30 November 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
Deep linking is a powerful feature in Android that allows developers to direct users to specific content within their apps using a URL. Testing these links is crucial to ensure they work as intended. This guide will walk you through the process of testing Android deep links using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands.
Understanding the Issue
When attempting to launch an Android app via deep link, you might encounter an error stating that the activity could not be started. This often happens when the intent is not properly resolved. The key is ensuring that the deep link URI scheme, host, and path are correctly defined in your app’s AndroidManifest.xml and that the ADB command is correctly formatted.
Solution: Correct ADB Command Usage
To properly test deep links, ensure your ADB commands are formatted correctly. A common error is using an incorrect URI scheme. Here is the correct format:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "example://gizmos" com.myappIn this command:
android.intent.action.VIEWis the action used to view the data."example://gizmos"is the URI you want to test.com.myappis your application’s package name.
Additional Tips
If you’re still encountering issues, ensure your AndroidManifest.xml includes the correct intent filter:
<activity android:name=".activity.DeepLinkActivity">
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
<data android:scheme="example" android:host="gizmos" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
Ensure that the URI scheme and host match those in your ADB command. If your application requires additional parameters in the URI, append them directly:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "example://gizmos?param1=value1¶m2=value2" com.myappTesting with Android Studio
For those using Android Studio, testing deep links can be simplified using the App Links Assistant. Navigate to Tools > App Links Assistant, enter your URL, and click Run Test. This approach can save time and reduce errors compared to manual ADB command entry.
Enhancing Your Testing Workflow
For developers looking to streamline their testing process, consider using Repeato, our no-code test automation tool. Repeato supports comprehensive testing for iOS and Android apps, leveraging computer vision and AI to execute tests efficiently. It allows you to run ADB commands within test scripts, making it easier to automate deep link testing and other functionalities. For more information on setting up and using Repeato, visit our documentation section.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve common deep link testing issues and ensure your app provides a seamless user experience.
