Mobile app routing
Amazon deep linking for affiliates
Attempt to move a supported mobile shopper from a browser or in-app browser to the relevant Amazon destination in the shopping app, with a normal HTTPS fallback when the app path is unavailable.
Browser link
A standard HTTPS Amazon URL opens wherever the operating system and current browser decide. That can be a full browser, an in-app browser, or the Amazon app when a verified association and user preference allow it.
App deep link attempt
BetterLink generates a platform-specific Amazon app destination for a recognized product URL and pairs it with the same localized HTTPS destination as a fallback.
What BetterLink attempts on iOS and Android
The exact handler belongs to the operating system and Amazon shopping app. BetterLink chooses a supported route; it does not override a shopper's device settings.
- 01
Localize the web destination
Choose the target storefront, product path, and configured affiliate tag first.
- 02
Detect the mobile platform
Select the iOS or Android route from the request's device context.
- 03
Attempt the app destination
Use the Amazon app's supported URL handling for the localized product.
- 04
Keep the HTTPS fallback
Continue in a normal browser if the app is absent, unsupported, or declined.
Shopper journey
Tap BetterLink
One localized destination is prepared.
App attempt
The OS decides whether the installed Amazon app can handle it.
Browser fallback
The same HTTPS destination remains available.
An app open cannot be guaranteed
The result can change with the originating app, browser, same-domain navigation rules, installed Amazon app version, operating-system preferences, and user choice. Analytics can report the route BetterLink served and the browser/app outcome signals it receives; it cannot prove a purchase or override the device.
A practical test procedure
- 01
Use a real BetterLink that resolves to a supported product and storefront.
- 02
Test from a tap in the actual source app, not by typing the URL into the browser address bar.
- 03
Repeat with the Amazon app installed and then with it removed or disabled.
- 04
Confirm the browser fallback reaches the expected localized HTTPS destination.
Why an Amazon link opens in the browser instead of the app
A link can be a valid Amazon URL and still open in a browser. The final handler depends on the operating system, the browser or in-app browser, installed apps, verified domain associations, prior user choices, and the exact destination URL.
Apple Universal Links and Android App Links let an installed app claim eligible HTTPS destinations after the platform verifies an association between the website and app. That mechanism is controlled by the platform and destination owner. A publisher cannot force the shopper's device to choose the app, which is why BetterLink treats every app open as an attempt with a fallback.
The Amazon shopping app is not installed or is signed out.
The click begins inside an app that keeps links in its own embedded browser.
The shopper previously chose a browser or disabled supported-link handling.
The URL redirects through a domain or path the operating system does not associate with the Amazon app.
A privacy, security, or content-blocking setting interrupts the app handoff.
Troubleshooting
- Try the same link from Messages, Notes, email, and the original social app; each can handle links differently.
- Check whether the shopper previously chose to keep that domain in the browser.
- Confirm the Amazon app is installed, updated, and signed into the intended storefront.
- Inspect the BetterLink result for a recognized ASIN and a supported app-routing path.
Security and privacy implications
BetterLink does not ask for an Amazon shopper account, password, or shopping session. The redirect uses the submitted destination, publisher-supplied affiliate tag, country/device routing context, and normal click analytics. The browser or Amazon app owns the shopper's authenticated Amazon session.
Publishers remain responsible for disclosures and valid Amazon Associates participation. BetterLink is not Amazon and cannot determine whether a later purchase qualifies for commission.