GUIDE
App download link checklist
Use this checklist before you share a mobile app download link in campaigns, QR codes, websites, email, SMS, or launch materials. The goal is one stable public URL that routes people to the right place. If the link will be printed, pair this with the one QR code guide; if the visible domain matters, review custom domain app links.
Direct answer
Check the destinations, test the devices, and decide whether you need a custom domain before the link goes public. If the link will live in more than one channel, make sure you can edit it later.
Before you publish
Use this order
Start with the destinations, test the devices, then confirm the link still makes sense after launch.
Run the store URL checker before sharing the link.
- 1. Confirm the App Store URL is correct.
- 2. Confirm the Google Play URL is correct.
- 3. Set a web fallback that works on desktop and other non-store visits.
- 4. Decide whether the public link should use a custom domain for trust and recognition.
- 5. Test the link on iPhone, Android, and desktop.
- 6. Scan the QR code on a phone if the link will be printed.
- 7. Confirm the destinations can still be edited after launch.
- 8. Check that the copy matches the actual job: routing, not attribution.
Destination checklist
- App Store URL
- Google Play URL
- Web fallback for desktop visitors
- Desktop behavior you expect when no app is installed
- Editable destination check
- Fallback check on a desktop browser
- No hidden app behavior required for the link to work
Campaign checklist
- QR code tested
- iPhone tested
- Android tested
- Desktop tested
- Custom domain if the asset needs to look branded
- Destinations editable after launch
- Printed QR label and landing copy describe the same destination role
Analytics checklist
- Basic aggregate clicks
- Campaign-level visibility for simple review and internal follow-up
- No attribution claim
- No visitor-level or raw clickstream analytics promise
Common mistakes
Skipping desktop testing
Even if the link is app-focused, desktop visitors still need a useful fallback path.
Assuming attribution comes with routing
Routing and attribution are different jobs. Smart Linker covers the routing job, not install attribution.
Letting the URL rot
If the public URL cannot be edited later, campaign cleanup becomes more expensive than it needs to be.
Using a link that is too generic
The link should signal what it does and should feel trustworthy in print, support, and launch materials.
When Smart Linker is enough
Smart Linker is enough when you need one public app install-routing URL, editable destinations, QR-ready distribution, custom domains when needed, and basic aggregate clicks. If you need deferred deep linking, attribution, or an MMP workflow, the job is bigger than routing.
How to replace separate App Store and Google Play links with one testable URL
Separate store links are valid, but they ask visitors or campaign owners to choose a store, add maintenance work, and make printed QR layouts harder to keep consistent. Use one stable public URL with App Store, Google Play, and web fallback destinations.
-
1
Validate destination URLs
Start with the App Store and Google Play URL Checker. It checks structural URL readiness, not live store availability, app ownership, installation, or official Apple or Google validation.
-
2
Create the routing URL
In the create flow, paste the first store URL, add the other store URL and web fallback when the fields appear, then continue through optional setup. In preview, choose the public link name and editable slug, review the configured destinations, and create the link.
-
3
Compare observed redirects
Use the Smart Link Preview Checker for desktop-like, iOS-like, and Android-like request contexts. Record the observed destination and redirect chain; simulated contexts do not replace physical-device tests.
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4
Validate QR use
Follow the one QR code guide. Before real-device testing, check the QR image and its destination. Scan the final QR with a real iPhone, a real Android device, and the desktop or browser fallback where relevant; Smart Linker does not simulate real devices.
-
5
Record the result
Use this pre-publication checklist to record your own checks rather than assuming a result.
- Context/device
- Desktop-like
- Test method
- Preview Checker and browser fallback
- Expected configured destination
- Web fallback
- Observed result to record
- Final destination and redirect chain
- Context/device
- iOS-like / real iPhone
- Test method
- Preview Checker, then physical-device test
- Expected configured destination
- App Store destination
- Observed result to record
- Observed destination and physical-device result
- Context/device
- Android-like / real Android
- Test method
- Preview Checker, then physical-device test
- Expected configured destination
- Google Play destination
- Observed result to record
- Observed destination and physical-device result
- Context/device
- Final printed QR
- Test method
- Scan with real iPhone and Android
- Expected configured destination
- Configured destination for each device
- Observed result to record
- Scan result, destination, and QR asset version
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6
Understand the boundaries
This workflow covers public install and store routing. App install links vs deep links explains what it does not provide or validate: native app opening, installed-app detection, deferred deep linking, Universal Links, Android App Links, SDK or MMP attribution, or install or conversion measurement.
FAQ
Answers are visible on the page, so you can scan them without expanding anything.
What should I check before sharing an app download link?
Verify the App Store URL, the Google Play URL, the web fallback, and the desktop behavior. Then test the link on the devices and placements you plan to use.
Do I need attribution to use Smart Linker?
No. Smart Linker is enough when you need one public install-routing link and basic aggregate click visibility, not install attribution.
Can I edit the destinations later?
Yes. The public URL can stay the same while the store and fallback destinations behind it change later.
Does Smart Linker show raw clickstream or visitor-level analytics?
No. Smart Linker stays on basic aggregate clicks and does not position itself as a raw clickstream or visitor-level analytics platform.
Create your download link
Use one public URL, keep the destinations editable, and share it where your launch needs it.
Create your Smart Link