Confused by the terminology? Learn the differences between deep linking, Universal Links (iOS), and App Links (Android). Understand URI schemes, custom protocols, and when to use each approach for seamless app navigation.
Deep linking is the umbrella term. Universal Links (iOS) and App Links (Android) are Apple and Google's standard implementations of deep linking using standard HTTPS URLs. Custom URI schemes are the older approach.
Definition
Deep linking is the technique of directing users to a specific location within an app, not just opening the app at its home screen. Instead of launching your app's main screen, a deep link takes you directly to the product page, checkout screen, or any specific content.
User clicks a link
https://myapp.com/product/shoes-123App detects the deep link
The URL is parsed to extract product ID: shoes-123
App navigates to destination
App opens directly to the product page instead of home screen
Custom URI schemes are proprietary protocols registered with the app. When iOS or Android encounters a scheme, it launches the associated app.
myapp://product/shoes-123 myapp://user/john-smith myapp://checkout?cart-id=abc123
Why Avoid URI Schemes Today
Modern apps should use Universal Links (iOS) or App Links (Android). URI schemes have security issues and poor user experience. If someone else registers the same scheme, their app could intercept your links.
What Are Universal Links?
Universal Links allow iOS apps to be associated with standard HTTPS URLs. When a user taps a link, iOS checks if the app is installed and opens it directly, or falls back to the website if not.
1. User taps link
https://myapp.com/product/shoes-1232. iOS downloads AASA file
https://myapp.com/.well-known/apple-app-site-association3. iOS verifies app ownership
Checks Team ID and bundle ID match in AASA file
4. App opens or website loads
If verified, app opens. If app not installed, website loads in Safari.
{
"applinks": {
"apps": [],
"details": [
{
"appID": "ABC123DEF456.com.myapp.ios",
"paths": ["/product/*", "/user/*", "NOT /admin/*"]
}
]
}
}What Are App Links?
App Links are Android's version of Universal Links. They associate standard HTTPS URLs with your app and handle deep linking with automatic fallback to the website if the app isn't installed.
1. User taps link
https://myapp.com/product/shoes-1232. Android downloads assetlinks.json
https://myapp.com/.well-known/assetlinks.json3. Android verifies package signature
Confirms app signing certificate matches assetlinks.json
4. App opens directly (no dialog)
App opens immediately to specified destination
[
{
"relation": ["delegate_permission/common.handle_all_urls"],
"target": {
"namespace": "android_app",
"package_name": "com.myapp.android",
"sha256_cert_fingerprints": [
"AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF:00:11:22:33:44:55:66:77:88:99:AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF:00:11:22:33:44:55:66:77:88:99"
]
}
}
]| Aspect | URI Schemes | Universal Links | App Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS only | Android only |
| URL Format | myapp://path | https://myapp.com/path | https://myapp.com/path |
| App Chooser Dialog | Yes | No | No |
| Fallback to Web | No | Yes | Yes |
| SEO Friendly | No | Yes | Yes |
| Verification File | None | apple-app-site-association | assetlinks.json |
| Recommended | No | Yes | Yes |
Only use custom URI schemes if you need to support very old iOS or Android versions (pre-2015). They have significant disadvantages and security risks.
If you must use them, combine with Universal Links or App Links as a fallback.
Always use Universal Links for iOS apps. They provide the best user experience, are secure, and work across all modern iOS versions.
App Links are the standard for Android deep linking. They're secure, don't show app chooser dialogs, and support web fallbacks.
For cross-platform apps, implement both Universal Links and App Links using the same domain and URL structure. This ensures consistent behavior across both platforms.
Use standard HTTPS URLs
Never use custom URI schemes for new apps
Implement both platforms
Support both iOS Universal Links and Android App Links
Validate your setup
Test thoroughly on real devices before deploying
Plan fallback routes
Ensure web version handles all deep link paths gracefully
Monitor deep links
Track which deep links are being used to guide product decisions
Redirectly makes it easy to set up and manage deep linking for both iOS and Android with a lightweight, privacy-first approach.
Complete Deep Linking Guide