Deep linking
What is a URI scheme?
Short answer
A URI scheme is a custom prefix such as myapp:// that an app registers so that links starting with it open the app, for example myapp://product/42. It is the quickest kind of deep link to set up, but nothing checks who owns a scheme, and nothing happens when the app isn’t installed.
How it works
The app declares its scheme when it’s built: in Xcode’s URL Types on iOS, in an intent filter in the manifest on Android. When someone taps myapp://…, the system finds the app that registered the scheme and passes along the rest of the link, which the app turns into a screen.
The two limits
There’s no ownership check. Another app can register the same scheme, and Apple’s documentation says that when several apps do, which one opens is undefined. And when the app isn’t installed, the tap goes nowhere. That’s why Apple strongly recommends Universal Links for linking to your content.
Where schemes still fit
A scheme works well as the deep link target behind a smart link. The smart link checks the device and only tries the scheme where it makes sense, sending everyone else to the store or the website.
myapp://product/42Related terms
- Deep link
A deep link is a link that opens a specific screen inside a mobile app, such as a product page, an article or a saved cart, instead of a web page or the app’s home screen. It can be a custom URI scheme, an iOS Universal Link, an Android App Link or a deferred deep link.
- Intent URL
An intent URL is a link format for Chrome on Android that starts with intent:// and names an app’s scheme and package. If the app is installed, Chrome opens it on the right screen. If not, Chrome opens the web address given in browser_fallback_url, or the app’s Google Play page when there is none.
- Universal Links
Universal Links are Apple’s https links that open an installed iOS app directly instead of the website, available since iOS 9. They need the Associated Domains entitlement in the app, such as applinks:example.com, and an apple-app-site-association file on the domain. Without the app, the same link simply opens the website.
One link for every phone
Create a free smart link and QR code that sends iPhones to the App Store, Android phones to Google Play and desktops to your website.