# Why was my link refused?

> Every refusal comes with an error code, from invalid_url to rate_limited. Here is what each code means and what to do about it.

Source: https://blinkhop.com/help/why-was-my-link-refused

Blinkhop refuses a link when the URL, the custom ending or the request breaks a rule, and the error code tells you which one. The website shows a short message, and the API returns a JSON error like this:

```json
{"error": {"code": "invalid_url", "message": "...", "field": "url"}}
```

The same rules for URLs and custom endings apply on the website, the API and the MCP server.

## Why the URL was refused

- `missing_url`: No URL was sent. Put the long link in the `url` field.
- `invalid_url`: The text isn't a valid public web address. URLs with embedded credentials (`user:pass@`) and private or local addresses are refused too. Check for typos and spaces, remove any `user:pass@` part, and use a public address.
- `already_short`: The URL is already a zou.sh link. Share that link as it is, or shorten the original long URL.
- `url_too_long`: The URL is longer than the maximum we accept. Remove tracking parameters you don't need.
- `unsafe_destination`: The destination is flagged for phishing or malware. Don't share it. If you think it's a mistake, contact us with the URL.

## Why the custom ending was refused

- `invalid_alias`: The ending breaks the rules. Use 3 to 40 letters, numbers, dashes or underscores, starting with a letter or a number.
- `alias_taken` (409): Another link already uses this ending (letter case is ignored), or the word is reserved. Pick a different ending.

[How do I choose a custom ending?](https://blinkhop.com/help/choose-a-custom-ending) lists the rules and reserved words.

## Why the request was refused

- `rate_limited` (429): Your IP address reached 20 new links per minute or 300 per day. Wait, then try again. Through the API, the `Retry-After` header says how long.
- `not_found` (404): The short link or the API endpoint doesn't exist. Check the code and the path.
- `invalid_json`: The request body isn't valid JSON. Check quotes, commas and brackets. In a shell, wrap the JSON in single quotes.
- `too_large`: The request body is too big. Send a smaller request, for example fewer URLs in a bulk request.

[What are the API rate limits?](https://blinkhop.com/help/api-rate-limits) explains the limits in detail.

Still stuck? [Contact us](https://blinkhop.com/contact) with the error code and the URL you tried.