# Deferred Deep Links

Deferred Deep Links ensure users reach the intended destination regardless of their device or app state keeping the destination intact across **install**.

* If the user has the app, they land on the target screen.
* If they don’t, they go to the store and still land on the target screen after first open.
* If they’re on desktop, they go to a web page (or fallback).

<figure><img src="https://1642824329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FX6uilbEAw42gqsudlclY%2Fuploads%2FxNajAIKzjlQEkXgBMlTw%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cbd66b70-c2b6-4950-b9f3-627fe0003382" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Start here (setup pages)

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>What you want to configure</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Open</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Create the deferred deep link (iOS + Android + web + store + fallback)</td><td><a href="deferred-deep-links/create-deferred-deep-link">create-deferred-deep-link</a></td></tr><tr><td>Create a branded pre-install landing page</td><td><a href="deferred-deep-links/create-custom-landing-page">create-custom-landing-page</a></td></tr><tr><td>Analyze link-driven behavior after the click</td><td><a href="../reports-and-analytics/analytics/event-insight">event-insight</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Minimum SDK requirement:

* Swift SDK: **v4.13.0+**
* Android SDK: **v4.11.0+**
  {% endhint %}

### Quickstart: create a working deferred deep link

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### 1) Choose the in-app destination

Decide the deep link target screen first (product page, checkout, onboarding, etc.).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 2) Configure your landing page (optional but recommended)

Set app name, icon, title/subtitle, and store URLs.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 3) Create the deferred deep link

Set:

* iOS deep link URL
* Android deep link URL
* Web URL (desktop)
* Store redirections
* Fallback URL
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 4) Use the link in campaigns

Use the same link across SMS, email, web push, QR codes, and ads.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 5) Test on 3 scenarios

* iOS / Android with app installed
* iOS / Android without app installed
* Desktop browser
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

### How it works (fast mental model)

* **Installed** → open app target via iOS/Android deep link URL
* **Not installed** → show landing page → store → first open routes to target
* **Desktop** → web page URL (or fallback)

### Why teams use it

* Preserve context across install.
* Reduce “home screen drop” after install.
* Track click → install → open paths more cleanly.
* Always have a safe fallback when content is missing or expired.

<figure><img src="https://1642824329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FX6uilbEAw42gqsudlclY%2Fuploads%2FXz8FKvac1ptT3qjSmAIo%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=36564dcd-ba54-43f1-9f11-9b5d0d05b30e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Deferred Deep Linking Use Cases by Industry

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="135.4332275390625">Industry</th><th width="148.691650390625">Use Case</th><th width="115.21148681640625">Entry Channel</th><th width="177.1282958984375">Deferred Deep Link Scenario</th><th>Outcome</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Banking &#x26; Fintech</strong></td><td>Link users to bill payment or loan options</td><td>Email</td><td>User clicks an email reminder, installs app, and opens directly to their bill or pre-approved loan application</td><td>Increases on-time payments and improves loan engagement</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Telecom &#x26; Utilities</strong></td><td>Encourage plan upgrades or outage tracking</td><td>Web Pop-up on Mobile Browser / Email</td><td>User taps an in-app prompt or email → installs app → lands directly on upgrade offer or outage notification page</td><td>Drives upsell and improves transparency during service issues</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Media &#x26; Entertainment</strong></td><td>Promote a show or exclusive content drop</td><td>Email</td><td>User clicks an ad/email → installs app → opens directly to the promoted episode, playlist, or livestream</td><td>Higher watch-through and viewer retention</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Retail &#x26; E-commerce</strong></td><td>Promote flash sales or limited-time offers</td><td>SMS / Web Push on Mobile Browser</td><td>User taps a link from a flash sale SMS or push, installs app, and lands directly on the promoted product page</td><td>Boosts urgency-driven purchases and reduces cart abandonment</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Travel &#x26; Hospitality</strong></td><td>Share boarding passes or hotel check-in screens</td><td>QR Code (print)</td><td>User scans QR at airport kiosk → installs app → lands on boarding pass or room key on the app</td><td>Streamlines travel process, lowers reliance on physical documents</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Healthcare</strong></td><td>Book appointments or access medical reports</td><td>SMS</td><td>Patient clicks SMS reminder → installs app → lands directly on appointment scheduling or prescription refill screen</td><td>Reduces missed appointments and increases retention</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Food Delivery</strong></td><td>Promote reorders or new restaurant offers</td><td>Web Push on Mobile Browser</td><td>User clicks a browser push notification → installs app → lands directly on the restaurant’s menu</td><td>Increases repeat orders and supports cross-sell of restaurants</td></tr></tbody></table>