Whatsapp Click to Chat link openning in AppStore when URL shortener used

Question

When SMS with shortened Click to Chat URL for WhatsApp is received on the iPhone, clicking it leads me to the App Store instead of opening chat in WhatsApp, despite WhatsApp being installed on the device.

When the same delivery method is used (SMS), but the URL isn't shortened, it works as expected.

I tested various URL shorteners and it doesn't work with any.

Has anyone ran into a similar problem and how did they solve it? Googling is unfortunately not giving any results that would cover issues with this use case.

iOS 12.3.1, latest WhatsApp version on iPhone X 256GB.

Answer 1

Using 'whatsapp://' prefix instead of Click to Chat URL will work properly on both iOS and Android devices.