Learn the fundamentals of deep linking, how it works, and why it's essential for modern mobile app development. Understand the difference between deep links, universal links, and app links.
Deep linking is a technology that allows users to navigate directly to specific content or functionality within a mobile app through a URL, rather than just opening the app's main screen. It creates a bridge between web content and mobile app content, enabling seamless user experiences across platforms.
Without deep linking, clicking a link only opens the app's home screen, requiring users to manually navigate to the desired content.
myapp://→ Opens app home screen
With deep linking, users are taken directly to the specific content they intended to access.
myapp://product/123→ Opens specific product page
User clicks a deep link from email, web page, or another app
Operating system recognizes the URL scheme and identifies the target app
Target app launches and receives the deep link URL
App parses the URL and navigates to the specific content or screen
https://myapp.com/product/123Product ID: 123Custom URL schemes use a unique protocol identifier to launch your app directly.
myapp://path/to/contentmyapp://product/123Note: Custom schemes only work if the app is installed. They don't provide fallback options.
Universal Links use standard HTTPS URLs that work on both web and mobile, with intelligent routing.
https://myapp.com/pathhttps://myapp.com/product/123Benefit: If app isn't installed, opens web page. If installed, opens app directly.
App Links are Android's equivalent to Universal Links, providing seamless web-to-app experiences.
https://myapp.com/pathhttps://myapp.com/product/123Benefit: Verified links that bypass the app chooser dialog for better UX.
Email promotion for a specific product
https://shop.app/product/sale-item-123Share a specific post or profile
https://social.app/post/abc123Direct link to an article
https://news.app/article/breaking-newsLink to a specific workout
https://fitness.app/workout/beginner-yogaRegister your app's URL scheme in the platform-specific configuration files:
<key>CFBundleURLTypes</key>
<array>
<dict>
<key>CFBundleURLName</key>
<string>com.myapp.deeplink</string>
<key>CFBundleURLSchemes</key>
<array>
<string>myapp</string>
</array>
</dict>
</array><activity android:name=".MainActivity">
<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>
</activity>Handle incoming deep links in your Flutter app:
import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
import 'package:uni_links/uni_links.dart';
class DeepLinkHandler {
static void initialize() {
// Handle app launch from deep link
getInitialLink().then((String? link) {
if (link != null) {
_handleDeepLink(link);
}
});
// Handle deep links when app is running
linkStream.listen((String link) {
_handleDeepLink(link);
});
}
static void _handleDeepLink(String link) {
final uri = Uri.parse(link);
switch (uri.scheme) {
case 'myapp':
_handleCustomScheme(uri);
break;
case 'https':
_handleUniversalLink(uri);
break;
}
}
static void _handleCustomScheme(Uri uri) {
final path = uri.path;
if (path.startsWith('/product/')) {
final productId = path.split('/').last;
// Navigate to product page
_navigateToProduct(productId);
} else if (path.startsWith('/user/')) {
final userId = path.split('/').last;
// Navigate to user profile
_navigateToUser(userId);
}
}
static void _handleUniversalLink(Uri uri) {
// Handle universal links (same logic as custom schemes)
_handleCustomScheme(uri);
}
static void _navigateToProduct(String productId) {
// Navigation logic here
print('Navigate to product: $productId');
}
static void _navigateToUser(String userId) {
// Navigation logic here
print('Navigate to user: $userId');
}
}Deep linking is a fundamental technology for modern mobile apps. By implementing it correctly, you can create seamless user experiences that bridge the gap between web and mobile platforms.