onNewIntentIntent

onNewIntentIntent is not a standard Android API name. The correct callback name is onNewIntent(Intent), a method of the Android Activity class. This article describes that method and clarifies how it is used when an activity already exists.

Overview

onNewIntent(Intent) is a lifecycle callback that is invoked when an existing instance of an activity receives a new Intent. It is not called during the initial creation of the activity (that occurs via onCreate). The method provides a way to handle new data or actions without creating a new activity instance.

When it is called

onNewIntent(Intent) is typically triggered in scenarios involving activity launch modes or intent flags that route a new intent to an existing instance. For example:

- If an activity is declared with launchMode="singleTop" and it is already at the top of the task stack, a new intent targets the same instance and onNewIntent is called.

- If an activity uses launchMode="singleTask" or "singleInstance" and an existing task contains the activity, a new intent is delivered through onNewIntent instead of creating a new instance.

Usage patterns

Within onNewIntent(Intent), developers commonly:

- Call super.onNewIntent(intent) to preserve default behavior.

- Update the activity’s internal state based on the new intent data.

- Optionally call setIntent(intent) to replace the current intent returned by getIntent() with the latest one.

- Refresh UI components or pass the new intent to fragments or other components as needed.

Relation to lifecycle

onNewIntent does not create a new activity; it complements the standard lifecycle by providing a mechanism to react to new intents without restructuring the activity. If the activity needs to restart its setup with the new data, developers may choose to handle that logic within onNewIntent or propagate the intent to child components.

Related concepts

Launch modes (standard, singleTop, singleTask, singleInstance), intent flags, and data transmission via extras or data URIs are central to effectively using onNewIntent(Intent).