Adding hyperlinks in Google Slides is one of the quickest ways to make your presentations more interactive and informative. Whether you want to link to a website, another slide in the same deck, a YouTube video, an email address, or even a file on Google Drive, Google Slides gives you several easy ways to do it.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to add hyperlinks on Google Slides using simple methods, along with expert tips to optimize your workflow. This article is written in clear, natural language and designed to be 100% semantic SEO optimized so it ranks on Google and Bing.
What Is a Hyperlink in Google Slides?
A hyperlink (or link) is a clickable text, image, or shape that takes your audience to another location. In Google Slides, you can link to:
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A website or external webpage
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Another slide within your presentation
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A Google Drive file (Docs, Sheets, PDFs, etc.)
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A YouTube video
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An email address
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A phone number
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A custom URL
Hyperlinks help in creating smooth navigation, improving user engagement, and making your slides more professional and interactive.
How to Add a Hyperlink on Google Slides
Below are the exact steps for adding hyperlinks using desktop and mobile.
Method 1: Add a Hyperlink to Text in Google Slides (Desktop)
Follow these steps to clickable text in your slides:
Step 1: Select the Text
Click and drag your mouse to highlight the text you want to turn into a link.
Step 2: Click the “Insert Link” Icon
You can do this in two ways:
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From the top menu: Insert → Link
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Or click the link icon in the toolbar (it looks like a chain link)
Step 3: Enter Your Link
Type or paste your URL into the text box. Example: https://www.example.com
Step 4: Click “Apply”
Your text is now fully linked and clickable in presentation mode.
Method 2: Add a Hyperlink to an Image or Shape
Hyperlinks aren’t only for text—you can also attach them to shapes, icons, or pictures.
Step 1: Select the Image or Shape
Click on the object you want to link.
Step 2: Choose “Insert Link”
Use Insert → Link or the toolbar link icon.
Step 3: Paste Your URL
Add your website, video, or internal slide link.
Step 4: Click “Apply”
Your object becomes interactive.
Types of Hyperlinks You Can Add in Google Slides
Below are the most commonly used link types with quick instructions.
1. Link to a Website
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Highlight text/image
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Click Insert → Link
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Paste the website URL
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Click Apply
Perfect for linking:
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References
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Product pages
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Blog posts
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Research sources
2. Link to Another Slide in the Same Presentation
Internal linking helps create:
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Table of contents
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Navigation menus
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Interactive quizzes
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Skip sections
How to Do It:
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Highlight text → Insert → Link
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Click “Slides in this presentation”
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Choose the slide number
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Apply
This instantly turns your content into an interactive presentation.
3. Link to a Google Drive File
You can link:
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Docs
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Sheets
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PDFs
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Forms
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Shared folders
Steps
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Highlight text → Insert Link
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Choose “Find in Drive”
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Select the file
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Apply
4. Link to a YouTube Video
Google Slides supports direct YouTube integration.
How:
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Insert a video through Insert → Video
or -
Paste a YouTube link via Insert → Link
Both methods work depending on your preference.
5. Link to an Email Address
Use email links to allow viewers to contact you instantly.
Steps
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Insert link
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Type:
mailto:yourname@email.com -
Apply
When clicked, the viewer’s email app opens automatically.
6. Link to a Phone Number
Useful for business presentations.
Steps
Use this format:
tel:+123456789
How to Edit or Remove a Hyperlink in Google Slides
To Edit
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Click the linked text or image
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Select “Edit link”
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Change the URL
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Apply
To Remove
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Click the link
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Choose “Remove link”
Very simple and takes only a second.
How to Add Hyperlinks on Google Slides Mobile App
Step 1: Open Google Slides App
Available on Android & iPhone.
Step 2: Tap the Text or Image
Select what you want to link.
Step 3: Tap the Three Dots (⋮)
This opens formatting options.
Step 4: Choose “Link”
Paste the URL.
Step 5: Tap the Checkmark
Your link is now active.
Why Use Hyperlinks in Google Slides? (Benefits)
Hyperlinks:
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Improve presentation flow
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Make your slides interactive
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Provide extra resources without clutter
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Add professional navigation
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Help connect various types of digital content
If you’re creating tutorials, business presentations, educational lessons, or product pitches, hyperlinks make everything smoother and more engaging.
Troubleshooting Common Link Problems
✔ Link not clickable?
Make sure you’re in presentation mode, not edit mode.
✔ URLs not working?
Double-check for typos.
✔ Internal slide links broken?
Ensure slides are not deleted or moved.
✔ Google Drive file inaccessible?
Update sharing settings to “Anyone with the link”.
Final Thoughts
Adding hyperlinks on Google Slides is simple once you know the steps. Whether you’re linking to websites, slides, videos, or files, these features help you create smart, interactive, and professional presentations.