Guide ยท Updated August 25, 2026

How to use one link for the App Store and Google Play

A single download URL removes the choice between platform-specific buttons: it identifies the visitor's device and sends them to the relevant destination.

What the link needs to do

At minimum, keep your App Store URL, Google Play URL, and a desktop fallback. A device-aware redirect can then send iPhone users to the App Store and Android users to Google Play. Desktop visitors need a page with both options or your website.

Set it up in three steps

  1. Copy the public listing URLs from App Store Connect and Google Play Console.
  2. Create a smart link and enter each store destination. Add a desktop URL if you have one.
  3. Test the published link on an iPhone, an Android device, and a desktop browser before placing it in ads, email, or print.

Use a QR code for offline surfaces

A QR code should contain the single smart link, not a store-specific URL. That lets the same printed code work for each supported phone. Generate an app-store QR code without an account.

Know the boundary

Store routing is not in-app deep linking or install attribution. If you must open a specific screen in an installed app or attribute an install to a campaign, evaluate those requirements separately. Our smart links vs deep links guide explains the difference.

Official link references

Check the current vendor guidance before publishing a campaign: Apple's App Store marketing tools and Google's supported Play link formats.

Ready to create a reusable link? Start with appqr.io.