. Learn how to use Developer Tools to inspect network activity and save all requests to a HAR file.
- Using Charles proxy: You may be able to install the Charles web debugging proxy application and use it to capture click strings, as well as other information about ads. Learn more about Charles proxy.
- Using a browser extension: There may be an extension available for your browser that can help. Extensions can capture a click string without needing to disable your computer's internet connection.
On a mobile device
First, try long-pressing on an ad and then tapping Copy URL.
If that doesn't work, disconnect from any internet or cellular service, then click or tap the ad. The ad will attempt to open in a browser window, but because there's no service it will not load. However, the click string is exposed in the URL. This approach can also be used on a computer.
If this doesn't work, for example when using Safari or Firefox, follow the instructions below to find and capture a click string from a mobile device:
iOS
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Trigger ad.
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Hold down ad headline with finger and swipe up.
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Select Copy or Share.
Android
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Trigger ad.
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Hold down ad headline with finger.
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Select Copy link address.
Use Google Ad Manager troubleshooting tools
You can also diagnose specific Google Ad Manager issues with a variety of troubleshooting tools to identify solutions to common problems, such as why a line item might not be delivering or whether your ad tags are set up correctly.
