How to Get Query Params in Next.js

Understanding How to Get Query Params in Next.js is essential for building dynamic, data-driven applications. Query parameters allow developers to pass data through URLs, enabling features like filtering, pagination, authentication callbacks, and more. Whether you're using the Pages Router or the App Router, Next.js provides multiple ways to access query parameters efficiently.

This guide explains every method clearly, with practical examples and best practices for modern Next.js development.

What Are Query Parameters in Next.js?

Query parameters are key-value pairs appended to a URL after a question mark (?). They are commonly used to send optional data between pages.

Example URL:

/products?category=shoes&page=2

In this case:

• category = shoes
• page = 2

Next.js allows you to read these parameters both on the client and server side.

How to Get Query Params in Next.js Using Pages Router?

You can access query parameters in the Pages Router using the useRouter hook from next/router.

What is the simplest way to access query params?

Use the router object and read the query property.

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';

export default function Page() {
  const router = useRouter();
  const { category, page } = router.query;

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Category: {category}</p>
      <p>Page: {page}</p>
    </div>
  );
}

Important considerations

• Query values are initially undefined during pre-rendering.
• Always handle loading states or fallback values.
• Values are always strings unless parsed manually.

How to Get Query Params in Next.js App Router?

In Next.js 13+, the App Router provides a more structured way to access query parameters.

What is the recommended method in App Router?

Use the searchParams prop in server components.

export default function Page({ searchParams }) {
  const category = searchParams.category;
  const page = searchParams.page;

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Category: {category}</p>
      <p>Page: {page}</p>
    </div>
  );
}

Why is this approach better?

• Works on the server by default
• No hydration issues
• Cleaner and more predictable data flow

How to Access Query Params on the Client Side in App Router?

When working in client components, use the useSearchParams hook.

What does useSearchParams do?

It provides a read-only interface to URL query parameters.

'use client';

import { useSearchParams } from 'next/navigation';

export default function Page() {
  const searchParams = useSearchParams();

  const category = searchParams.get('category');
  const page = searchParams.get('page');

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Category: {category}</p>
      <p>Page: {page}</p>
    </div>
  );
}

Key benefits

• Simple API similar to URLSearchParams
• Works well with client-side navigation
• Lightweight and efficient

How to Get Query Params in Server-Side Rendering (SSR)?

You can access query parameters in getServerSideProps.

How does SSR handle query params?

Query parameters are available inside the context object.

export async function getServerSideProps(context) {
  const { category, page } = context.query;

  return {
    props: {
      category: category || null,
      page: page || 1,
    },
  };
}

When should you use SSR for query params?

• SEO-critical pages
• Personalized content
• Authentication-based rendering

How to Get Query Params in Static Generation (SSG)?

Static generation does not directly support dynamic query parameters at build time.

What is the workaround?

Use client-side fetching or fallback rendering.

• Fetch query params using useRouter
• Combine with dynamic routes if possible

Best practice

Avoid relying on query params for critical static content.

How to Validate and Parse Query Parameters?

Query parameters are always strings, so validation is essential.

Why is parsing necessary?

• Convert numbers correctly
• Avoid runtime errors
• Ensure data integrity

Example of parsing

const pageNumber = parseInt(searchParams.get('page') || '1', 10);

Validation checklist

• Check for undefined values
• Validate expected data types
• Set default values
• Handle invalid inputs gracefully

How to Handle Multiple Query Parameters?

Next.js supports multiple query parameters seamlessly.

Example

/search?query=shoes&sort=price&order=asc

const query = searchParams.get('query');
const sort = searchParams.get('sort');
const order = searchParams.get('order');

Best practices

• Keep parameter names consistent
• Avoid deeply nested query structures
• Use clear naming conventions

How to Update Query Params in Next.js?

You can modify query parameters programmatically.

Using router.push (Pages Router)

router.push({
  pathname: '/products',
  query: { category: 'shoes', page: 2 },
});

Using useRouter in App Router

'use client';

import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation';

const router = useRouter();

router.push('/products?category=shoes&page=2');

When should you update query params?

• Filtering data
• Pagination
• Search functionality

Common Mistakes When Working with Query Params

What should you avoid?

• Assuming query params are always available immediately
• Forgetting to parse numeric values
• Ignoring undefined states
• Overloading URLs with too many parameters

How to fix these issues?

• Use conditional rendering
• Add default values
• Validate all inputs

Best Practices for Using Query Params in Next.js

How to optimize query param usage?

• Keep URLs clean and readable
• Use query params only for optional data
• Prefer dynamic routes for required data
• Validate and sanitize inputs
• Use consistent naming patterns

Developer checklist

• Use searchParams in App Router
• Handle undefined states
• Parse values properly
• Optimize for SEO when needed
• Avoid unnecessary re-renders

How Do Query Params Impact SEO in Next.js?

Query parameters can affect SEO if not handled correctly.

What are the risks?

• Duplicate content
• Unindexed pages
• Poor URL structure

How to optimize for SEO?

• Use canonical URLs
• Avoid unnecessary query params
• Use server-side rendering for important pages

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FAQ: How to Get Query Params in Next.js

How do I get query params in Next.js App Router?

Use the searchParams prop in server components or useSearchParams in client components to access query parameters.

Why are query params undefined in Next.js?

In the Pages Router, query params may be undefined during the first render because of pre-rendering. Always handle this with conditional checks.

Can I use query params in static generation?

No, static generation does not support runtime query parameters. Use client-side logic or dynamic routes instead.

What is the difference between params and query params?

Route params are part of the URL path (e.g., /product/[id]), while query params are optional key-value pairs appended after a question mark.

How do I update query params without reloading the page?

Use router.push() or router.replace() to update query parameters while maintaining client-side navigation.

Are query params always strings in Next.js?

Yes, query parameters are always returned as strings. You must parse them into the desired data types manually.

Is it better to use query params or dynamic routes?

Use dynamic routes for required data and query parameters for optional or filtering-related data.

Conclusion: What Is the Best Way to Handle Query Params?

The best method depends on your routing system:

• App Router: Use searchParams or useSearchParams
• Pages Router: Use useRouter
• Server-side: Use getServerSideProps

By following the practices in this guide, you can efficiently manage query parameters, improve application performance, and maintain clean, scalable code.

Mastering How to Get Query Params in Next.js is a foundational skill that enables developers to build powerful, flexible, and user-friendly web applications.