Скачать или смотреть How to Force URLs to Open in Full Browser Apps from Chrome Custom Tabs and Safari ViewController

Discover effective ways to redirect URLs opened from Chrome Custom Tabs and Safari ViewController to full browser apps on Android and iOS.
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Opening URLs in Full Browser Apps from Custom Tabs and Safari ViewController

When developing mobile applications, having a seamless user experience is crucial. Users often navigate through web pages using in-app browsers such as Chrome Custom Tabs on Android or Safari ViewController on iOS. However, there are instances when you want certain URLs to open in full browser apps instead of these in-app solutions, which can lead to frustration if not properly handled. This guide will discuss the limitations of these systems and provide a practical solution to achieve the desired functionality.

The Problem

You might find yourself in a situation where your mobile web page is launched from an app via these tab systems. In particular, you may want some URLs to redirect users to their full browser applications rather than keeping them confined within the app's browser framework. Common workarounds include adding target="_blank" or using window.open() in JavaScript, but these methods often result in opening a new tab within the in-app browser itself, rather than the desired full browser.

Challenges with Custom Tabs and Safari ViewController

Android Limitations: When attempting to redirect to a full browser using window.open(), the behavior defaults to creating a new custom tab within the existing tab interface.

iOS Limitations: The Safari ViewController does not support opening new windows, making the situation even trickier for users on Apple devices.

It becomes clear that navigating directly to a full browser app from these in-app browsers is not officially supported by either platform due to technical constraints.

Proposed Solution

Despite the limitations mentioned, there's still a functional solution to redirect users to their full browser more effectively. Here’s how you can achieve it:

Step-by-Step Guide

Send a Deep Link: Instead of directly attempting to open the URL in the browser, your web server can be programmed to send a deep link to the mobile app containing the specific URL you want to open externally.

Example: Your web page could have a format such as yourapp://open?url=<URL>

Capture the Deep Link in the App: Your mobile app should be set up to listen for deep links. This requires configuring your app to handle specific URL patterns.

Close the In-App Browser: Once the app receives the deep link, it should automatically close the in-app browser created by the Custom Tabs or Safari ViewController.

Open the Full Browser: Finally, upon closing the in-app browser, the app will open the received URL in the default web browser installed on the device (e.g., Chrome or Safari).

Benefits of This Approach

User Experience: By directing users to their browser app, you can enhance their experience, especially for content that requires full browser capabilities or functionality.

Compatibility: This method works around the limitations imposed by both Android and iOS devices and can be implemented without relying on platform-specific hacks.

Conclusion

While the ability to directly force URLs to open in full browser apps from Chrome Custom Tabs and Safari ViewController remains unsupported due to technical restrictions, the use of deep links provides a viable workaround. As mobile developers navigate these challenges, implementing this solution can help create a smoother transition for users between in-app browsing and their preferred web browsers. If you have any other suggestions or have discovered different methods, feel free to share in the comments!