Universal links

Universal links are an iOS deep linking protocol that uses HTTPS URLs. After setting up universal links on a branded domain, existing users who select the universal link can open the app directly, and Adjust can measure the engagement. Universal links can also be used with other Adjust deep link methods depending on the ad environment.

• Use a branded domain to align deep links with your brand identity
• Improve user trust by redirecting users through a recognizable domain
• Support direct deep linking so existing users open the app from an HTTPS link
• Keep existing universal link domains while adding a branded domain

Universal links let iOS devices open a specific screen inside an app using an HTTPS URL.

Types of universal link domains in Adjust

Adjust can use different domains as universal link domains. The available options depend on which link domain setup is configured for the app.

1. Branded domain (recommended)

If a branded domain is set up for short links, that branded domain can also be used as a universal link domain.

• Set up a branded domain: https://help.adjust.com/en/article/set-up-branded-domain
• Example: https://insights.example

1. Enterprise domain (custom branded domain)

If the Enterprise Domain solution is set up, that enterprise domain can be used as a universal link domain.

• Enterprise Domain setup: https://help.adjust.com/en/article/enterprise-domain
• Example: https://app.brand.com

1. Adjust-provided universal link domain (legacy)

If a branded domain is not set up, Adjust assigns each app a subdomain on adj.st.

• Example: https://f2k5.adj.st

These universal link domain types can be used in parallel in Adjust. For consistency, use one universal link domain as the primary Adjust link domain across campaigns.

Get started

Before setting up universal links on a branded domain, ensure these requirements are met.

• Admin, Editor, or Custom Editor permissions are required to configure platform settings in AppView.
• A branded domain configured for use with Adjust short links
• Apple Developer account access and Xcode access to configure Associated Domains
• Required app details:
  • iOS bundle ID (example: com.example.app)
  • App ID prefix (from Apple Developer account)
  • App scheme (defined by the app)

Setup summary

1. Verify Apple Developer account and Xcode values
2. Define a custom URL scheme
3. Enable universal linking in Adjust
4. Add your branded domain as an Associated Domain
5. Set up the Adjust SDK for deep linking and short-link resolution

1. Verify Apple Developer account and Xcode values

1. Verify that the Team Name value in your Apple Developer account matches the Team value in Xcode.
2. Verify that the Bundle ID of your iOS app in Xcode is available as one of the Bundle IDs in your Apple Developer account, and that the Bundle ID is unique.
   • Example bundle ID: com.example.app
3. In your Apple Developer account, note the App ID Prefix for the Bundle ID.
   • Be aware that the App ID Prefix might be the Team ID in your Apple Developer account.

2. Define a custom URL scheme

Define the format of the custom URL scheme. This value is required in Adjust as the app scheme.

1. Define the custom URL scheme format.
   • Example: exampleApp
2. Register the custom URL scheme with the URL scheme and Bundle ID.

For more information, see Apple’s Developer documentation.

3. Enable universal linking in Adjust

Ensure that you have the following values:

• iOS Bundle ID: Unique app identifier value that you noted in Step 2 of Verify setup in your Apple Developer account and Xcode.
• App Prefix: Value that you noted in Step 3 of Verify setup in your Apple Developer account and Xcode.
• App Scheme: Value that you noted in Step 1 of Define a custom URL scheme for your app.

Then complete the steps to configure your app platform in AppView.

4. Add the branded domain as an Associated Domain

To implement deep linking from a branded domain, add the branded domain as an Associated Domain. The same steps below apply for Enterprise domains (custom branded domains) as well.

1. In your Apple Developer account, enable Associated Domains for the app’s Bundle ID.
2. In Xcode, enable Associated Domains, then add the domain in the applinks:{domain} format.
   • Example: applinks:brandName.go.link

Testing

Before using universal links in production campaigns, test link behavior and measurement. Use the dedicated guides to testing and troubleshooting for help with this.