Link Handling Overview

Learn about controlling how links open in your Median.co app

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: