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How to Test Deep Links on Android: Complete Guide 2026

Learn 5 proven methods to test Android deep links using ADB, Chrome, and automation. Includes deferred deep link testing and troubleshooting tips.

December 19, 2025 14 min read
A
Abhishek Singh
Published in Smler Team
How to Test Deep Links on Android: Complete Guide 2026

Testing deep links is critical to ensuring your Android app delivers a seamless user experience. Whether you're implementing Android App Links or custom URI schemes, proper testing prevents broken user journeys and costly marketing mistakes. This guide walks you through every method to test deep links on Android effectively.

Deep links are URLs that navigate users directly to specific content within your Android app, bypassing the home screen. There are three types:

  • Deep Links (URI Schemes): Custom URIs like myapp://product/123

  • Web Links: HTTP/HTTPS URLs that open in browsers by default

  • Android App Links: Verified HTTPS URLs that open directly in your app without disambiguation dialogs

Learn more about Android App Links in our complete expert guide.

Method 1: Testing with ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

ADB is the most reliable method for testing deep links during development. This command-line tool lets you simulate deep link clicks without creating test campaigns.

Prerequisites

  • Android SDK installed with ADB configured

  • USB debugging enabled on your Android device

  • Your app installed on the test device

Step-by-Step ADB Testing

1. Connect your Android device via USB

Verify the connection by running:

adb devices

2. Test a deep link URL

Use this command to simulate clicking a deep link:

adb shell am start -W -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "https://yourdomain.com/product/123" com.yourpackage.name

Replace:

  • https://yourdomain.com/product/123 with your actual deep link URL

  • com.yourpackage.name with your app's package name

3. Verify the behavior

Your app should launch and navigate to the specified content. If it doesn't, check your AndroidManifest.xml intent filters.

Testing Custom URI Schemes

For custom schemes like myapp://, use:

adb shell am start -W -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "myapp://product/123" com.yourpackage.name

Method 2: Testing with Chrome Browser

The Chrome browser on Android provides a quick way to test deep links without ADB.

Steps:

  1. Open Chrome on your Android device

  2. Type your deep link URL directly in the address bar (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/product/123)

  3. Press Enter

  4. If properly configured, you'll see a prompt to open the link in your app, or it will open automatically for verified App Links

Alternatively: You can message yourself the link via whatsapp, telegram or text message and click the link there to test the flow too.

Important: This method only works for HTTP/HTTPS deep links, not custom URI schemes.

Method 3: Testing with Third-Party Tools

Deep Link Tester Apps

Several Android apps can help test deep links:

  • Activity Launcher: Test any deep link by manually triggering intents

  • Deep Link Launcher: Store and test multiple deep links

Online Testing Tools

Use online deep link validators to generate QR codes that you can scan with your device. Check out our guide on QR Code deep linking for offline marketing.

Deferred deep links work even when your app isn't installed. Testing them requires a different approach:

Testing Scenario 1: App Not Installed

  1. Uninstall your app from the test device

  2. Click the deferred deep link

  3. You should be redirected to the Play Store

  4. Install the app

  5. Open the app for the first time

  6. Verify you're navigated to the intended content

Testing Scenario 2: App Already Installed

  1. Click the deferred deep link with your app installed

  2. The app should open directly to the specific content

Learn more about implementing deferred deep links in our Android integration guide.

Android App Links require domain verification. Test if your verification is working:

Check Digital Asset Links File

Verify your assetlinks.json file is accessible:

https://yourdomain.com/.well-known/assetlinks.json

ADB Verification Check

Use this command to check if your app is verified for your domain:

adb shell pm get-app-links com.yourpackage.name

Look for your domain with a "verified" status in the output.

Common Testing Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Deep Link Opens in Browser Instead of App

Solutions:

  • Verify your AndroidManifest.xml has correct intent filters with android:autoVerify="true"

  • Check that your Digital Asset Links file is properly configured

  • Clear Chrome's cache and data

  • Reinstall your app

Issue 2: App Opens But Doesn't Navigate to Correct Screen

Solutions:

  • Add logging in your deep link handling code to debug the routing logic

  • Verify URL parameter parsing is correct

  • Check that your navigation logic handles all URL patterns

Issue 3: Custom URI Schemes Show Disambiguation Dialog

Solutions:

  • This is expected behavior for custom URI schemes when multiple apps can handle the same scheme

  • Consider migrating to Android App Links for automatic app opening

1. Test on Multiple Android Versions

Deep link behavior varies across Android versions. Test on:

  • Android 6.0+ (App Links support)

  • Android 12+ (new intent verification system)

  • Latest Android version

2. Test Different Scenarios

  • App installed vs. not installed

  • First-time users vs. returning users

  • Different entry points (SMS, email, social media, QR codes)

  • Offline mode (some deep links should queue)

3. Use Analytics to Track Deep Link Performance

Implement analytics to monitor:

  • Deep link click rates

  • Successful app opens

  • Navigation completion rates

  • Conversion metrics

4. Automate Testing

For continuous integration, create automated tests using Espresso or UI Automator:

@Test fun testDeepLink() { val intent = Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW).apply { data = Uri.parse("https://yourdomain.com/product/123") } ActivityScenario.launch<MainActivity>(intent) onView(withId(R.id.product_title)) .check(matches(isDisplayed())) }

Before launching your deep linking campaign:

1. Create Test Links

Generate test deep links that mirror your production setup but point to test parameters.

2. Share with QA Team

Provide your QA team with a comprehensive test matrix covering all deep link types and user scenarios.

3. Monitor with Webhooks

Set up real-time monitoring to catch issues immediately. Learn about real-time webhook notifications for deep link tracking.

4. A/B Test Different Deep Link Strategies

Test different fallback behaviors and routing logic to optimize conversion rates.

Smler: The Most Affordable Deep Linking Solution

Testing deep links is only part of the equation. You need a reliable, cost-effective platform to create, manage, and track your deep links at scale.

Why Smler Offers the Cheapest Deep Linking Plans

Unbeatable Pricing for Startups and Enterprises

Smler provides professional deep linking and deferred deep linking capabilities at a fraction of the cost of competitors like Branch.io or Firebase Dynamic Links (now discontinued). Our pricing starts at just a few dollars per month, making enterprise-grade deep linking accessible to:

  • Indie developers and solo entrepreneurs

  • Startups testing marketing campaigns

  • Growing businesses scaling their mobile presence

  • Enterprise teams managing multiple apps

What You Get with Smler

1. Complete Deep Linking Suite

  • Android App Links and iOS Universal Links support

  • Deferred deep linking for install attribution

  • Custom URI scheme fallbacks

  • Device-based routing (automatically send iOS users to App Store, Android users to Play Store)

2. Advanced Analytics Included

Track every deep link click with detailed metrics:

  • Geographic location data

  • Device type and operating system

  • Browser and app version

  • Hourly and daily performance trends

  • Conversion tracking from click to action

Explore our link-level analytics features.

3. Custom Branded Domains

Create professional short links with your own domain (e.g., go.yourbrand.com/offer) instead of generic shorteners. This builds trust and increases click-through rates by up to 39%.

Read our analysis: Branded Short Links vs Generic.

4. Bulk Link Creation

Upload CSV or XLSX files to create thousands of deep links instantly for large-scale campaigns.

5. TRAI Compliance for SMS Campaigns

If you're running SMS campaigns in India, Smler automatically handles TRAI compliance with custom headers. Learn more about our compliance features.

6. Real-Time Webhooks

Get instant notifications when users click your deep links, perfect for triggering personalized experiences or retargeting campaigns.

Migrating from Firebase? We've Got You Covered

With Firebase Dynamic Links shut down, thousands of developers are looking for affordable alternatives. Smler makes migration easy with:

  • Drop-in API compatibility

  • Automatic link migration tools

  • Comprehensive documentation and support

Check out our complete Firebase migration guide.

Special Offers for Marketing Campaigns

Running a holiday promotion or product launch? Smler offers:

  • Volume discounts: The more links you create, the less you pay per link

  • Team collaboration: Share billing plans with up to 5 team members at no extra cost

  • Campaign-specific tracking: Organize links by campaign with custom tags and folders

  • QR code generation: Create QR codes for offline marketing with built-in deep link support

Compare the Cost

Building your own deep linking infrastructure costs:

  • Developer time: $10,000-$50,000+

  • Server infrastructure: $100-$500/month

  • Ongoing maintenance: $2,000-$5,000/month

  • SSL certificates and domain management: $100+/year

Smler gives you all this functionality starting at a fraction of the cost. See why buying Smler is cheaper than building.

Get Started Today

Start testing your deep links with Smler's generous free tier:

  • Create up to 1,000 short links per month

  • Full deep linking and deferred deep linking support

  • Complete analytics dashboard

  • Custom domain support

Visit our pricing page to see all plans, or get started with our documentation.

Conclusion

Testing deep links on Android doesn't have to be complicated. Using ADB for development testing, browser-based testing for quick checks, and comprehensive scenario testing before launch ensures your deep links work flawlessly for every user.

Remember to test:

  • Both app-installed and not-installed scenarios

  • Multiple Android versions and devices

  • Different traffic sources (SMS, email, social, QR codes)

  • Domain verification for App Links

  • Deferred deep linking with install attribution

With proper testing and a reliable deep linking platform like Smler, you can create seamless mobile experiences that drive conversions and boost app retention. Start building better deep links today with the most affordable deep linking solution on the market.

Ready to implement deep links in your Android app? Check out our deep linking documentation or explore our deep linking use cases.

Published with LeafPad