What is Deep Linking?
Deep linking is a technique that uses Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) to direct users to a specific location within a mobile application, rather than simply opening the app to its default screen. Just as a web URL can point to a specific page on a website, a deep link points to a specific screen, product, or piece of content inside an app.
For example, instead of linking to an e-commerce app's home screen and expecting users to search for a product, a deep link can take them directly to that product's detail page. This creates a seamless, web-like navigation experience for mobile apps.
How it works
When a user taps a deep link, the operating system checks if the target app is installed. If the app is installed, the OS launches it and passes the URI so the app can route to the correct screen. The three main types of deep links are:
URI Schemes — Custom protocols like myapp://product/123. These are the simplest form but lack fallback behavior and can conflict between apps.
Universal Links (iOS) — Standard HTTPS URLs that Apple verifies against an Apple App Site Association (AASA) file hosted on your domain. If the app is installed, iOS opens it directly; otherwise, the URL opens in Safari.
Android App Links — Similar to Universal Links but for Android. They use Digital Asset Links (assetlinks.json) for domain verification and open the app directly when installed.
Why it matters
Deep linking is fundamental to mobile growth because it removes friction from the user journey. Apps that implement deep linking typically see higher conversion rates, better retention, and improved user engagement.
Key benefits include: - Higher conversion rates — Users land exactly where they need to, reducing drop-off - Better attribution — Track which campaigns, channels, and creatives drive installs and engagement - Seamless cross-platform experiences — Bridge the gap between web, email, social media, and your app - Improved re-engagement — Bring users back to specific content via push notifications, email, or ads
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between deep linking and regular linking?
Regular links open a website in a browser, while deep links open a specific screen inside a mobile app. Deep links provide a more seamless experience by taking users directly to the relevant content within the app.
Do deep links work if the app is not installed?
Standard deep links (URI schemes) do not work if the app is not installed — the link simply fails. However, deferred deep linking solves this by redirecting users to the app store first, then routing them to the intended content after installation.
How do I implement deep linking in my mobile app?
You need to configure your app to handle specific URL patterns (URI schemes, Universal Links, or App Links), set up server-side verification files (AASA for iOS, assetlinks.json for Android), and add routing logic in your app. Platforms like Redirectly simplify this with SDKs for Flutter and React Native.
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.
Android App Links
Android's verified deep linking mechanism that uses Digital Asset Links to associate HTTPS URLs with an app, allowing links to open directly in the app without a disambiguation dialog.
Deferred Deep Linking
A deep linking technique that preserves the intended destination through the app install process, routing users to specific content after they install and open the app for the first time.
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.