Add deep links to an AI mobile app: routing, sign-in and safe destinations

A worked example: where the task becomes difficult

A fictional project app emails a link to a task. It opens correctly when the app is running but lands on Home after a cold start. Another link names a private task from a different account. The routing layer needs to retain the intended destination during startup while the receiving service checks ownership. Use controlled links and accounts rather than real customer tasks.

Decisions to make before implementation

Define supported schemes or domain links under the selected runtime. Keep a narrow destination map and reject malformed or external redirect parameters. Decide how missing, expired or inaccessible records are presented. Handle links before and after session initialization without triggering duplicate navigation. Verify actual device behavior because link registration and operating-system dispatch are part of the journey.

A practical sequence for the work

Use the sequence below as a task boundary, not as a claim that the example has been executed. Work with approved inputs and the project’s actual architecture. If a required integration or permission is unavailable, keep that stage visibly incomplete rather than generating a plausible substitute result.

• Write the supported link patterns and resource parameter contract.
• Configure the runtime and platform association where required.
• Route through session readiness and protected-resource validation.
• Test cold, warm, signed-out and invalid-link states on target devices.

A detailed brief you can adapt for your agent

Replace the illustrative context with your approved facts and controlled inputs. Keep the stated boundaries when adapting the brief. The expected deliverable matters more than a particular tool name: ask for an explanation grounded in the inspected material and evidence for the requested outcome.

Add controlled task deep links using the current runtime’s official linking contract. Define a narrow path map and validate parameters. Preserve the destination across startup and sign-in, but enforce resource ownership. Test cold and warm app states plus malformed and unauthorized links. Do not trust a link as access permission.

Failure modes that an attractive preview can hide

Parsing an arbitrary URL into an internal route can create unsafe redirects or expose unintended screens. Do not bypass authorization for links received through email. A simulator or browser-only check may not prove domain association works on installed devices. Preserve a useful web or error fallback for unsupported installations.

Technical references: Expo: linking overview

Acceptance checks and the evidence to retain

Keep link patterns, platform configuration, routing states and device results. Separate successful URL parsing from operating-system dispatch and protected-resource access.

Specific answers

Common questions