The Critical Firebase Dynamic Links Migration Timeline
Firebase Dynamic Links will shut down on August 25, 2025, making this one of the most significant forced migrations in mobile development history FirebaseFirebase. If you're among the thousands of developers still relying on Firebase Dynamic Links, you're facing a hard deadline that could break core functionality across your mobile applications.
The deprecation affects all Dynamic Links, whether hosted on custom domains or page.link subdomains. Once the service shuts down, all links will return HTTP 404 status responses to end users Dynamic Links Deprecation FAQ | Firebase, potentially destroying user acquisition funnels, marketing campaigns, and in-app sharing features that teams have spent years optimizing.
Why Firebase Is Pulling the Plug
Google launched Firebase Dynamic Links over 7 years ago to make URLs more powerful, but the web and mobile ecosystems have evolved with technologies such as App Links, Google Play Instant, Universal Links, and App Clips Dynamic Links Deprecation FAQ | Firebase. The platform's underlying APIs have evolved in ways that present new challenges, making it difficult for Google to provide a consistently stable experience.
More importantly, Google won't be providing a direct replacement for Firebase Dynamic Links Google Shutting down Firebase Dynamic Links - The Pragmatic Engineer, leaving developers to find their own migration paths. This represents a fundamental shift away from universal deep linking solutions toward platform-native implementations.
Understanding Your Migration Options
The migration landscape offers three primary paths, each with distinct trade-offs that senior technical leaders must carefully evaluate:
Native Platform Solutions: Universal Links and App Links
Universal Links (iOS) and App Links (Android) are platform-native mechanisms that turn regular HTTP/HTTPS links into application deep links in specific contexts How To Set up Universal Links for iOS and Android? | Axon. These solutions provide the most direct replacement for Firebase Dynamic Links' core functionality but require separate implementations for each platform.
Key advantages:
No third-party dependencies or ongoing costs
Deep OS integration and optimal performance
Enhanced security through domain verification
Long-term platform support guaranteed
Critical limitations:
No automatic store routing for uninstalled apps
Migrate from Dynamic Links to App Links & Universal Links | Firebase
No deferred deep linking after app installation
Migrate from Dynamic Links to App Links & Universal Links | Firebase
Platform-specific implementation complexity
Limited cross-platform analytics
Third-Party Deep Linking Services
Services like Branch.io, Kochava, and AppsFlyer offer comprehensive replacements that match or exceed Firebase Dynamic Links functionality. Branch is positioning itself as the top alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links, combining powerful features like deferred deep linking, link-level analytics, and seamless third-party integrations How to migrate from Firebase Dynamic Links - Branch.
Enterprise-grade benefits:
Full feature parity with Firebase Dynamic Links
Advanced attribution and analytics capabilities
Deferred deep linking preservation
Omnichannel campaign support
Professional migration assistance
Business considerations:
Usage-based pricing models
Vendor dependency and potential future migrations
Some providers may not support specific messaging apps like LINE out-of-the-box
Hybrid Implementation Strategy
Many enterprise teams are implementing both native solutions and third-party services to maximize flexibility. This approach uses Universal Links and App Links for basic deep linking while leveraging third-party solutions for advanced marketing attribution and analytics.
Implementing iOS Universal Links: Technical Deep Dive
Universal Links provide seamless integration between web content and iOS applications. When properly configured, Universal Links use standard HTTP or HTTPS URLs that can open in the app if installed, or fall back to web content if not How to Set Up Universal Links on Apple iOS for Deep Linking — Adapty.io.
Creating the Apple App Site Association File
The foundation of Universal Links is the apple-app-site-association (AASA) file. This JSON file must be hosted on your web server at the root level or in the .well-known subdirectory How To Set up Universal Links for iOS and Android? | Axon:
{
"applinks": {
"apps": [],
"details": [
{
"appID": "TEAMID.BUNDLEID",
"paths": [
"/products/*",
"/categories/*",
"NOT /admin/*"
]
}
]
}
}Critical implementation requirements:
File must be accessible via HTTPS with valid certificate and no redirects
Maximum uncompressed file size of 128 KB
Content-type must be application/json
Configuring Associated Domains
In Xcode, add the Associated Domains capability and configure your domains:
applinks:yourdomain.comapplinks:subdomain.yourdomain.com
Starting with macOS 11 and iOS 14, apps no longer send requests for apple-app-site-association files directly to your web server. Instead, they send these requests to an Apple-managed content delivery network How To Set up Universal Links for iOS and Android? | Axon.
Handling Universal Links in Your App
Implement the core Universal Links handling in your AppDelegate:
func application(
_ application: UIApplication, continue userActivity: NSUserActivity,
restorationHandler: @escaping ([UIUserActivityRestoring]?) -> Void
) -> Bool {
guard userActivity.activityType == NSUserActivityTypeBrowsingWeb,
let url = userActivity.webpageURL
else { return false }
return handleUniversalLink(url: url)
}
private func handleUniversalLink(url: URL) -> Bool {
guard let components = URLComponents(url: url, resolvingAgainstBaseURL: true) else {
return false
}
}Implementing Android App Links: Complete Configuration
Android App Links use the Digital Asset Links protocol to verify associations between websites and Android apps Android DevelopersGoogle. This verification process ensures that only authorized apps can handle specific domain links.
Creating the Asset Links File
The assetlinks.json file serves as Android's domain verification mechanism:
[
{
"relation": [
"delegate_permission/common.handle_all_urls"
],
"target": {
"namespace": "android_app",
"package_name": "com.yourcompany.yourapp",
"sha256_cert_fingerprints": [
"14:6D:E9:83:C5:73:06:50:D8:EE:B9:95:2F:34:FC:64:16:A0:83:42:E6:1D:BE:A8:8A:04:96:B2:3F:CF:44:E5"
]
}
}
]Essential hosting requirements:
File must be accessible over HTTPS connection
Served with content-type application/json
Accessible without redirects (no 301 or 302)
Hosted at
https://yourdomain.com/.well-known/assetlinks.json
Configuring Intent Filters
Add intent filters to your Android manifest with auto-verification:
<activity android:name=".MainActivity">
<intent-filter android:autoVerify="true">
<action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
<data android:scheme="https" android:host="yourdomain.com" android:pathPrefix="/products" />
</intent-filter>
<intent-filter android:autoVerify="true">
<action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
<data android:scheme="https" android:host="yourdomain.com" android:pathPrefix="/categories" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>Handling App Links in Your Activity
Process incoming App Links in your main activity:
override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) { super.onCreate(savedInstanceState) handleAppLink(intent)}
override fun onNewIntent(intent: Intent?) {
super.onNewIntent(intent) handleAppLink(intent)
}
private fun handleAppLink(intent: Intent?) {
val data = intent ?.data ?: return when {
data.pathSegments ?.get(0) == "products" -> {
val productId = data.pathSegments ?.get(1) productId ?.let {
navigateToProduct(it)
}
}
data.pathSegments ?.get(0) == "categories" -> {
val categoryId = data.pathSegments ?.get(1) categoryId ?.let {
navigateToCategory(it)
}
}
}
}Advanced Migration Strategies for Enterprise Teams
Implementing Gradual Migration
Rather than switching everything at once, implement a gradual migration strategy:
Phase 1
Deploy Universal Links and App Links alongside existing Firebase Dynamic Links
Phase 2
Route new link generation to native solutions
Phase 3
Begin redirecting existing Firebase links through analytics tracking
Phase 4
Complete migration before August 2025 deadline
Preserving Analytics and Attribution
One of the most significant losses in migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links is the built-in analytics and attribution data KochavaBranch. Implement comprehensive analytics tracking:
// Example analytics integration for Universal Links
function trackUniversalLinkOpen(url, source) {
analytics.track('Universal Link Opened', {
url: url.href,
source: source,
timestamp: new Date().toISOString(),
user_agent: navigator.userAgent,
referrer: document.referrer
});
}Testing and Validation Framework
Comprehensive testing is critical for successful migration:
iOS Universal Links Testing:
Use real device testing rather than simulators for accurate Universal Links behavior
How to test Universal Links on iOS and Android? | BrowserStack
Test cold app launches vs. warm app launches
Validate AASA file using
Test across different iOS versions and devices
Android App Links Testing:
Android verification may take 20 seconds or longer to take effect
Use ADB to test intent handling:
adb shell am start -W -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "https://yourdomain.com/products/123" com.yourpackageValidate assetlinks.json using Google's
Migration Timeline and Risk Management
Critical Milestones Leading to August 2025
Immediate Actions (Next 30 Days):
Audit existing Firebase Dynamic Links usage across all applications
Export deep-link metadata from Firebase using provided migration tools
Establish cross-platform testing environments
Begin stakeholder communication about upcoming changes
Q3 2025 Development Sprint:
Complete Universal Links and App Links implementation
Deploy domain verification files to production
Implement analytics and monitoring for new deep linking solutions
Begin gradual traffic migration from Firebase Dynamic Links
Pre-Deadline Validation (July 2025):
Complete comprehensive testing across all user journeys
Validate marketing campaign links and QR codes
Update QR codes on physical media, product packaging, and printed materials
Google Firebase Dynamic Links Deprecation: What CMOs Need to Know
Prepare rollback procedures and contingency plans
Risk Mitigation Strategies
User Experience Continuity: Implement smart banners for web fallbacks:
<meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=YOUR_APP_ID">
<meta name="google-play-app" content="app-id=YOUR_PACKAGE_NAME">Marketing Campaign Protection:
Maintain redirect mapping for all existing Firebase Dynamic Links
Implement server-side analytics to track migration impact
Create monitoring dashboards for link performance metrics
Cross-Platform Implementation Best Practices
Unified Link Schema Design
Design a consistent URL structure that works across platforms:
https://yourdomain.com/app/{feature}/{id}?{parameters}
Examples:
https://yourdomain.com/app/product/ABC123?campaign=summer2025
https://yourdomain.com/app/user/profile/john-doe?ref=invitation
https://yourdomain.com/app/category/electronics?sort=priceCentralized Link Handling Architecture
Implement a centralized routing system that can handle both Universal Links and App Links:
interface DeepLinkHandler {
canHandle(url: URL) : boolean;
handle(url: URL, context: AppContext) : Promise < void > ;
}
class ProductDeepLinkHandler implements DeepLinkHandler {
canHandle(url: URL) : boolean {
return url.pathname.startsWith('/app/product/');
}
async handle(url: URL, context: AppContext) : Promise < void > {
const productId = url.pathname.split('/').pop();
await context.navigationService.navigateToProduct(productId);
}
}
class DeepLinkRouter {
private handlers: DeepLinkHandler[] = [];
register(handler: DeepLinkHandler) {
this.handlers.push(handler);
}
async route(url: URL, context: AppContext) : Promise < boolean > {
const handler = this.handlers.find(h = >h.canHandle(url));
if (handler) {
await handler.handle(url, context);
return true;
}
return false;
}
}Alternative Solutions: When Native Isn't Enough
Branch.io Implementation for Advanced Features
For teams requiring advanced attribution, A/B testing, or deferred deep linking, Branch.io offers comprehensive Firebase Dynamic Links replacement. Branch combines powerful features like deferred deep linking, link-level analytics, and seamless third-party integrations all in one place How to migrate from Firebase Dynamic Links - Branch.
Key Branch.io advantages:
Ability to use the same custom domain previously used with Firebase
Advanced analytics and conversion tracking
Cross-platform attribution models
Deferred deep linking preservation
$10M migration assistance fund for Firebase users
Kochava SmartLinks Alternative
Kochava SmartLinks offers all the features of Firebase Dynamic Links plus additional capabilities like built-in QR codes, iOS Universal Links, Android App Links, and omnichannel campaign attribution support Firebase Dynamic Links | FDL Replacement | Kochava. Kochava has been in the deep linking business since 2011 and processes billions of clicks daily.
Firebase Hosting Integration
For teams already using Firebase Hosting, you can continue hosting your domain verification files (assetlinks.json and apple-app-site-association) while implementing native Universal Links and App Links Migrate from Dynamic Links to App Links & Universal Links | Firebase. This approach maintains some Firebase ecosystem integration while reducing dependency on deprecated services.
Monitoring and Analytics Post-Migration
Essential Metrics Tracking
Implement comprehensive monitoring to ensure migration success:
Link Performance Metrics:
Click-through rates by platform and campaign
App install conversion rates
Deep link success rates
Fallback web traffic patterns
Technical Health Indicators:
Domain verification status monitoring
AASA and assetlinks.json file accessibility
App store redirect performance
Cross-platform linking consistency
Analytics Implementation Example
class LinkAnalytics {
static trackLinkOpen(linkData) {
const metrics = {
timestamp: Date.now(),
platform: this.detectPlatform(),
linkType: linkData.type,
// 'universal', 'app-link', 'branch' source: linkData.source, campaign: linkData.campaign, success: linkData.opened_in_app, fallback_used: linkData.opened_in_browser };
// Send to your analytics platform analytics.track('deep_link_interaction', metrics); }
static detectPlatform() {
const userAgent = navigator.userAgent;
if (/iPad|iPhone|iPod/.test(userAgent)) return 'ios';
if (/Android/.test(userAgent)) return 'android';
return 'web';
}
}Cost-Benefit Analysis for Decision Making
Native Implementation Costs
Development Investment:
40-80 hours for iOS Universal Links implementation
40-80 hours for Android App Links implementation
20-40 hours for testing and validation
10-20 hours for analytics integration
Ongoing Operational Costs:
Domain hosting and SSL certificate maintenance
Monitoring and alerting infrastructure
Potential customer support impact during transition
Third-Party Service Costs
Branch.io Pricing Considerations:
Free tier: 10,000 monthly tracked users
Growth plan: $199/month for 100,000 monthly tracked users
Premium features require higher-tier plans
Total Cost of Ownership:
Consider not just monthly fees but integration time, training, and potential future migrations
Factor in advanced analytics value and attribution capabilities
Evaluate long-term vendor relationship and platform stability
Future-Proofing Your Deep Linking Strategy
Emerging Standards and Technologies
iOS 15 has introduced improvements to Universal Links including enhanced security features, better App Clips integration, more granular control over universal links, and performance optimizations How To Set up Universal Links for iOS and Android? | Axon. Stay current with platform improvements to maximize deep linking effectiveness.
Next-Generation Considerations:
Web App Manifest standards for progressive web apps
Emerging cross-platform standards beyond current Universal Links/App Links
Privacy-focused attribution models in iOS 17+ and Android 14+
Integration with AR/VR platforms for immersive linking experiences
Scalability and Performance Optimization
Design your replacement system for future growth:
// Example: Scalable link routing with cachingclass ScalableLinkRouter { private cache = new Map<string, DeepLinkHandler>();
async route(url: URL) : Promise < boolean > {
const cacheKey = this.generateCacheKey(url);
if (this.cache.has(cacheKey)) {
return this.cache.get(cacheKey) ! .handle(url);
}
const handler = await this.findHandler(url);
if (handler) {
this.cache.set(cacheKey, handler);
return handler.handle(url);
}
return false;
}
}Conclusion: Taking Action on Firebase Dynamic Links Migration
The Firebase Dynamic Links deprecation represents more than a technical migration—it's an opportunity to modernize your mobile linking infrastructure with more robust, platform-native solutions. While the end of Firebase Dynamic Links might seem disruptive, it signals a shift toward more robust, flexible, and privacy-conscious linking technologies Firebase Dynamic Links Deprecation by August 2025: What Project Managers Must Do.
Immediate Next Steps:
Conduct Link Audit
: Catalog all existing Firebase Dynamic Links across marketing campaigns, in-app sharing, and user acquisition funnels
Choose Your Strategy
: Evaluate whether native solutions, third-party services, or hybrid approaches best fit your technical requirements and business constraints
Begin Implementation
: Start with Universal Links and App Links implementation to ensure you have fallback options before the August 2025 deadline
Plan Testing
: Establish comprehensive testing protocols across devices, platforms, and user scenarios
The teams that treat this migration as a strategic platform upgrade rather than just a necessary evil will emerge with more powerful, flexible, and future-proof deep linking capabilities. Don't wait until the deadline approaches—begin your migration planning now to ensure a smooth transition that enhances rather than disrupts your user experience.
For teams working with React Native specifically, consider reviewing our comprehensive React Native Firebase Dynamic Links to Branch.io migration guide for detailed implementation examples and best practices.
Remember: August 25, 2025 is a hard deadline. Every Firebase Dynamic Link will stop working on that date. Start your migration planning today to avoid broken user experiences and maintain the seamless mobile journeys your users expect.