Back in summer 2023, Google announced that it would deprecate Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL), its deep linking solution, with the final shutdown date set for Aug. 25, 2025. This means that all FDL links will stop working soon, and any app developers still using Firebase need to find an alternative to avoid broken links and disrupted user experiences.
As a refresher, deep links help people quickly get to the exact content in your mobile app they want to see — whether it’s a specific dress they want to buy or TV show they want to stream. If a user doesn’t have the app downloaded, deep links take them to the Apple or Google Play app store to download it before routing them to the relevant in-app content.
With the clock ticking down, it’s time to explore alternatives to Firebase Dynamic Links. Branch makes it easy to transition deep links from Firebase, so you can continue creating smooth, frictionless user experiences and make sure your marketing efforts are still driving customers to your app.
Branch is the top alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links
Branch links simplify the complexities of app linking across platforms like iOS and Android, as well as different channels and use cases. With Branch, you can create and manage deep links for owned, earned, and paid channels all in one place — no need for multiple tools. .
For example, businesses use Branch deep links to:
- Increase revenue by driving users from mobile web to their apps
- Boost user engagement with email deep links
- Drive app installs from offline QR (quick response) codes
- Improve return on advertising spend (ROAS) from ad campaigns
Moving from Firebase to Branch will not only ensure your deep links don’t break — it will also open up new opportunities to grow your app.
Just need simple, reliable links?
If you have more straightforward linking needs, Branch offers easy-to-use tools that work everywhere, all the time:
- Quick Link creator to create a Branch link or QR code and customize the appearance, redirects, and other link aspects without technical know-how
- Chrome extension to quickly create links right from your Chrome browser
- Deferred deep linking to route users to the right in-app content after install
- Link-level analytics and downstream event data
- Link Templates to promote data governance and consistent link behavior
- Bulk link tools to create and manage links at scale
- Search and filtering to find, update, or replicate your best link campaigns
More complex needs? Branch provides advanced capabilities
If your business operates at scale, manages multiple apps, runs a high volume of campaigns, or requires an enterprise-grade solution, Branch offers:
- APIs and webhooks to send event data to your marketing and analytics tools
- Third-party integrations, including email service providers and social media platforms, to improve campaign workflows
- A mobile software development kit (SDK) to create Branch links for user shares or invitations directly from your app
- A web SDK to create Branch links from website interactions or direct users to your app from web content
- Search engine optimization (SEO) app attribution to connect organic search with app installs and engagement
- Scalable QR codes that let you update link destinations anytime and fully customize the design to match your brand
- Targeted smart banners to drive users to your app from mobile and desktop web
- Out-of-the-box advanced attribution controls, including customizable attribution windows
- Customizable content previews and privacy-safe landing pages with HTML/CSS
- Deterministic and probabilistic methods to handle tricky edge cases and complex user journeys
Branch is also the only integrated linking and measurement partner, which means you get reliable linking and attribution for your owned, earned, and paid advertising campaigns.
How to start your Firebase Dynamic Links migration plan now
We get it — the word “migration” is intimidating. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To make the transition easier, we’ve launched a $10M migration fund to help you move from Firebase.
We also have a step-by-step guide for setting up your Branch Dashboard account and migrating links from the Firebase console. Plus, it’s free to get started and free to use in self-service mode for apps with under 10K monthly active users (MAUs).
In short, you can run Branch alongside your existing Firebase setup as you plan to migrate your links from the Firebase console, Dynamic Link Builder API, and REST API. Once you’ve integrated the Branch SDK into your app, we can detect which Branch links are leading to installs, reopens, and other user actions. When you enable the integration and complete the relevant code, Branch automatically forwards referred events to Google Firebase in the exact format Firebase expects.
Since 2014, we’ve partnered with over 100,000 apps, helping them navigate complex privacy and industry changes. We understand how disruptive the shutdown of Firebase Dynamic Links can be for your business. The good news is we’ve helped plenty of FDL customers make the switch, and we’re here to do the same for you.
To get started, request a demo with our team.