What Are App Links?
App links are URLs that use a custom scheme instead ofhttps://. When a device recognizes the scheme, it opens the corresponding app.
Examples:
iauditor://template/new_audit/<template_id>— opens Mitti (formerly SafetyCulture) to a specific templatemyapp://asset/EXC-203— opens a custom app to an asset recordspotify://track/3n3Ppam7vgaVa1iaRUIOKE— opens Spotify to a track
The Problem: App Not Installed
When someone scans a QR code and taps a Destination with an app link:- App installed — the device opens the app directly
- App not installed — nothing happens, or the user sees an error
How QRtub Handles App Links
QRtub detects when a Destination URL is an app link (any non-https:// scheme). At scan time:
- QRtub attempts to open the app link
- A 2.5-second timer starts
- If the app opens — the timer is canceled, the user is in their app
- If the page is still visible after 2.5 seconds — the app wasn’t installed, QRtub navigates to your Fallback URL
Setting a Fallback URL
When you add or edit a Destination with an app link URL, QRtub automatically shows a fallback configuration panel. In the Destination editor:- Enter your app link URL (e.g.
iauditor://template/new_audit/template_abc123) - An amber notice appears: “This is an app link — set a fallback for users without the app installed”
- Enter a Fallback URL — the web page to open if the app isn’t available
- App link:
iauditor://template/new_audit/template_fcbc86fd41a74180921347e4be53bdf2 - Fallback URL:
https://app.mitti.com/inspection/new?templateId=template_fcbc86fd41a74180921347e4be53bdf2
Setting a Custom Fallback Message
If there’s no web equivalent to fall back to, set a Fallback Message instead of a URL. Example:- App link:
myapp://asset/{{item.assetID}} - Fallback Message:
"Please install the Asset Manager app from the App Store to access this equipment record."
Using Bindings in Fallback URLs
Fallback URLs support{{item.field}} bindings — the same way Destination URLs can include Item data automatically.
Example:
App link:
Where Fallback Settings Live
Fallback URL and Fallback Message can be set at three levels:
The most specific setting wins. Destination-level fallback takes priority over Link-level, which takes priority over Item-level.
Common Examples
Mitti (iAuditor)
App link:iauditor://template/new_audit/{{item.templateID}}
Fallback URL: https://app.mitti.com/inspection/new?templateId={{item.templateID}}
See the Mitti Integration guide for full setup instructions.
Generic Enterprise App
App link:mycompanyapp://workorder/create?asset={{item.assetID}}
Fallback URL: https://app.mycompany.com/workorders/new?asset={{item.assetID}}
Fallback Message: "Open the MyCompany app to create a work order."
Set both Fallback URL and Fallback Message — QRtub uses the URL if set, otherwise shows the message.
App Download Link (No Web Version)
App link:myapp://asset/{{item.assetID}}
Fallback URL: https://apps.apple.com/app/myapp (or Google Play)
Fallback Message: "This feature requires the MyApp mobile app."
Alternatively, combine with Device Detection to route iOS users to the App Store and Android users to Google Play.
App Links vs Device Detection
These two features are complementary, not alternatives:
For Mitti specifically: iOS Safari works with
iauditor:// deep links, but Chrome on iOS blocks them. If your team uses mixed browsers, consider combining both approaches — device routing to serve the web link on iOS Chrome, and fallback URL to catch anyone without the app installed on other devices.
Related
- Mitti Integration — full deep link and fallback setup for iAuditor
- Device Detection — route users based on device, OS, and browser
- Conditional Visibility — show Destinations to specific audiences
- Pages Overview — setting up multi-Destination Pages