QR Code Deep Links?

Question

Created Jun ’23

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Hi, does anyone know of a service that will generate QR codes that contain Universal Links so that we can deep link into specific areas of our iOS app?

I have my app code set up to deep link and the requisite apple-app-site-association file ready to go, but I cannot find a QR code generator that will allow us to enter an Apple Universal Link.

One service, Scanova, has relayed to us that we have to create a URI that will tell their system to redirect to a web page containing the Universal LInk, which seems to defeat the purpose as Universal Links are supposed to be direct.

So is this possible to do at all or we have to go the route Scanova indicates?

thanks for your help in advance & cheers, Gordon

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Answer 1

endecotp OP

Jun ’23

I cannot find a QR code generator that will allow us to enter an Apple Universal Link.

"Universal Links" are regular HTTPS URLs, so every QR code generator should be able to create them. (I use a trivial command-line utility called qrencode; its probably on homebrew.)

Having said that, I don't know for sure that if e.g. the camera app views a QR code for a universal link, it will actually invoke the associated app. If I recall correctly, typing a universal link URL into the Safari address bar does not launch the associated app.

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Answer 2

endecotp OP

Jul ’23

Try this:

I created it using qrencode as follows:

$ qrencode -o qrnz.png 'https://3dmapapp.nz/map?lat=-43.57&lon=170.22&zoom=12'

That is a universal link for my app "3D Map New Zealand". On my phone where the app is installed, if I view the code with the camera, it opens the app. Assuming that you're not one of the about 4 people who have ever bought the app, maybe it will open the App Store for you (let me know!).

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Answer 3

endecotp OP

Jul ’23

I think I understand now that QR code services build in extra linking data, so it first routes the deep link to their service site for tracking and analytics purposes.

I didn't even know that such (dis)services existed, though I guess it shouldn't surprise me.

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