DYNAMIC LINKS MIGRATION

How to migrate from Firebase Dynamic Links

 

If you’re still using Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL), it’s time to make a plan. Back in summer 2023, Google announced that it would fully deprecate FDL by Aug. 25, 2025. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the shutdown, including how long you have to migrate, how Branch stacks up to FDL, and steps for migrating your links.

Firebase Dynamic Links deprecation FAQ

What is Firebase?
Firebase is an app development platform that helps customers build and grow apps. It offers a variety of tools including cloud storage, authentication, testing, and previously, deep linking.

What are Dynamic Links?
Dynamic Links was Firebase’s deep linking platform, which offered both short and long links powered by a mobile SDK. Its deferred deep linking capability relied mainly on clipboard-powered landing page, similar to Branch’s NativeLink™.

Is Firebase shutting down anything else besides Dynamic Links?
Firebase is only expected to deprecate Dynamic Links, not any of its other developer features.

How long do I have to migrate?
Users have until the shutdown date, Aug. 25, 2025, to migrate. We recommend getting starting as soon as possible to avoid broken links and disrupted user experiences.

Will my Firebase Dynamic Links continue to work?
On Aug. 25, all Firebase Dynamic Links will stop working, and you will no longer be able to create new links. Until then, your links will continue working.

What is deep linking?
Deep links are special links that can take users directly to specific content or pages within an app from any channel, including email, ads, QR codes, smart banners, in-app notifications, social media, OTT/CTV, SEO, and more. When a user taps a deep link on their mobile device, they are routed directly to the app. If they don’t yet have the app installed, they are routed first to the app store, then to the intended content after they install and open the app.

Why use a tool like Firebase Dynamic Links for deep linking?
When Firebase launched Dynamic Links nearly seven years ago, it fulfilled the basic requirements for mobile linking. Dynamic Links were able to launch the app if a user had it installed and route them directly to app content. If they didn’t have the app installed, Dynamic Links routed the user to the Apple App Store on iOS or Google Play Store on Android, then to the intended app content. With Dynamic Links, users could also capture Firebase analytics and tracking data. While it was a great place to start, more advanced use cases and increasingly complex user journeys now require more advanced solutions.

Should I remove the Firebase SDK before transitioning to an alternative?
To provide a seamless experience for your users, we recommend keeping the Firebase SDK in place to manage Firebase Dynamic Links during the transition. By implementing both the Branch SDK and Firebase SDK side by side, you can ensure a smooth migration to Branch.

What’s the best alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links?
Branch is the top alternative to FDL. Branch links simplify the complexities of app linking across platforms like iOS and Android, as well as different channels and use cases. Whether you’re driving app installs, increasing engagement through email or QR codes, or improving ROI on ad campaigns, Branch has you covered. It combines powerful features like deferred deep linking, link-level analytics, and seamless third-party integrations all in one place, so you can grow your app without the headaches of managing multiple tools.

Deep linking with Branch vs Firebase Dynamic Links

Here’s a quick feature comparison to help you see how Branch stacks up against Firebase Dynamic Links for your deep linking needs.

         Feature

Firebase

Branch

Short link support

Long link support

SDK support

Free custom subdomains

Custom domain support

Custom link alias support

Web redirects

App store fallback redirection

Universal/Android App link support

Custom URI scheme support

Social Open Graph content

Link Creation API

Export APIs

Security redirection allowlist

Deferred deep linking via clipboard (NativeLink™)

Probabilistic deferred deep linking

App content preview page (Deepviews®/NativeLink™) Support

App content preview page  (Deepviews®/NativeLink™) HTML/CSS Customization

Link-level attribution windows

Bulk links

Link templates

Email integrations (Universal Email)