WhatsApp In-App Browser Blocks Deep Link Redirection - Only Opens Play Store Without Triggering App

[RizwanAhmed11]

Describe the bug

The WhatsApp in-app browser is not properly handling deep links. When users click on a deep link within WhatsApp, instead of opening the app directly, it only redirects to the Play Store. Even after clicking "Open" from the Play Store, the deep link listener in the app is not being triggered.

Steps to reproduce

1. Send a deep link (e.g., https://abc.app.link/sample-link) via WhatsApp message embed in the button
2. Click on the link from within WhatsApp button
3. Observe that WhatsApp in-app browser opens the Playsore link in the in-app browser, after clicking the dialog for opening the app in playstore where you actually see the app is already installed, after clicking on "open" button on playstore
4. App opens but deep link data is not received by the app listener

Expected behavior

1. User clicks on a deep link (e.g., https://abc.app.link/sample-link) in WhatsApp
2. WhatsApp in-app browser should detect the deep link and prompt to open the app if already installed otherwise open playstore/appstore
3. App should open and the deep link listener should be triggered with the correct parameters

SDK Version

5.20.3

Make and Model

Samsung A13

OS

14

Additional Information/Context

No response