How to Keep Deep Links Working When App URLs Change
Change a deep link or fallback path in Airbridge with Edit Path and keep existing QR codes; changing campaign parameters requires a new QR code.
Key Takeaway
- Updating the deep link path or redirection path on an Airbridge tracking link leaves the tracking link itself untouched, so your existing QR code continues to work.
- Changing campaign parameters, such as the channel, campaign, ad group, or ad creative, means creating a new tracking link, so you need to replace the QR code.
- You can adjust where users land directly inside the dashboard by opening [Edit Path] under the link's detail view.
When you restructure your app screens or update promotional landing pages, worrying about broken links and already-distributed QR codes is natural. Nobody on a lean team wants to pull down live campaigns or reprint physical assets just because a destination URL shifted. The key is knowing which edits happen behind the scenes and which edits alter the link structure enough to require a fresh QR code download.
Keeping Your QR Code After Redirection Updates
When an in-app destination or web fallback URL changes, you do not need to generate a new tracking link from scratch. In Tracking Link Management, you can click View details • Edit to open the details of an existing tracking link and adjust its redirection paths. Inside the [Edit Path] section, you directly change where users who click the link are sent.
Because this update only modifies the destination routing—specifically the deep link path or the redirection path—the tracking link itself remains identical. Since the underlying tracking link has not changed, any QR code tied to it stays valid and continues routing users to the updated destination. You should use [Edit Path] whenever your destination URL changes so you can keep your live QR codes in circulation without breaking the user journey.
Campaign Changes That Require a New QR Code
Not every edit preserves the original QR code. While destination path updates happen without altering the link, changing how your traffic is categorized for attribution works differently. Here is what you need to check when modifying campaign details or managing custom channel links:
- Modifying campaign parameters: You must update the QR code if you change campaign parameters like the channel, campaign, ad group, or ad creative. Before altering any of these four parameters on a live campaign, check where the current QR code is deployed so you are ready to swap in the updated file.
- Adjusting QR codes for custom channel tracking links: When you are working specifically with custom channel tracking links, you can edit or download the QR code type and size in [QR Code].
- Updating link previews for custom channel tracking links: For those same custom channel tracking links, you also have the option to edit the thumbnail, title, and description in [Social Share Preview].
FAQS
FAQ
What features are included in the Airbridge Core plan for managing links?
The Airbridge Core plan provides direct and deferred deep links, branded short links, QR codes, web-to-app CTA banners, custom domains, Airpage, CPP and CSL support, and a tracking link manager, API, and test console.
How does Airbridge Deep Linking handle users who do not have the app installed yet?
Airbridge Deep Linking provides smart links that handle routing across multiple platforms, including deferred deep linking.
Keep live links working
Manage deep links, QR codes, and destination paths on the Core plan.
