Deeplink Tester
Test deeplinks, universal links & app links instantly - free, online, no SDK required.
Updated
Paste a deeplink above to analyze it
What Is a Deeplink?
A deeplink is a URL that takes a user directly to a specific screen inside an app - not just the home page. There are three main types, and each works differently depending on the platform.
- Custom Scheme (myapp://): Works on iOS and Android. The app must be installed - if it isn't, the link fails silently with no fallback.
- Universal Link (iOS, HTTPS): Uses a normal https:// URL. iOS checks an apple-app-site-association file on your server to decide whether to open the app or the website. Works even if the app isn't installed.
- App Link (Android, HTTPS): Android's equivalent of Universal Links. Uses https:// and requires an assetlinks.json file on your server. Falls back to the browser if the app isn't installed.
Why App Links & Universal Links Beat Custom Schemes
Custom URI schemes (myapp://) were the original deep link solution, but they come with serious problems. App Links and Universal Links were designed to fix every one of them.
- Silent failure when app isn't installed: Custom schemes have no fallback. If the app isn't installed, the OS does nothing - the user is stranded with no error and no redirect. App Links and Universal Links fall back to the browser automatically.
- No verified ownership - hijackable: Any app can register myapp://. If two apps on a device claim the same scheme, Android shows a disambiguation dialog asking the user to choose. A malicious app could register your scheme intentionally. App Links and Universal Links require server-side verification (assetlinks.json or AASA file), so only your app can handle your domain.
- Browsers block custom scheme navigations: Modern browsers restrict navigating to custom URI schemes without a user gesture, and some block them entirely. HTTPS-based App Links and Universal Links behave like normal web URLs - browsers handle them without friction.
- App Links & Universal Links are the 2024+ standard: Both Apple (since iOS 9) and Google (since Android 6) recommend HTTPS-based links with server verification. They're more secure, more reliable, and give a better user experience on both platforms.
iOS Universal Links vs Android App Links
Both iOS Universal Links and Android App Links use HTTPS URLs to open specific app screens - but they're configured differently and behave slightly differently in the browser.
- iOS Universal Links: Require an apple-app-site-association (AASA) file hosted at /.well-known/apple-app-site-association on your domain. iOS fetches this file when the app is first installed. Common failures: AASA file not found, wrong content-type header, or app entitlements not configured.
- Android App Links: Require a Digital Asset Links file at /.well-known/assetlinks.json. Android verifies this at install time. Common failures: wrong SHA-256 fingerprint, missing namespace, or the app not declaring the intent-filter in its manifest.
- No SDK required for testing: This tool validates the structure of your link instantly - no need to install any SDK, run a simulator, or connect a device.
How to Test a Deeplink (Step by Step)
- Step 1 - Paste your link: Copy your deeplink, universal link, or app link and paste it into the input above.
- Step 2 - Review the analysis: The tool instantly detects the link type, parses the scheme, host, path, and query parameters, and shows which platforms the link is compatible with.
- Step 3 - Check warnings: If the tool detects a problem - like a missing HTTPS scheme or no app fallback - it will highlight it so you can fix it before launch.
- Step 4 - Test it live: Click Test Link to open the URL in a new tab. On a mobile device with the app installed, this will trigger the app to open.
- Pre-launch checklist: Confirm: scheme is correct, host and path match your app's routes, query params are present and encoded, platform compatibility matches your target audience, and any server-side files (AASA or assetlinks.json) are deployed.
Who Uses This Tool
- Developers: Validate deeplinks during development and QA to confirm routes, schemes, and parameters are correct before the feature ships.
- QA teams: Add deeplink validation to your pre-launch checklist. Paste links from tickets and verify they resolve correctly - no device or simulator needed for structural checks.
- Marketing teams: Verify campaign links before they go live. A broken deeplink in a push notification or email silently drops users at the home screen - test it first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deeplink tester?
A deeplink tester analyzes a deeplink URL - breaking down its type, scheme, host, path, and query parameters - and tells you which platforms it supports. Use it to catch issues before your link reaches real users.
Do I need an SDK to test deeplinks?
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser. No SDK, no install, no account required - just paste your link.
Can I test deeplinks without the app installed?
You can validate the link structure without the app installed. To confirm the app actually opens, you'll need it installed on a real device.
What's the difference between a deeplink and a universal link?
A deeplink (custom scheme) only works when the app is installed and has no fallback. A Universal Link uses HTTPS and works whether or not the app is installed - iOS decides whether to open the app or the website.
Why should I test deeplinks before launch?
Broken deeplinks silently drop users on the home screen or show an error - costing conversions and trust. Testing before launch confirms the link resolves to exactly the right screen.
Does this tool work on mobile?
Yes. The tool is fully responsive and works on iOS and Android browsers. You can test links directly on your phone.
What's the difference between universal links and app links?
Universal Links are Apple's iOS standard (HTTPS + apple-app-site-association file). App Links are Google's Android standard (HTTPS + assetlinks.json). Both open specific app screens from a web URL with a browser fallback if the app isn't installed.
Why shouldn't I use custom URI schemes (myapp://) anymore?
Three reasons: they silently fail with no fallback when the app isn't installed; any app can register the same scheme, making them hijackable; and browsers increasingly block custom scheme navigations. App Links (Android) and Universal Links (iOS) solve all three problems - they use HTTPS, require server-side verification to prevent hijacking, and fall back to the browser gracefully.
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