How to test deep links on iPhone, Android, and social browsers

Build a small test matrix

• Test iPhone or iPad with the destination app installed.
• Test Android with the destination app installed.
• Test at least one device without the app or with the app handoff unavailable.
• Test desktop to confirm the normal web destination.
• Test inside Instagram or TikTok when that is where the link will be published.

Run each test

1. 1Copy the public Smart Link.
2. 2Open it from the real browser or social placement you are checking.
3. 3Confirm the correct content opens, not just the correct app.
4. 4If the app cannot open, confirm the fallback reaches the intended web page.
5. 5Check that affiliate and campaign parameters still look correct where the destination exposes them.
6. 6Record the device, operating system, browser, app-installed state, and result.

Social browser checks

• Confirm the Instagram and TikTok app-routing switches match the campaign.
• Test the external-browser fallback when the social browser traps or blocks the handoff.
• Test the in-app-browser fallback separately if you intentionally keep visitors inside the social app.
• Do not assume a Safari or Chrome result proves the Instagram or TikTok result.