ArcExplorer launch from QR code inconsistent between devices

Question

Hi,

I have a public webmap I need to share through a link/QR code but having tested it with my colleagues it behaves differently on different devices. On my phone (Samsung s9) it opens straight in the Explorer app which is great. On my colleagues phone (iphone 12) it will only take her to the "download ArcExplorer onto your phone" page despite the fact she already has it installed. On another older iphone it took us to the download ArcExplorer page and after 5secs a pop up appeared prompting us to open the app, which then took us to the map. On a Google Pixel phone it also worked fine, once the app had been installed. None of us are logged into an account on the app, to mimic the experience for a member of the public.

Any ideas why this would be? My link is https://explorer.arcgis.app?itemID=defb2c1d5f0746f9abb60b77c708c6dc

MatthewGuilliatt · Answer

Thanks Joel. Though I'm guessing your second suggestion won't work with a link from a QR code?

Anonymous User · Answer

Hey @MatthewGuilliatt

For new installs

You can try the link below. This is the link we have behind the "Download on the App Store" button. This will take them directly to the App Store after-which they should be able to open the Explorer app link you have in your original question.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/explorer-for-arcgis/id860708788

For users who already have it installed

For those who already have the app installed, you can try a couple different ways to get the OS to open Explorer by default without uninstalling and reinstalling.

1. Tap the blue OPEN button in the Smart Banner seen in the image below.  You may need to swipe the page down for the Smart Banner to appear

2. Press and hold on the app link from an email, text message, etc. This will present the option on how you'd like to open the link. If you chose the option "Open in Explorer" it should remember this for the next time. Here's an example of me pressing and holding the link from a note in the Notes app.

MatthewGuilliatt · Answer

Our three office iPhone users had the same issue - so I will try the two link approach and let you know. What would be the link to use to just take them to that download screen?