> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dub.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why are my dub.sh links not working?

> Our default dub.sh links are occasionally blocked by certain web browsers and ISPs, which causes them not to work. Learn more about why, and how to fix it.

Occasionally, `dub.sh` short links are blocked by web browsers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). When that happens, you might run into the following errors when you try to visit a `dub.sh` link:

## Error 1: "Your connection is not private" (Google Chrome)

Here's an example of a "Your connection is not private" warning in Google Chrome:

<Frame>
  <img src="https://assets.dub.co/help/connection-not-private.png" alt="'Your connection is not private' warning" />
</Frame>

## Error 2: "This site has been reported as unsafe" (Microsoft Defender)

Here's another example of a "This site has been reported as unsafe" warning in Microsoft Defender:

<Frame>
  <img src="https://assets.dub.co/help/microsoft-defender-unsafe.png" alt="Microsoft Defender's 'This site has been reported as unsafe' warning" />
</Frame>

## Error 3: "This site cannot provide a secure connection" (ERR\_SSL\_PROTOCOL\_ERROR)

And sometimes, certain Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will also block `dub.sh` links. This is what you might see when you try to visit a `dub.sh` link if it's blocked by your ISP:

<Frame>
  <img src="https://assets.dub.co/help/insecure-connection.png" alt="'This site cannot provide a secure connection' error" />
</Frame>

## Why does this happen?

This is because `dub.sh` links are the default short link on Dub, and can sometimes be used by malicious actors to hide the true destination of a link – which can be a phishing site, or a site that downloads malware onto your computer.

As an unfortunate side effect, this means that sometimes, legitimate `dub.sh` links are also blocked by certain web browsers and ISPs, causing them not to work.

## Solution 1: Petition your ISP or browser antivirus software

One way to fix it is by sending a petition to your [Internet Service Provider (ISP)](https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246513) or browser antivirus software to unblock the link. Here's an example verbiage you can use:

> Hi there,
>
> I would like to petition for the dub.sh domain to be unblocked. Dub ([https://dub.co](https://dub.co)) is a link management platform (similar to Bitly) that I use to share links with my friends and family. It is not a malicious site.
>
> Occasionally, there might be malicious links that are created on Dub, but Dub has processes in place that actively monitors and removes these links. I have also personally reported malicious links to Dub, and they have been removed within 24 hours.
>
> If you do discover any malicious links, you can report them here: [https://dub.co/legal/abuse](https://dub.co/legal/abuse)
>
> Thank you!

This is the most effective way to unblock the link, but it can take some time for the request to be processed.

## Solution 2: Use a custom domain

Alternatively, you can also [use Dub with your custom domain](/help/article/how-to-add-custom-domain), instead of the default `dub.sh` domain.

This will ensure that your links are never blocked by web browsers, and also give your links a more professional, branded look. Custom domains are also more trustworthy and can lead to **30% higher click-through rates**.

Learn more about [why you should use a custom domain](https://dub.co/blog/custom-domains) and how to [choose the right one](/help/article/choosing-a-custom-domain).

We also launched [1-year free .link domains on all paid plans](https://dub.co/blog/introducing-free-domains) recently that you can use for your short links:

<Frame>
  <img src="https://assets.dub.co/blog/free-dot-link.jpg" alt="Free .link domain" />
</Frame>