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Firebase Dynamic Links Shutdown: The Future of Seamless Linking with Our Service

Firebase Dynamic Links Shutdown: The Future of Seamless Linking with Our Service

Firebase Dynamic Links Shutdown (2025): Alternatives & Migration Checklist

The Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) shutdown can break user journeys, onboarding, QR flows, and attribution. To protect conversions and SEO, plan a controlled migration to a reliable Firebase Dynamic Links alternative with full support for iOS Universal Links and Android App Links.

Why the shutdown matters

  • Broken routing: links open in a browser or the wrong in-app screen
  • Lost attribution: UTM and post-install context can drop
  • UL/App Links verification gaps lead to inconsistent behavior across devices
  • SEO and paid traffic suffer when URLs drift or redirect chains grow

How to choose an alternative

  • First-class Universal Links / App Links and deferred deep linking
  • Flexible routing: installed → open app; not installed → store or web fallback
  • End-to-end UTM preservation and post-install payload support
  • Short links & QR, custom domains, HTTPS with no redirect chains
  • Real-time analytics, webhooks, and API access
  • Validation tools, clear reporting, uptime/SLA, and responsive support
  • Privacy & compliance (GDPR/CCPA), predictable pricing

Migration checklist (no code)

  1. Inventory FDLs: collect link patterns from email, SMS, ads, social, QR, and web.
  2. Deep-link domain: set a subdomain with valid SSL; ensure service files aren’t redirected.
  3. iOS: enable Associated Domains; host and verify apple-app-site-association (correct Content-Type, no redirects).
  4. Android: publish assetlinks.json with correct SHA-256; verify Digital Asset Links.
  5. Routing rules: define path/UTM handling and fallbacks for desktop and private browsers.
  6. Replace FDLs: start with high-impact flows; update QR codes and message templates.
  7. Test plan: iOS/Android, installed/not installed, cold/warm start, Safari/Chrome, email/social webviews, OS versions.
  8. Analytics: confirm UTM passthrough, post-install context, and ad platform integrations.
  9. Monitoring: set alerts for resolve errors and conversion drops; schedule link audits.

Common pitfalls

  • AASA served with the wrong MIME type or via redirects
  • Incorrect SHA-256 in assetlinks.json → App Links don’t verify
  • No desktop/private-mode fallback page
  • Links forced into social in-app webviews — add an “Open in browser” hint
  • UTM lost or duplicated through redirect chains
  • Over-aggressive caching of service files (AASA/assetlinks.json)

FAQ

Will existing Firebase Dynamic Links keep working?

Expect degradation or a complete stop. Migrate critical flows early to avoid downtime.

What should I verify on iOS and Android?

iOS: valid AASA with correct Content-Type, no redirects. Android: correct assetlinks.json and successful App Links verification.

How do I preserve attribution and UTM?

Use routing rules that pass UTM end-to-end and test post-install scenarios on real devices.

Do I need to swap every link at once?

No. Prioritize high-impact journeys (signup, paywalls, activation), then roll out to the long tail.

Plan the Migration Validate Universal/App Links →

Related guides: Universal Links (iOS), App Links (Android), Testing & Troubleshooting.