Master the difference between deferred and regular deep linking. Learn when to use each approach, understand the user flows, see implementation patterns, and discover how they affect user experience and app onboarding.
Regular Deep Link: User clicks a link when the app is already installed. Opens app directly to the specified screen.
Deferred Deep Link: User clicks a link and doesn't have the app installed yet. After installing from app store, the app remembers the original link and opens to the specified screen on first launch.
What It Is
Regular deep linking handles users who already have your app installed. When they click a link, the app opens immediately and navigates to the requested screen.
User clicks link
https://myapp.com/product/shoes-123OS checks if app is installed
iOS/Android verifies app availability
App launches immediately
App opens with the deep link data
Navigation handles the link
App routes user to product screen
Use Case
Perfect for existing users navigating within your app ecosystem. Examples: email newsletter links, social media posts, internal app referrals, web to app transitions.
What It Is
Deferred deep linking captures the user's intent before the app is installed. After the user installs the app, the deep link context is delivered on first launch, routing them to the intended destination.
User clicks link
https://myapp.com/product/shoes-123App not installed detected
System redirects to app store
Link context stored
Platform service remembers the deep link intent
User installs app
User downloads and installs from store
First launch delivers context
App queries for stored deep link on first open
Deferred navigation happens
User sees product page instead of home screen
Use Case
Essential for user acquisition. Examples: paid ad campaigns, influencer links, organic search results, viral sharing campaigns where you expect many new users.
Handled entirely by the app using native iOS/Android linking APIs or cross-platform frameworks like React Navigation.
// React Native Example
const linking = {
prefixes: ['https://myapp.com'],
config: {
screens: {
Product: 'product/:id',
},
},
};App automatically parses incoming URL and routes user. No backend service needed.
Requires a backend service to store link context and deliver it on first app open. Typically uses deep linking SDKs from platforms like Branch, AppsFlyer, or Adjust.
// Branch SDK Example
import { Branch } from 'react-native-branch';
// Initialize
Branch.subscribe(({ error, params }) => {
if (error) console.log('Error: ' + error);
// params contain the deep link data
if (params['+clicked_branch_link']) {
// Handle deferred deep link
}
});SDK queries backend service on first launch to retrieve stored link context.
Architecture Difference
Regular deep linking is a direct link: URL → App → Navigation. Deferred deep linking adds a service layer: URL → Service (stores context) → App Store → First Open (retrieve context from service) → Navigation.
Timeline
Click → Instant App Open (< 1 second)
User Perception
Seamless, fast, no interruption
Friction Points
None - direct app launch
Best For
Engaged users who already have the app
Timeline
Click → App Store → Download (5-60 seconds) → First Open → Navigation
User Perception
Install required, but still gets intended experience after
Friction Points
App store redirect, install delay, but rewarded with contextual landing
Best For
New users discovering app through marketing
Key Insight
Deferred deep linking turns an install into a directed onboarding experience. Instead of showing new users your home screen, you can introduce them directly to the product they showed interest in.
The most effective approach uses both regular and deferred deep linking in a single implementation:
1Native Deep Linking (Always)
Implement regular deep linking for all your users. This handles existing users seamlessly.
2Deferred Deep Linking (For Marketing)
For paid campaigns and new user acquisition, layer on deferred deep linking to capture new users.
3Fallback to Web
Always provide a web fallback for users who don't install or for verification purposes.
Result:
100% of users get the intended experience—installed users get instant navigation, new users get guided onboarding after install.
Redirectly supports both regular and deferred deep linking with a lightweight, privacy-first approach. Start with native deep linking, then add deferred capabilities as you scale.