What is Android App Links?
Android App Links are Android's equivalent of iOS Universal Links. They allow verified HTTPS URLs to open directly in your Android app without showing a disambiguation dialog (the "Open with..." chooser). Google introduced App Links in Android 6.0 (API 23) as an improvement over basic intent filters.
Unlike basic deep links that use custom URI schemes or unverified intent filters, Android App Links require domain verification through a Digital Asset Links file (assetlinks.json). This verification proves that your app and website are owned by the same entity, preventing other apps from intercepting your links.
How it works
Android App Links use a verification system similar to iOS Universal Links:
1. assetlinks.json — A JSON file hosted at https://yourdomain.com/.well-known/assetlinks.json that declares the relationship between your domain and your app's package name and signing certificate.
2. Intent filter with autoVerify — Your app's AndroidManifest.xml includes intent filters with android:autoVerify="true", which tells Android to verify the domain association at install time.
3. Verification flow — When the app is installed, Android fetches the assetlinks.json file from each declared domain and checks that the app's package name and signing certificate match. If verification succeeds, the app is set as the default handler for those URLs.
4. Link handling — After verification, tapping a matching URL opens the app directly. The app receives an Intent containing the URL and can extract path parameters to route to the correct screen.
Why it matters
Android App Links provide a significantly better user experience than basic deep links:
- No disambiguation dialog — Links open in your app instantly, without asking the user to choose between apps - Security — Domain verification prevents other apps from claiming your URLs - Instant Apps support — App Links can trigger Android Instant App experiences - Google search integration — Verified App Links can surface in Google search results - Consistency with web — Uses the same HTTPS URLs as your website
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Android App Links and deep links?
Android deep links is a broad term that includes URI schemes, intent-based links, and App Links. Android App Links specifically refers to verified HTTPS links that use Digital Asset Links (assetlinks.json) for domain verification. App Links open directly in the app without a chooser dialog, while unverified deep links may show a disambiguation prompt.
How do I verify my assetlinks.json file is correct?
Use Redirectly's free Asset Links Validator tool to check your assetlinks.json file for formatting errors, missing fields, and certificate mismatches. You can also use Google's Digital Asset Links API for programmatic verification.
Do Android App Links work on all Android versions?
Android App Links with auto-verification require Android 6.0 (API 23) or higher. On older versions, intent filters still work but will show a disambiguation dialog. As of 2026, over 95% of active Android devices support App Links.
Related terms
Universal Links
An iOS feature that allows HTTPS URLs to open directly in a native app instead of Safari, verified through an Apple App Site Association (AASA) file.
Deep Linking
A technique that uses URIs to link directly to a specific screen or piece of content within a mobile app, rather than simply launching the app's home screen.
URI Schemes
Custom URL protocols (like myapp://path) that enable basic deep linking into mobile apps, though without the security and fallback benefits of Universal Links or App Links.
Apple App Site Association (AASA)
A JSON configuration file hosted on a web domain that tells iOS which URL paths should open in a native app, enabling Universal Links.