How it works
The simplest form is a custom scheme such as myapp://product/42, but any app can claim a scheme and the link fails when the app is missing. Verified links use ordinary https URLs instead: Android App Links need an assetlinks.json file under /.well-known/ on the website listing the app's signing key fingerprint, and iOS Universal Links need an apple-app-site-association file plus the Associated Domains setting in the app. Since Android 12, web links open in the browser unless the domain is verified.
If the app is not installed, a verified link simply opens the website, which should show the same content. Deferred deep links, which carry the destination through a fresh install, need an attribution service such as Branch or AppsFlyer, since Firebase Dynamic Links shut down in August 2025.
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