How to Open Links in App instead of Browser

There are two main methods to open links in apps instead of browsers: deep linking and universal links. These mechanisms tell your device to open the desired app when you tap a link.

The steps and processes differ slightly between Android and iOS, as well as specific applications like Microsoft Teams or other enterprise apps.

Steps to Open Links in Apps Instead of Browsers

Here’s how you can open links in apps instead of browsers across different platforms:

Open Links in Apps instead of Browsers on Android (Deep Links)

Below are the steps to open deep links in Apps instead of Browsers on Android devices.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Opening Links and ensure each app is allowed to open supported links. If needed, select Open supported links and set it to Always open.
2. Ensure apps like YouTube, Twitter, or WhatsApp are set up for deep linking. Developers can use Android’s intent filters in the manifest to configure links to open within the app.
3. Reset app preferences by going to Settings > Apps > Reset App Preferences if link choices are no longer available.
4. Confirm that apps are updated and support the specific links you’re trying to open. If not, the link may open in a browser instead.

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Open Links in Apps instead of Browsers on iOS (Universal Links)

Below are the steps to open universal links in Apps instead of Browsers on iOS devices.

1. Check Safari settings via Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data to ensure the app’s domain is listed. If not, it may default to the browser.
2. Test the link; if the app is installed and registered, it should open in the app. If it defaults to a browser, try reinstalling the app.
3. Reset app or Safari settings through Settings > General > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy to re-prompt the device to use the app for certain links.

Open Links in Apps instead of Browsers on Microsoft Teams or Enterprise Applications

Below are the steps to open links in Apps instead of Browsers on Microsoft Teams or enterprise applications.

1. For enterprise apps like Microsoft Teams, go to Settings > Files and set links and files to open within the app by default.
2. Check the operating system’s default app settings in Windows or macOS to ensure the app opens specific file types or links.
3. Adjust link-handling preferences within apps like Outlook or Word to ensure links open directly in the app instead of a browser.

Developer Considerations

Below are some important pointers that should be considered.

1. Set up deep linking on Android by defining intent filters in the manifest to allow specific URLs to open within the app.
2. Register universal links for iOS by configuring the app in Apple’s Developer Console and ensuring proper association files on the server.
3. Include fallback URLs to direct users to the app store or open the link in a browser if the app isn’t installed.

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