Skip to content

Deep Linking

Our React Native Frontend app supports deep linking, enabling users to navigate to specific parts of the application via external links. This enhances the user experience by allowing seamless transitions between web, email, and mobile app interactions.

The app listens for deep links using the following URL formats:

  • App Scheme: coldtivate://app
  • Web-Based Deep Links: https://${DEEP_LINK_DOMAIN}

The application recognizes and processes the following deep link paths:

  • User Invitations: /invite/:inviteCode/:userType/:phoneNumber Redirects users to accept an invitation and complete their account setup.

  • Password Reset: /password-reset/:resetCode/:phoneNumber Guides users through the password reset process.

Deep links are managed efficiently within the app using a structured event-driven approach:

  1. Initial Launch Handling:

    • getInitialURL(): Retrieves the deep link if the app was opened via an external link.

  2. Real-Time Deep Link Subscription:

    • subscribe(): Listens for deep link events while the app is running, ensuring users are redirected correctly.

  3. Deep Link Parsing & Processing (DeepLinkProcessor):

    • Extracts query parameters from incoming URLs.
    • Converts web-based deep links (e.g., password reset, signup invitations) into native app-compatible formats.
    • Ensures users land on the appropriate screen with the correct context.

Device-Level Challenges & Fallback Strategy

Deep linking comes with several device-specific challenges:

  • Many smartphones ask for permission when opening deep links, creating friction.
  • Some mobile devices completely block links between browsers and apps.
  • Permissions and deep linking behaviors vary significantly across device manufacturers and operating systems.

The app overcomes these obstacles with a smart fallback system:

  • When deep links can't reach the mobile app, users automatically land on the web version.
  • This seamless dual-approach (supporting both React Native navigation and web functionality) guarantees users can complete important tasks regardless of their device's limitations.

This implementation ensures a smooth and reliable navigation experience across multiple platforms, improving both onboarding and account recovery processes even when device-level restrictions are present.