Getting Started with Deep Linking: A Complete Guide

Deep linking is essential for creating seamless user experiences in mobile apps. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about implementing deep links in your app.

What is Deep Linking?

Deep linking allows you to direct users to specific content within your mobile app, rather than just opening the app to the home screen. This creates a more personalized and efficient user experience.

Types of Deep Links

1. Basic Deep Links: Simple URI schemes (e.g., myapp://product/123)
2. Universal Links (iOS): Web URLs that open your app when installed
3. App Links (Android): Android's equivalent to Universal Links

Why Use Deep Links?

Deep linking offers several key benefits:

• Improved User Experience: Take users directly to relevant content
• Higher Conversion Rates: Reduce friction in the user journey
• Better Attribution: Track which campaigns drive app engagement
• Enhanced Re-engagement: Bring inactive users back to specific features

Implementation Steps

1. Define Your URL Scheme

First, register a custom URL scheme for your app:

iOS (Info.plist):

<key>CFBundleURLTypes</key>
<array>
  <dict>
    <key>CFBundleURLSchemes</key>
    <array>
      <string>myapp</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</array>

Android (AndroidManifest.xml):

<intent-filter>
  <action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
  <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
  <category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
  <data android:scheme="myapp" />
</intent-filter>

2. Handle Incoming Links

Implement logic to parse and handle incoming deep links:

React Native Example:

import { Linking } from "react-native";

Linking.addEventListener("url", ({ url }) => {
  // Parse the URL and navigate to the appropriate screen
  const route = parseDeepLink(url);
  navigation.navigate(route.screen, route.params);
});

3. Create Smart Links with SmartLinks

SmartLinks makes it easy to create cross-platform deep links that work everywhere:

const smartLink = await createSmartLink({
  url: "https://myapp.com/product/123",
  ios: {
    deepLink: "myapp://product/123",
    appStoreId: "123456789",
  },
  android: {
    deepLink: "myapp://product/123",
    packageName: "com.example.myapp",
  },
});

Best Practices

1. Always Provide Fallbacks

Ensure users without your app can still access content:

{
  deepLink: 'myapp://product/123',
  fallbackUrl: 'https://myapp.com/products/123'
}

2. Test Thoroughly

Test your deep links on:

• Various iOS versions
• Different Android devices
• With and without the app installed
• From different sources (email, SMS, social media)

3. Handle Edge Cases

Consider scenarios like:

• App not installed
• Outdated app version
• Network connectivity issues
• Invalid or expired links

4. Monitor Performance

Track deep link analytics to understand:

• Which links perform best
• Where users drop off
• Platform-specific behavior
• Conversion rates

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Universal Links Not Working

Solution: Verify your AASA (Apple App Site Association) file:

• Hosted at https://yourdomain.com/.well-known/apple-app-site-association
• Valid JSON format
• Correct app IDs
• HTTPS required

Challenge 2: Deferred Deep Linking

When a user clicks a link before installing your app:

Solution: Use SmartLinks' deferred deep linking feature:

// After app install, retrieve the original deep link
const deferredLink = await SmartLinks.getDeferredLink();
if (deferredLink) {
  navigation.navigate(parseLink(deferredLink));
}

Real-World Use Cases

E-Commerce

Direct users to specific products:

smartlinks.com/abc123 → myapp://product/winter-jacket

Content Apps

Link to articles or videos:

smartlinks.com/xyz789 → myapp://article/deep-linking-guide

Social Networks

Open user profiles:

smartlinks.com/user123 → myapp://profile/johndoe

Measuring Success

Track these key metrics:

• Click-Through Rate (CTR): Percentage of users who click your links
• Install Rate: Users who install after clicking
• Open Rate: Users who open the app from the link
• Conversion Rate: Users who complete desired actions

Next Steps

1. Implement basic deep linking in your app
2. Set up Universal Links and App Links
3. Create smart links with SmartLinks
4. Test across platforms
5. Monitor and optimize performance

Resources

• SmartLinks Documentation
• iOS Universal Links Guide
• Android App Links Guide

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Need help implementing deep linking? Contact our team for personalized support.

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Published on January 28, 2026 by the SmartLinks Team

Tags: deep linking, mobile, tutorial, ios, android, universal links, app links