iOS Universal Links & Android App Links Setup Checklist

Verified deep linking (Universal Links on iOS, App Links on Android) is how you rank and convert on "deep linking" searches without broken Safari redirects. This checklist covers production setup.

Why verified links matter

Custom URL schemes (`myapp://product/123`) still work in some contexts but fail in email clients, social in-app browsers, and privacy-focused Safari modes. HTTPS deep links with domain verification open the app reliably and fall back to web when needed.

iOS Universal Links checklist

1. Register an HTTPS domain you control (or use HighGrow smart link domain) 2. Enable Associated Domains capability in Xcode 3. Add `applinks:yourdomain.com` to entitlements 4. Host `apple-app-site-association` (AASA) at `https://yourdomain.com/.well-known/apple-app-site-association` 5. Include app ID and path patterns (`/invite/*`, `/product/*`) 6. Handle `NSUserActivityTypeBrowsingWeb` in AppDelegate / SceneDelegate 7. Test on physical device — Universal Links do not work in Simulator for all flows

Android App Links checklist

1. Add intent filters with `android:autoVerify="true"` in AndroidManifest.xml 2. Host `assetlinks.json` at `https://yourdomain.com/.well-known/assetlinks.json` 3. Include SHA-256 cert fingerprint for release and debug builds 4. Verify with `adb shell pm get-app-links` 5. Handle incoming intents in MainActivity and route to Flutter/React Native bridge if needed

HighGrow Developer Hub shortcuts

• Domain validator in Dashboard → Developer Hub checks AASA and assetlinks reachability • Smart link debugger tests deferred deep linking on real devices • SDK returns parsed path + query params so you route consistently across platforms

Testing matrix

| Test | iOS | Android |
|------|-----|---------|
| App installed, tap HTTPS link | Opens app screen | Opens app screen |
| App not installed | Store → deferred deep link | Store → deferred deep link |
| Link in Instagram in-app browser | Universal Link or store | App Link or store |
| Desktop click | Web fallback URL | Web fallback URL |

SEO note for app teams

Publishing a deep linking setup guide (like this post) plus a dedicated deep linking platform landing page helps Google associate your domain with category keywords — not just your brand name. Link internally from blog → /deep-linking → /dynamic-links.

When to escalate

If you need product-level deep links across Shopify, referrals, and paid social simultaneously, use HighGrow dynamic links as the URL layer and verified domains for in-app handoff — one dashboard for links, QR codes, and attribution.

Start with our deep linking platform documentation or read how deferred deep linking works end-to-end.