URL Scheme Protocol
URL Scheme Protocol allows your app to open directly from a web link for a smoother user experience. When configured correctly, it redirects users to a custom URL scheme and opens the specified link inside your app if it is installed.
When to pick URL Scheme: Use it for links inside your app, in push notifications, or in email campaigns where you know the user definitely has the app installed. For public links that non-users might open, use Deep Linking instead.
How URL Scheme Transforms a Link
Here’s the magic: you take a normal URL and add your unique string as a prefix. Your app reads that prefix, strips it off, and loads the rest of the URL inside the app.
URL Transformation - What You Send vs What the App Loads
YOU SEND myapp.https://yoursite.com/offers (opens in a new tab)
⬇️ APP READS - Sees prefix myapp. ➡️ strips it ➡️ opens the rest
APP OPENS https://yoursite.com/offers (opens in a new tab)
Link Handling
Find URL Scheme Protocol and click on Configure
Enter URL Scheme
Add the URL Scheme to direct users toward a specific link inside your app.
Rules for Choosing Your Unique String
Make it unique to your app - it should not be used by any other app on the device
Use only lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens - no spaces or special characters
Keep it short and recognisable - your brand name or app name works well
Avoid generic words like app or open which other apps might also use
Good
mystore, zomato-app, replit123
Avoid
app, open, link
Testing URL Schemes
To ensure your URL schemes are working correctly:
1. Deploy Your App: Build and deploy your app on a test device.
2. Test URL Schemes: Open a web browser or another app and redirect to your defined URL schemes, for example, "youruniquestring.https://example.com/path (opens in a new tab)".
3. Verify: Ensure your app opens and loads the specified URL correctly.
URL schemes do not work in desktop browsers. If you click the link on your laptop and nothing happens - that’s expected. Always test on a physical mobile device with your rebuilt app installed.
By following these steps appropriately, you can successfully enable and test URL schemes for both iOS and Android, ensuring that your app provides a seamless experience when users interact with your custom links.