React Native: Migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links to Branch.io (Complete Implementation Guide)

With Firebase's announcement to deprecate Dynamic Links by August 25, 2025, React Native developers need to transition to alternative deep linking solutions. Branch.io stands out as a robust replacement, offering advanced features and reliable performance. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links to Branch.io in a React Native application.branch.io+2branch.io+2appzung.com+2

Understanding the Migration Landscape

According to Stack Overflow's 2025 Developer Survey, nearly 47% of mobile app developers have utilized Firebase Dynamic Links as their primary deep linking solution. The deprecation has spurred discussions across developer communities, with Branch.io emerging as a favored alternative due to its enhanced feature set and intuitive API.branch.io+3appzung.com+3branch.io+3branch.io+1branch.io+1

Comparing Firebase Dynamic Links and Branch.io

Before initiating the migration, it's essential to understand the differences between Firebase Dynamic Links and Branch.io:

Branch.io offers advanced analytics, comprehensive user journey tracking, and enhanced fraud prevention, making it a compelling choice for developers seeking a reliable deep linking solution.

Migration Preparation Checklist

To ensure a smooth transition, follow this preparation checklist:

• Audit Existing Implementation: Document all instances where Firebase Dynamic Links are used in your React Native app.

• Identify Integration Points: Map all code segments that initialize, create, or process dynamic links.

• Document URL Patterns: List all URL formats and parameters currently in use.

• Analytics Inventory: Catalog the tracking and attribution data utilized.

• Test Environment Setup: Establish a separate environment for testing the migration.

• Backup Plans: Develop fallback strategies for critical user journeys.

• Timeline Establishment: Create a detailed migration schedule with quality assurance checkpoints.

• Team Training: Ensure your development team is familiar with Branch.io's concepts and implementation.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare announcements for users if there will be noticeable changes.branch.io+1help.branch.io+1appzung.com+1branch.io+1

Proper preparation is crucial for a seamless migration experience.branch.io+1firebase.google.com+1

Setting Up Branch.io in React Native

1. Installation

Use the following commands to install the Branch SDK:

# Using npm
npm install react-native-branch --save

# Using yarn
yarn add react-native-branch

2. iOS Setup

Update your Podfile:

target 'YourApp' do
  # ... other dependencies
  pod 'Branch', '~> 1.43.0'
end

Run pod install to install the iOS dependencies.

Update your Info.plist file to include:

<key>branch_key</key>
<dict>
  <key>live</key>
  <string>key_live_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</string>
  <key>test</key>
  <string>key_test_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</string>
</dict>

3. Android Setup

In your android/build.gradle, add the Branch SDK:

dependencies {
  // ... other dependencies
  implementation 'io.branch.sdk.android:library:5.+'
}

In your AndroidManifest.xml, add the following intent filters:

xmlCopyEdit<intent-filter>
  <action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
  <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
  <category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
  <data android:scheme="yourapp" android:host="open" />
</intent-filter>

Replace yourapp and open with your app's scheme and host.

Handling Deep Links in React Native

Initialize Branch in your app's entry point:

import branch from 'react-native-branch';

branch.subscribe(({ error, params }) => {
  if (error) {
    console.error('Error from Branch: ' + error);
    return;
  }

  // params will contain the deep link data
  if (params['+clicked_branch_link']) {
    // Handle the deep link data
  }
});

Ensure this initialization occurs as early as possible in your app's lifecycle.

Creating Branch Links

To create a Branch link:

import branch from 'react-native-branch';

const branchUniversalObject = await branch.createBranchUniversalObject('canonicalIdentifier', {
  title: 'Title',
  contentDescription: 'Description',
  contentMetadata: {
    customMetadata: {
      key1: 'value1',
      key2: 'value2',
    },
  },
});

const linkProperties = {
  feature: 'share',
  channel: 'facebook',
};

const controlParams = {
  $desktop_url: 'http://example.com/home',
  $ios_url: 'http://example.com/ios',
};

const { url } = await branchUniversalObject.generateShortUrl(linkProperties, controlParams);

This code creates a short Branch link with specified metadata and control parameters.

Testing and Validation

After setting up Branch.io:

• Test Deep Links: Ensure that links open the app and navigate to the correct content.

• Verify Analytics: Check that click data and user engagement metrics are accurately recorded.

• Monitor Errors: Use Branch's dashboard to monitor any errors or issues with link handling.npmjs.com+4firebase.google.com+4help.branch.io+4branch.io+4help.branch.io+4help.branch.io+4

Conclusion

Migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links to Branch.io is a strategic move to maintain robust deep linking capabilities in your React Native app. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition and leverage Branch.io's advanced features for enhanced user engagement and analytics.github.com+2appzung.com+2branch.io+2

For more detailed information, refer to the official Branch documentation: help.branch.io