Android DeepLink: Introduction and Practical Implementation

DeepLink technology has become a cornerstone in modern mobile app development, enabling seamless navigation from web content directly into specific sections of an installed application. This guide explores Android DeepLink in depth—covering its core concepts, implementation methods, business value, and key differences from related technologies like App Links. Whether you're a developer or product strategist, understanding DeepLinks is essential for enhancing user engagement and retention.

What Is Android DeepLink?

DeepLink, also known as deep linking, allows users to navigate directly from a URL (typically opened in a browser or search engine) to a specific activity or screen within an Android app. From a user perspective, it eliminates the need to manually open the app and locate desired content—instead, one click takes them straight to the relevant page.

Technically, DeepLink leverages custom URL schemes and intent filters in the AndroidManifest file to intercept incoming links and route them appropriately within the app.

For non-technical teams such as marketing or operations, DeepLink functions like an advanced sharing mechanism—enabling shared content to open directly inside the app, improving conversion rates and user experience.

The Business Value of DeepLinking

DeepLinking isn’t just a technical feature—it drives measurable business outcomes. Consider this common scenario:

You receive a promotional link via SMS or social media. Tapping it opens the app directly on the campaign page. If the app isn’t installed? You're redirected to the Play Store, and after installation, you land on the same page. This seamless flow significantly boosts user acquisition and engagement.

Types of DeepLinks

1. Standard DeepLink

Works only if the app is already installed.
Clicking the link opens the corresponding in-app content.
No fallback for users without the app.

2. Deferred DeepLink

Smarter and more user-friendly.
Detects whether the app is installed:
- If yes → opens the targeted in-app page.
- If no → redirects to app store; upon first launch, opens the intended content.
Uses device fingerprinting to match user sessions before and after installation, preserving referral context.

👉 Discover how top apps use smart redirection to boost conversions.

This approach enables:

Higher conversion rates from marketing campaigns.
Accurate attribution between referrers and new users.
Personalized onboarding experiences post-installation.

How to Implement DeepLink in Android

Implementing DeepLink involves configuring your app to recognize and handle custom URLs. Below is a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Define a Custom URL Scheme

In AndroidManifest.xml, add an intent filter to the target activity:

<activity android:name=".DeepLinkActivity">
    <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="will" android:host="link" />
    </intent-filter>
</activity>

This configuration tells Android that your app can handle URLs starting with will://link.

Step 2: Handle Incoming Intents

In your DeepLinkActivity.java, retrieve data from the intent:

private void getDataFromBrowser(TextView textView) {
    Uri data = getIntent().getData();
    if (data != null) {
        String scheme = data.getScheme(); // "will"
        String host = data.getHost();     // "link"
        List<String> params = data.getPathSegments(); // e.g., ["share", "testId"]
        String testId = params.get(0);

        String text = "Scheme: " + scheme + "\n" +
                      "Host: " + host + "\n" +
                      "Param: " + testId;

        textView.setText(text);
    }
}

Now, when a user clicks will://link/share/testId, the app opens DeepLinkActivity and displays the parsed data.

Step 3: Trigger from Web (HTML)

Create a simple HTML page with a link:

<a href="will://link/share/testId">Open App</a>

When clicked on a device with the app installed, it launches the app directly.

Understanding URL Schemes

At the heart of DeepLinking lies URL Schemes—a method to define custom protocols that apps can register to handle.

Examples:

sms: → Opens messaging app
tel: → Initiates phone call
mailto: → Composes email
weixin://dl/moments → Opens WeChat Moments

👉 See how leading fintech apps streamline access using custom schemes.

⚠️ Best Practice: Avoid conflicts by choosing unique scheme names (e.g., myapp://). Never reuse system-reserved schemes like http, sms, or popular ones like weixin.

You can pass parameters just like in web URLs:

myapp://product?id=123&source=campaign

Parsed in-app to display product #123 and track campaign source.

App Links: The Verified Alternative

While standard DeepLinks work well, they suffer from a major UX flaw: Android may show a disambiguation dialog asking users which app to use.

Enter Android App Links—a more advanced form of DeepLinking that verifies domain ownership, allowing direct app opening without prompts.

Key Features of App Links

Feature	Standard DeepLink	App Link
URL Scheme	Custom (e.g., `myapp://`)	Must be `https://`
Intent Action	Any	Must be `VIEW`
Intent Category	Any	Must include `BROWSABLE` & `DEFAULT`
Verification	None	Requires `assetlinks.json` on server
User Experience	May show chooser dialog	Opens app directly
Minimum SDK	All versions	Android 6.0+

How to Set Up App Links

Declare HTTP Intent Filter

<intent-filter android:autoVerify="true">
    <action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
    <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
    <category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
    <data android:scheme="https" android:host="www.example.com" />
</intent-filter>

Host Digital Asset Links File

Place assetlinks.json at:

https://www.example.com/.well-known/assetlinks.json

The file must declare your app’s package name and signing certificate fingerprint.

Once verified, clicking https://www.example.com/product/123 opens your app directly—no popups.

Limitations and Real-World Challenges

Despite their power, DeepLinks have limitations:

Platform Restrictions: Apps like WeChat, Weibo, and most third-party browsers block custom schemes for security reasons.
Limited App Link Support: Only works from trusted sources (SMS, notes, emails). Blocked in many in-app browsers.
No Fallback Handling in Standard DeepLinks: If the app isn’t installed, the link fails silently unless handled via JavaScript redirection.

Example: E-commerce giants like JD.com and Taobao use DeepLinks in affiliate marketing (CPS programs), but rely on hybrid solutions (e.g., landing pages) for broader compatibility.

Commonly Used URL Schemes

Here are widely recognized schemes across popular apps:

Zhihu:
- zhihu://answers/{id} → Open answer
- zhihu://people/{id} → User profile
WeChat:
- weixin://dl/moments → Moments feed
- weixin://dl/scan → Scan QR code
- weixin://dl/settings → Settings menu
Others:
- Taobao: taobao://
- Alipay: alipay://
- JD: openapp.jdmoble://
- Meituan: imeituan://
- Baidu Maps: baidumap://

These illustrate how deeply integrated DeepLinks are in China’s super-app ecosystem.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can DeepLink work if the app isn't installed?

Only with Deferred DeepLinking via third-party services (e.g., Firebase Dynamic Links, Branch.io). Standard DeepLinks fail silently.

Q2: Why doesn't my DeepLink work in WeChat?

WeChat blocks most custom URL schemes for security. Use official JS-SDK or redirect through a landing page.

Q3: What’s the difference between DeepLink and App Link?

App Link is a verified version of DeepLink using HTTPS domains. It avoids selection dialogs and provides better UX—but requires domain verification.

Q4: How do I test DeepLinks locally?

Use ADB commands:

adb shell am start -W -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "will://link/test" com.example.app

Q5: Are there alternatives to custom schemes?

Yes. Use Universal Links (iOS) or App Links (Android) with HTTPS URLs for wider compatibility and better security.

Q6: Can multiple apps register the same scheme?

Yes—this causes conflicts. One app will be chosen arbitrarily unless set as default. Always use unique schemes.

Final Thoughts

DeepLinking is crucial for creating frictionless user journeys—from marketing campaigns to personalized onboarding. While standard DeepLinks offer basic functionality, Deferred DeepLinks and App Links deliver superior results by handling both installed and non-installed scenarios.

However, due to platform restrictions (especially in popular Chinese apps), developers often combine DeepLinks with web fallbacks and analytics for robust performance.

👉 Learn how cutting-edge apps integrate deep navigation for maximum retention.

By mastering DeepLink implementation, you empower your app to deliver faster, smarter, and more engaging experiences—key drivers of growth in today’s competitive mobile landscape.

Core Keywords: Android DeepLink, URL Scheme, App Link, Deferred DeepLink, Intent Filter, Deep Linking, Mobile App Navigation, Custom URL Scheme