How a deep link works on urlf.ly
When someone opens the short link on an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone, urlf.ly shows a small page titled Open in app. It tries to open your app straight away, at the path you chose. If the app is installed, the visitor lands in it.
If nothing happens, for example because the app is not installed, the visitor stays on that page and can tap Get the app to go to the App Store or Google Play, or Continue in browser to open the website instead. Visitors on a computer, and bots, simply go to the normal destination.
On Android you can use an intent link instead of a plain URL scheme. With an intent link, Android itself can fall back to the website when the app is not installed.
How to create a deep link
- Sign in and open the dashboard.
- Paste the web address into Destination URL. It is used for computers and as the fallback.
- Open Advanced options, find Open in app (deep link), and tick Open the app when it is installed.
- For iPhone and iPad, enter your app’s iOS URL scheme, such as
myapp, and optionally its App Store URL. - For Android, enter the Android package, such as
com.example.app. Optionally set an Android URL scheme or tick Use an Android intent link. - Optionally set the App path (by default the destination’s host and path) and a Fallback URL (by default the destination). Then press Create link.
You need at least an iOS URL scheme or an Android package. Settings can be changed later on the link’s Edit page.
Deep links and mobile targeting
If the same link also has a mobile targeting address for the visitor’s device, that address takes priority and the deep link page is not shown. Use mobile targeting to send phones to a fixed page such as an app store listing, and a deep link when you want to open the app itself.
Good uses for deep links
- Email and SMS campaigns. Open a product or offer screen in your app for people who already have it installed.
- Social posts. Take followers from a post straight into the app instead of a mobile web page.
- Printed QR codes. Combine a deep link with the link’s QR code so a scan opens the app.
Limits to know
urlf.ly opens apps through their URL scheme or an Android intent. It does not set up Apple Universal Links or Android App Links, and it cannot pass a link through an app installation, so a visitor who installs the app first will need to tap the link again. Your app must handle the scheme and path you enter.
Opening links in your app is part of the paid plan. You can upgrade from your dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the app is not installed?
The visitor stays on the Open in app page and can tap Get the app or Continue in browser. With an Android intent link, Android can also fall back to the website by itself.
What do computer users see?
Nothing different. Visitors on a computer go straight to the destination URL.
Do I need both an iOS and an Android app?
No. Fill in only the platform you have. You need at least an iOS URL scheme or an Android package.
Does the app open at a specific screen?
Yes, if your app supports it. The app is opened at the App path you set, or by default at the destination’s host and path.