Link Handling Overview

Effective link handling keeps navigation predictable. Users stay in your WebView when it makes sense, use the in-app browser or an external app when needed, and open your app from email, SMS, and the web once domains and association files are set up.

Mental model: two-link problems

ProblemWhat it controlsTypical tools
Inside the WebViewSame-origin navigation, outbound links, in-app browser, and the long-press menu on linksLink handling rules, median.window.open, median.contextMenu
Inbound app linksLinks in SMS, email, and other apps opening your Median app instead of Safari/Chrome for your domainsUniversal Links (iOS), App Links (Android), apple-app-site-association, assetlinks.json, optional custom URL schemes

Your website still controls ordinary <a href> markup and client-side routing. Median settings govern how the native shell routes those navigations and how the OS associates web URLs with your app.


Key configuration features

  • Link behavior: Define how links are handled: internal WebView, in-app browser, or external browser.
  • Deep linking and universal links: Map http/https URLs on domains you control to open directly in your app.
  • Custom URL schemes: Optional mobile-only link formats, such as yourscheme://, commonly used for authentication redirects and advanced app-opening flows.
  • Context menu: Choose actions available when users long-press a link (for example, copy or open externally).

Choose what to configure

Use these guides to configure the behavior you need: