Threads has introduced deep links that allow you to open the app directly to specific search queries. Instead of typing a search term manually, you can use a specially formatted URL that launches Threads and immediately displays results for that query. This is useful for developers, power users, and anyone who wants to create shortcuts to specific searches. This article explains the exact deep link format for Threads search queries, how to construct them, and what limitations exist.
Key Takeaways: Threads Deep Link Format for Search
- Format: threads://search?query=SEARCHTERM: Use this URL scheme to open Threads and display results for any search term.
- URL encoding required: Replace spaces with %20 and special characters with their percent-encoded equivalents.
- Only works on mobile devices: Deep links do not function on the Threads web version.
Threads Deep Link Format for Search Queries
A deep link is a URL that opens a specific screen or function inside an app. Threads supports deep links for search queries using a custom URL scheme. The base format is threads://search?query=SEARCHTERM. When you tap or click this link on a device where Threads is installed, the app launches and immediately shows search results for the term you provided.
The deep link works only on iOS and Android devices. On desktop browsers, the link will either do nothing or prompt you to install the app. The search query must be URL-encoded to handle spaces and special characters. For example, a search for “Threads tips” becomes threads://search?query=Threads%20tips.
Threads does not support deep links for user profiles, posts, or hashtags directly. The only supported deep link at this time is for search queries. This makes the search deep link useful for creating bookmarks, sharing search results, or integrating with automation tools like Shortcuts on iOS or Tasker on Android.
URL Encoding Rules
To use the deep link correctly, you must encode the search term. Percent-encoding replaces characters that are not allowed in URLs. Common replacements include:
- Space becomes %20
- Hash # becomes %23 (for hashtag searches)
- Ampersand & becomes %26
- Plus sign + becomes %2B
- Question mark ? becomes %3F
You can use any online URL encoder or manually replace characters. For example, a search for “#ThreadsTips” becomes threads://search?query=%23ThreadsTips.
How to Create and Test a Threads Search Deep Link
Creating a Threads search deep link is straightforward. Follow these steps to build and test one on your mobile device.
- Choose your search term
Decide what you want to search for in Threads. For example, “AI news” or “photography”. - Encode the search term
Replace spaces and special characters with percent-encoded values. Use %20 for spaces. For “AI news”, the encoded term isAI%20news. - Build the full deep link
Combine the base URL with the encoded term:threads://search?query=AI%20news. - Test the link on your device
Open a note app or messaging app on your phone. Type or paste the deep link. Tap it. Threads should open and show search results for “AI news”. - Create a shortcut or bookmark
On iOS, use the Shortcuts app to create a shortcut that opens the deep link. On Android, use Tasker or a custom launcher. Paste the deep link into the URL field of the shortcut.
Testing on iOS
On an iPhone or iPad, you can test the deep link by sending it to yourself in a Messages conversation. Tap the link. Threads should open to the search results screen. If nothing happens, ensure Threads is installed and updated to the latest version from the App Store.
Testing on Android
On an Android device, paste the deep link into a note app like Google Keep or into a chat in WhatsApp. Tap the link. Threads should open. If it does not, check that Threads is set as the default app for the threads:// URL scheme. Go to Settings > Apps > Threads > Open by default and verify the scheme is listed.
Common Issues and Limitations of Threads Deep Links
Deep link does not open Threads on desktop
The threads:// URL scheme is only registered on mobile operating systems. On Windows or macOS, clicking the link will either show an error or open a web page that says Threads is not installed. There is no way to make deep links work on desktop. Use the Threads web app at threads.net and type your search manually.
Search results are empty or show no posts
If the search term is too broad or contains typos, the results may be empty. The deep link itself is working correctly. Try a more specific term. Also, note that Threads search only shows public posts. Private accounts and posts from accounts you block will not appear.
Link opens Threads but not the search screen
This usually means the deep link format is incorrect. Verify that you used threads://search?query= exactly. Do not add extra slashes or spaces. For example, threads://search?query=test is correct. threads://search/?query=test is wrong.
App does not respond to the deep link at all
Outdated versions of Threads may not support deep links. Update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store. If the issue persists, reinstall Threads. On Android, also check that no other app has claimed the threads:// scheme.
Threads Deep Link vs Manual Search
| Item | Deep Link | Manual Search |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant — opens directly to results | Requires opening app and typing |
| Platform support | Mobile only (iOS, Android) | All platforms including web |
| Customizability | Can be saved as shortcuts or bookmarks | Cannot be automated easily |
| Error-prone | Requires correct URL encoding | No encoding needed |
| Use case | Automation, sharing, quick access | Ad-hoc searches |
The deep link is faster for repeated or automated searches. Manual search is more reliable for one-off queries because you do not need to remember the format. For most users, manual search is fine. The deep link is a power-user feature.
You now know the exact format for Threads search deep links. Use threads://search?query= with a URL-encoded term to jump directly to search results on your phone. For hashtag searches, encode the hash symbol as %23. Remember that this feature only works on mobile devices. To explore further, try creating a Shortcut on iOS that prompts for a search term and then opens the deep link. This turns any search into a one-tap action.