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

# Troubleshooting: Missing or Unknown Referrers in Conversions

> Troubleshoot why the referrer field is empty or unknown.

January 21, 2026

1. **[Why is the Referrer Field Empty?](#h_b6dc89eeb4)**
2. **[Next Steps](#h_0c3afd58dc)**

***

Generally, a "referrer" is the last website a visitor was on before landing on your page. When this data is available, our tracking code automatically retrieves and records it.

However, there are technical scenarios where this information is not passed along during a conversion, resulting in an "empty" or "unknown" status.

***

## Why is the Referrer Field Empty?

A referrer may appear as unknown if the user reached your site in the following ways:

* **Direct Entry:** The user typed your URL directly into their browser address bar.
* **Bookmarks:** The site was visited via a browser-maintained bookmark.
* **New Windows/Tabs:** The site was the first page opened in a new browser window or tab.
* **External Apps:** The user clicked a link inside an email client, PDF, or messaging service (like WhatsApp or Slack).
* **Security Protocols:** \* The user switched from a secure **HTTPS** URL to an insecure **HTTP** URL.
  * The user switched between two different **HTTPS** URLs.
* **Privacy Software:** The user has an antivirus, firewall, or browser extension installed that strips referrer data from web requests.
* **Network Proxies:** The user is behind a proxy server configured to strip referrers for privacy.
* **Restricted Links:** The source link contained a `rel="noreferrer"` attribute, which explicitly prevents the browser from sending referrer data.
* **API Configuration:** You are using a **REST API** integration but failed to pass the required `click_id` parameter to Tapfiliate.

***

## Next Steps

1. **Developer Guide:** Using the API? Ensure you are correctly passing parameters via [Webhooks and Event-Driven Workflows](https://support.tapfiliate.com/advanced-configurations-automation/launch-plan/webhooks-and-event-driven-workflows.md).
2. **Affiliate Support:** If affiliates are appearing as archived after clicking links, check [Why are my affiliates appearing in the archived section?](https://support.tapfiliate.com/troubleshooting-faq/faq-setting-up-your-affiliate-marketing-program/why-are-my-affiliates-appearing-in-the-archived-section-of-my-account.md).


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