Can one link open the App Store or Google Play?
Yes. A smart app download link stores both listing URLs and detects the visitor's device when clicked. With appqr.io, the same URL sends iPhone and iPad visitors to your App Store listing and Android visitors to Google Play. Set a desktop destination for visitors on a computer. Core routing works without an SDK.
One app, one URL, the right destination
For example, share appqr.io/your-app instead of asking visitors to choose between two store URLs. The URL stays the same for everyone; its destination depends on the device and the store links you configure.
If a store URL changes, edit the destination behind the link instead of replacing every campaign URL or printed QR code.
Launching an app on iOS and Android? Put one download link in your launch email and social bio. Set your app website as the desktop destination. Create separate links for each placement if you want to compare their tracked clicks. Those clicks do not confirm installs.
| Visitor | Destination |
|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | Your App Store listing |
| Android phone | Your Google Play listing |
| Huawei, Samsung, or Amazon device | The matching store when configured; otherwise Google Play |
| Desktop browser | Your configured desktop destination |
Choose the link type for the job
A smart store link, a native deep link, and an attribution link solve different problems. Start with the outcome you need instead of treating them as interchangeable.
| Need | Use | What it proves |
|---|---|---|
| One public URL for App Store, Google Play, and desktop | Smart store link | Visits and routing results |
| Open a screen inside an app that is already installed | Apple Universal Links or Android App Links | Native navigation when configured |
| Connect campaigns to installs or post-install events | Mobile attribution platform | Attribution supported by that provider |
Set it up in three steps
Planning a launch across email, social, and your website? Read our guide to store destinations and web fallback to map the journey before you share the link.
- Copy the public listing URLs from App Store Connect and Google Play Console.
- Create a free appqr account, then create a smart link with both store destinations. Set a desktop destination, such as your app website, so visitors on a computer have a useful next step.
- Test the published link on an iPhone, an Android device, and a desktop browser before placing it in ads, email, or print.
Free includes 3 smart links and 1,000 tracked clicks per month. An account is required. No credit card needed.
Place it on your website
Use the public smart URL as a normal HTTPS link. The label should describe the action, not the routing technology:
<a href="https://appqr.io/go/your-app">Download the app</a>Replace your-app with your published slug. The same URL can be placed in email, social profiles, ads, or a QR code.
Check the link before your launch
- Open it on real iOS and Android devices and check that each listing belongs to your app.
- Check desktop separately, including the download buttons on your fallback page.
- Test any additional store destinations you configured on the corresponding devices.
- Keep the original store URLs in your account so you can update a destination without replacing the shared smart link.
Start with one placement, such as your social profile. If you need to compare placements, create separate smart links for your website, emails, or campaigns and review their click analytics. Clicks measure visits, not completed installs.
| Test | Record | Pass condition |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | Device, OS, final URL | Correct App Store listing opens |
| Android phone | Device, OS, final URL | Correct Google Play listing opens |
| Desktop | Browser and final URL | Useful web fallback opens |
| Campaign placement | App or browser used | Link is clickable and routing completes |
Choosing a service? See the appqr.io and onelink.to comparison for plan limits, pricing, and store-routing features.
Use a QR code in print
The smart link works on its own. For posters, packaging, or events, encode that same URL in a QR code. A scan opens the link, which then chooses the store; the QR code itself does not detect the device. Generate an app-store QR code without an account.
Store routing, deep links, and attribution
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.
See public app-link examples
Open these public download pages to see their app details and store links. Opening a page does not trigger a store redirect.
Logos and trademarks belong to their owners. These apps have public appqr.io pages. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Common questions about one app link
Can I create a universal app download link for free?
Yes. appqr.io Free includes 3 smart links, all supported app stores, 1,000 tracked clicks per month, and 7 days of analytics. Creating the link requires an account, with no credit card. If tracking reaches its monthly limit, redirects keep working. See current plans and limits.
Do I need an SDK or an app update?
No SDK or app update is needed to route visitors to your store listings. You only need your app's published store URLs. Opening a specific screen inside an installed app is a separate native-linking setup.
Can I use the same link in my Instagram bio and emails?
Yes. Share the smart URL anywhere you can place a web link. You can use the same URL across placements or create separate links to compare their clicks. Test inside the social apps you use, since their in-app browsers can add confirmation screens when opening a store.
Can I change the store URLs after sharing the link?
Yes. Update the destinations in your appqr dashboard while keeping the same smart link. An optional QR code encoding that smart link continues to use its updated destinations. A QR code encoding a store URL directly does not get this behavior.
Is a universal download link the same as an Apple Universal Link?
No. Here, a universal download link means one URL that chooses between app stores. Apple Universal Links associate your domain with an iOS app so a supported URL can open that app. Store routing alone does not open a specific in-app screen or measure completed installs.
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 share one app download link? Create your free link.