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Overview

AppsOnAir’s AppLink simplify complex user journeys and boost app engagement by making every link smarter, context-aware, and persistent.

BETA

The plugin is fully functional and integrates with our AppLink service, which is currently in public beta. While you can start using it today, please note that there may be minor changes or improvements as we prepare for full production launch.

Introduction​

AppsOnAir introduces AppLink, a smart deep linking solution that makes every link intelligent and persistent. It simplifies user journeys and boosts engagement by smoothly directing users to the right content across any device, with or without the app installed.

With AppLink, you can create personalized and context-aware experiences that persist across app installations. When a user clicks an AppLink, they are intelligently redirected based on the device and app installation status:

  • If the app is installed, the link opens the app directly to the intended screen or content.

  • If the app is not installed, the user is redirected to the app store (or a specified fallback URL), and once installed, the app can still retrieve the original link data to resume the intended flow.

AppLink is a smart linking solution that ensures your users enjoy the most seamless experience across devices and platforms, whether or not your app is already installed. Designed as a modern replacement for Firebase Dynamic Links, AppLink helps you deliver deep, contextual user journeys with minimal friction.

When a user taps an AppLink on Android or iOS, they're taken directly to the relevant in-app content. If they don’t have the app installed, AppLink intelligently routes them to the app store, and once installed, automatically resumes the intended deep link action, creating a smooth and engaging user experience.

AppLink also supports desktop browsers by redirecting users to the corresponding content on your website, maintaining context across platforms. As Firebase Dynamic Links phases out, AppLink provides a reliable, future-proof alternative for powering your app’s deep linking strategy.

How does it work?​

You can create an AppLink using the dashboard or by manually appending parameters to your custom domain. These parameters control how the link behaves based on the user’s device and whether the app is installed. If the app isn’t installed, AppLink redirects the user to the appropriate app store. Once installed, your app opens and can access the original link content seamlessly.

All AppLink features, including analytics, post-install attribution, and SDK integrations, work seamlessly with both default AppLink domains and your own custom domain.

Implementation Path​

StepDescription
❶ Set up AppLink configuration and install AppLink SDKEnable AppLinks for your AppsOnAir app in the AppsOnAir web portal. Then include the AppLink SDK in your app.
❷ Create AppLinkYou can create AppLinks either through the AppLink dashboard or by generating them programmatically.
❸ Handle AppLinks in your appAt app launch, the AppLink SDK allows you to detect whether the app was opened via an AppLink. If it was, you can retrieve the associated deep link and navigate the user to the relevant in-app content.
❹ View analytics dataTrack the performance of your AppLinks in the AppsOnAir web portal.

You can create AppLinks in the following ways:

  • Via the AppLink Portal – Best for creating promotional or shareable links. You can customize the link name and suffix, and track performance using built-in analytics tools.
  • Programmatically within your app – Available for iOS, Android, Flutter, and React Native. This is ideal for generating contextual or user-to-user links directly through the AppLink SDK.
Prerequisites
  • Before getting started, ensure your AppLink configuration is set up.

Supported Platforms​

PlatformLanguages/Tools
AndroidNative support with Kotlin & Java
iOSFully compatible with Swift, SwiftUI & Objective-C
FlutterEasy-to-use plugin for cross-platform integration
React NativeNative module with seamless integration into React Native apps

Key Capabilities​

  • Cross-Platform Support: Links that work across iOS, Android, and the web.

  • Deferred Deep Linking: Deliver personalized content even after the app is installed.

  • Custom Link Behavior: Tailor how links behave depending on platform, app state, or user type.

  • Easy Integration: Lightweight SDKs and APIs for effortless implementation.

  • Marketing Friendly: Perfect for user onboarding, referrals, content sharing, and re-engagement campaigns.

Use Cases​

  • Referral Campaigns: Track and attribute user referrals through install and launch.

  • Promotions & Offers: Deliver unique content tied to seasonal campaigns or special events.

  • Content Sharing: Let users share specific app screens with others, driving organic growth.

  • User Re-Engagement: Bring inactive users directly back to where they left off.