Universal & Deep Links: 2026 Complete Guide

Ever wrestled with Universal Links or App Links? You're not alone! Getting users from a link directly into your app can feel like navigating a minefield. This guide breaks down the four critical layers that need to align for deep linking success: your domain, your mobile apps, your hosting, and your client-side logic. Forget the mystery – learn how each piece fits together and why things often fail silently. The article emphasizes using Universal/App Links for external sources like email verification or password resets, while reserving custom URL schemes for internal app navigation. Key takeaway: Domain verification is king. If iOS or Android can't validate your verification files (apple-app-site-association or assetlinks.json), your app won't open, no matter how perfect your mobile code is.

The article gets practical, diving into the nitty-gritty of web setup. Think HTTPS, no redirects, correct Content-Type headers (application/json), and avoiding common framework pitfalls like Next.js's tendency to rewrite routes to index.html. It provides configuration examples for popular platforms like Next.js and Firebase, highlighting common gotchas. On the app side, you'll learn how to configure your iOS entitlements in Xcode (Associated Domains) and your Android manifest with intent filters, ensuring the OS knows your app is authorized to handle specific URLs. Crucially, you'll need to forward incoming URLs to React Native from your AppDelegate (iOS) and MainActivity (Android) so React Native can actually use the link.

Finally, the guide covers React Native integration using Linking.getInitialURL() for cold starts and Linking.addEventListener('url', handler) for runtime links. The article describes how to configure the React Navigation linking config to map URL paths and query parameters to specific screens. Debugging tips include testing on real devices, using fresh installs, and testing from actual email apps (Gmail, Apple Mail, Outlook). The guide also provides ADB commands to check Android domain verification and test direct app opening. Remember, a systematic approach is key, checking everything from web hosting and verification files to iOS entitlements and Android signature matching. By mastering these steps, you'll turn unreliable deep links into a robust user experience.

📰 Original article: https://dev.to/marko_boras_64fe51f7833a6/universal-deep-links-2026-complete-guide-36c4

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