A deep link often represents a task the user wants to complete after authentication. Losing that destination creates friction, but blindly trusting an arbitrary return URL can create an unsafe redirect or expose a task the account cannot access. Preserve intent using a validated application route and recheck access after sign-in.
The contract to define first
Parse links into a small set of allowed routes and typed parameters. Store only the intended in-app destination across authentication, not an unrestricted external URL. Resolve the target using the active account and show an appropriate unavailable state if it was deleted or permission changed. Authentication confirms identity; it does not authorize every linked record.
A worked scenario
A synthetic coach opens a client check-in link while signed out. After login, the app should return to that check-in if access is still valid. Signing in as a different coach must not bypass assignment rules just because the destination was preserved.
An implementation and review sequence
- Whitelist destination types and validate parameters
- Preserve intent across sign-in without trusting external redirects
- Reauthorize the target when it is opened
Failure cases worth testing
| Condition or input | Expected behavior |
|---|---|
| User signs in as a different account | Access is checked for that account |
| Linked record was removed | Show an accurate unavailable state |
| Link contains an external return URL | It cannot become an unrestricted redirect |
Download the illustrative acceptance checklist (JSON)
Tradeoffs and limits
Complex pending-link queues can be confusing when users open several links. A clearly defined latest-intent policy or explicit choice is often easier to reason about.
Use the result to make a decision
The practical output is straightforward: preserve intended destination without trusting arbitrary return URLs. Keep the assumptions with the artifact so a product owner, implementer or prospective partner can review the same decision. A useful handoff states the supported scope, the evidence collected and the remaining dependency instead of treating a successful demonstration as proof of every operating condition.
Continue with related implementation detail
Related guide: Prepare app review as a reproducible user journey.
React Native background upload queue
Expo OTA update rollback planning
References and current platform requirements
Platform capabilities, programme terms and access conditions can change. Check the linked primary references against the version and account you actually use; the patterns above do not establish a provider approval, certification or universal compatibility guarantee.
Discuss the workflow
Bring the affected device, release version, and a reproducible workflow for a scoped mobile discussion.
Explore the relevant AptixLabs service
How should a deep link survive sign-in?
A deep link often represents a task the user wants to complete after authentication. Complex pending-link queues can be confusing when users open several links.
Which failure cases should be included in the review?
Include these explicit cases: User signs in as a different account: access is checked for that account; Linked record was removed: show an accurate unavailable state; Link contains an external return URL: it cannot become an unrestricted redirect.