How to tell if an app is installed on an ios device using JavaScript?

Question

Is there a method to determine in a web page if the device has a particular app installed?

I don't think this is possible, it would be a security risk but I might be wrong... — elclanrs, Nov 08 '12 at 22:22
I seriously doubt it. This kind of access would be a security risk. — Kevin Boucher, Nov 08 '12 at 22:22

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 08 '12 at 22:33

Depending on what you want to do, there is a way. Check out Launching an app with a custom url scheme.

If you want to get your mobile browsers to download/use your application, you can set it up with a custom url scheme as detailed in that post. From safari, add a link to your app's custom url. If you get an error or aren't redirected when a link is clicked or triggered (which you can check for with a setTimeout()) Then the app is not installed.

I don't know what your use case is, so that's the best I can do.

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:27

1

If you're just trying to promote your app only if it isn't installed, you can add a meta tag to the page:

<meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=myAppStoreID, affiliate-data=myAffiliateData, app-argument=myURL">

For more information, see Promoting Apps with Smart App Banners on Apple's developer website.

If that's not what you're trying to do, this answer may be helpful.

edited May 23 '17 at 12:27

Community

1
1

answered Nov 08 '12 at 22:40

Joshua Dwire

5,415
5
29
50

How to tell if an app is installed on an ios device using JavaScript?

2 Answers2