How to share one link for the App Store and Google Play
, 2 min read
If your app is on both stores, you've probably written a caption like this: "iPhone users, tap here. Android users, tap here." It works, but every extra choice costs you installs. Some people pick the wrong link, some don't know which phone they have, and some just scroll past.
A smart link fixes this. It's one short URL that checks the visitor's device and sends them to the right store automatically.
What a smart link does
When someone opens your smart link:
- On an iPhone or iPad, they go to your App Store page.
- On an Android phone, they go to your Google Play page.
- On a computer, they go to your website, or to a page that shows both store buttons.
You share one link everywhere, and every visitor lands in the place where they can actually install your app.
Why one link beats two
Less friction. The visitor never has to decide anything. They tap, and the store opens.
Cleaner posts and ads. Instagram gives you one link in your bio. Most ad formats give you one destination URL. A single link fits everywhere.
One QR code for print. A flyer, a poster or packaging only has room for one code. With a smart link, that one code works for both iPhone and Android users.
Better numbers. Because every click goes through one link, you can see how many visitors came from iPhone, Android and desktop in one place.
Opening the store app directly
A good smart link doesn't just open the App Store website in the browser. On iPhone it uses the itms-apps:// address, and on Android the market:// address, so the phone jumps straight into the store app where the Install button is. If that doesn't work for some reason, it falls back to the normal store web page.
How to set one up
- Copy your App Store link and your Google Play link. (Not sure where to find them? See how to find your app's store links.)
- Paste both into Smart App Link, give your app a name, and choose a short link name like
/r/your-app. - Share the link in your bio, ads, emails, press kit and QR codes.
The free plan includes three links and 200 clicks a month, which is enough to try it on your next post.
Where to use it
- Your Instagram, TikTok and X bio
- App launch posts and Product Hunt pages
- Email newsletters and email signatures
- Paid ads that send people to download
- QR codes on flyers, posters, menus and packaging
- Your website's "Get the app" button
One link, every phone, the right store.