Many users are recently noticing a short URL — g.co/sc — appearing in browser address bars, emails, notifications, and Google-generated messages. This can feel unfamiliar or even suspicious at first glance, especially if you have never seen this short link before.
This article explains what g.co/sc is, why Google uses it, how it works, and whether it is safe, with practical guidance for IT professionals, website owners, and system administrators.
g.co/sc is an official Google-owned short URL that redirects users to Google Search Console.
g.co → Google’s official URL shortener domain
/sc → Search Console
So effectively:
https://g.co/sc → https://search.google.com/search-console
Google uses this short link to provide clean, secure, and consistent access to Search Console across devices, browsers, and communications.
Google has been gradually standardizing and simplifying its URLs. The use of g.co/sc serves multiple purposes:
Easier to remember and type
Consistent branding across Google services
Reduced URL length for notifications and emails
Improved security and phishing prevention
Better compatibility with mobile and in-app browsers
This is not a new product — only a new access shortcut.
Uses HTTPS only
Uses Google-controlled redirect infrastructure
No third-party redirection involved
Works only for Google-owned services
Cannot be customized or hijacked by external users
While g.co/sc itself is not a product, it points to Google Search Console, which provides:
Website indexing status
Search performance analytics
Core Web Vitals reports
URL inspection
Sitemap submission
Manual action alerts
Security issue notifications
Google Search Console emails
Google notifications inside Chrome
Mobile browser address bar previews
Google Help documentation
Webmaster alert messages
Security or indexing issue alerts
Quick access to Search Console dashboard
Faster login during audits or troubleshooting
Easy sharing of official Google links with clients
Reduced confusion compared to long URLs
Verification that the link is legitimate
Allowlisting in firewalls or email security systems
Check the domain
Ensure HTTPS
Observe redirection
Redirects only to google.com subdomains
Check certificate
Issued to Google Trust Services
Expected output includes:
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Page not loading | Not logged into Google | Sign in with correct Google account |
| Access denied | No Search Console permission | Ask site owner to grant access |
| Redirect blocked | Corporate firewall | Allow g.co and google.com |
| Suspicion of phishing | Unfamiliar short URL | Verify HTTPS and Google certificate |
g.co cannot be used by attackers to create custom links
All g.co URLs are managed internally by Google
Much safer than generic shorteners like bit.ly
Google actively blocks misuse or spoofing attempts
Bookmark https://g.co/sc for quick access
Educate users and clients that this is official Google
Allowlist g.co in email and endpoint security tools
Do not confuse with third-party URL shorteners
Always verify redirection destination for safety
g.co/sc is not a scam, not a new product, and not suspicious. It is simply an official Google shortcut for accessing Google Search Console.
Google is moving toward short, secure, and standardized URLs, and seeing g.co/sc is completely normal — especially if you manage websites, SEO, or web infrastructure.
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