diff --git a/www/addons/mod_url/services/url.js b/www/addons/mod_url/services/url.js
index 08a2e64efec..f1fe95f71d6 100644
--- a/www/addons/mod_url/services/url.js
+++ b/www/addons/mod_url/services/url.js
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ angular.module('mm.addons.mod_url')
  * @ngdoc service
  * @name $mmaModUrl
  */
-.factory('$mmaModUrl', function($mmSite, $mmUtil, $q) {
+.factory('$mmaModUrl', function($mmSite, $mmUtil, $q, $mmContentLinksHelper) {
     var self = {};
 
     /**
@@ -52,7 +52,14 @@ angular.module('mm.addons.mod_url')
      * @param {String} url The URL to go to.
      */
     self.open = function(url) {
-        $mmUtil.openInBrowser(url);
+        var modal = $mmUtil.showModalLoading();
+        $mmContentLinksHelper.handleLink(url).then(function(treated) {
+            if (!treated) {
+                $mmUtil.openInBrowser(url);
+            }
+        }).finally(function() {
+            modal.dismiss();
+        });
     };
 
     return self;