QlynkWhy does a Google Maps link open in the browser?
A Google Maps link is often very long, and it gets cut off or garbled when copied into a text message or an email. Opened in a mobile browser, it shows a web map that the visitor has to relaunch in the app to get turn-by-turn directions. For a shop, a clinic or a restaurant, the route matters more than the map.
How to do it with Qlynk
- In Google Maps, open your place, tap Share and copy the link.
- Paste it into Qlynk. With Pro, choose the end of the link, such as the name of your business.
- Share the short link or its QR code: on a phone, it opens Google Maps.
On iPhone, Qlynk sends the original Google Maps address: iOS opens the app if it’s installed, with no error message. On Android, the link opens the app, or the web page if the app isn’t installed. On a computer, the page opens as usual.
When is it useful?
- Giving the address of your location in an appointment confirmation email
- Putting a directions QR code on a poster or a business card
- Sharing the venue of an event by text message
- Replacing a very long directions link with a readable one
Which Google Maps links open the app?
| Link type | Example address |
|---|---|
| Place page | https://www.google.com/maps/place/Place+name |
| Search | https://www.google.com/maps/search/bakery+New+York |
| Directions | https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York/Boston |
| Short share link | https://maps.app.goo.gl/SHARE_ID |
| Older short link | https://goo.gl/maps/SHARE_ID |
Paste any of these addresses into Qlynk: the short link you get will open Google Maps on phones.
Frequently asked questions
Are local domains such as google.fr recognized?
Yes, google.fr/maps/… and google.com/maps/… addresses are recognized, as long as they contain place, search or dir.
Does a link with GPS coordinates work?
Only maps/place/, maps/search/ and maps/dir/ paths are recognized, along with the short share links.
Can I change the address after printing the QR code?
Yes, edit the destination of the short link: the QR code stays valid.