Firebase Dynamic Links Integration in Mobile Apps
Imagine a user clicks a promo link in a messenger, but instead of the desired screen, the app's home page opens. Or worse — the link leads to the app store even though the app is already installed. Such context losses reduce referral program conversion by 15–25%. Firebase Dynamic Links solves this, but requires proper configuration.
One of our clients — an e-commerce store with a referral program — saw a 35% increase in referral link conversion and doubled session depth after integrating Dynamic Links. The secret is that the link remembers the target screen even before the app is installed (deferred deep linking).
How Dynamic Links Works and Key Challenges
Firebase Dynamic Links are smart links that direct users to the right app location regardless of whether the app is installed. If the app is installed, it opens a specific screen. If not, it leads to the App Store or Google Play, and after installation delivers the original deep link. Use cases: content sharing, referral programs, email campaigns with context. iOS uses Universal Links, Android uses App Links.
Important: Google is discontinuing support for Firebase Dynamic Links. If you are starting a new project, consider alternatives: Branch.io, Adjust, AppsFlyer, or a custom implementation using App Links + Universal Links + deferred deep linking. If Dynamic Links are already in use, migration is needed.
Typical Integration Mistakes
On iOS, you need to configure apple-app-site-association and the Associated Domains entitlement. On Android, you need an intent-filter with autoVerify="true" and the correct assetlinks.json on the domain. The most common issue: after an app update, Dynamic Links stop working on Android because the signing key hash changes and assetlinks.json is not updated. Or a new applicationId for a debug build is added but not registered in the Firebase Console. Testing must be done on physical devices — simulators do not support all scenarios correctly.
Comparison of Deep Linking Solutions
| Criteria | Firebase Dynamic Links | Branch.io | Custom (Universal Links + App Links) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred deep linking | Built-in | Built-in | Requires backend |
| Platform support | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android |
| Analytics | Firebase Analytics | Built-in | Requires integration |
| Cost | Free (until shutdown) | Freemium (subscription) | Depends on complexity |
| Setup time | 2–4 days | 3–5 days | 5–10 days |
How to Set Up Dynamic Links in 5 Steps
- Register a domain for the deep link and associate it with Firebase.
- Configure the configuration files:
apple-app-site-associationfor iOS andassetlinks.jsonfor Android. - Integrate the Firebase SDK into the app and implement incoming link handling.
- Create a Dynamic Link via the Firebase Console or API.
- Test on physical devices all scenarios: app installed, not installed, update with transition.
Testing Checklist
- Verify Universal Links on iOS (open app if installed).
- Verify App Links on Android (open app if installed).
- Verify deferred deep link (install from store and return to the correct screen).
- Verify app update (key hash does not break).
- Test on different OS versions: iOS 14+, Android 10+.
- Test when app is not installed — redirect to store.
Why Dynamic Links May Stop Working After an App Update?
The main reason is a change in the signing key hash on Android. When you sign a new version with a different key (e.g., a different Keystore), the SHA-256 hash changes. Firebase checks the hash from the console, and if it doesn't match, App Links stop opening your app. Solution: update assetlinks.json on the server with the new hash. On iOS, a similar issue arises with apple-app-site-association if the Bundle ID or server values change.
How to Migrate to Branch.io Without Losing Functionality?
Branch.io is the most feature-rich alternative. It supports deferred deep linking, analytics, and web links. Migration includes:
- Create a Branch account and configure apps.
- Replace the Firebase SDK with the Branch SDK (code integration).
- Migrate domain configuration and links.
- Test all scenarios and run an A/B test comparing with old links.
// Android: Branch initialization Branch.getAutoInstance(this) // Handle in Activity Branch.sessionBuilder(this).withCallback { referringParams, error -> referringParams?.getString("+clicked_branch_link")?.let { // navigate to target screen } }.withData(this.intent.data).init() Migrating to a custom implementation — App Links + Universal Links with deferred parameters via your own server — takes more development time but gives full data control. Branch.io provides a ready SDK and analytics, saving up to 20% of the total budget.
What Alternatives to Firebase Dynamic Links Exist?
If Firebase Dynamic Links are being shut down, switch to Branch.io, Adjust, AppsFlyer, or develop a custom solution based on Universal Links, App Links, and deferred deep linking via your own backend. We help choose the best option for your budget and timeline — contact us for a consultation.
What's Included in the Work
| Stage | Duration | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis | 0.5 day | Solution selection, audit of current stack |
| Design | 0.5 day | Deep link handling scheme, domain configuration |
| Implementation | 1–2 days | Code integration, Firebase Console setup |
| Testing | 1 day | All scenarios verified on physical devices |
| Documentation | 0.5 day | Backend instructions, configuration description |
We guarantee first-time correct setup of Universal Links and App Links. Experience: over 5 years in mobile development, dozens of deep linking projects.
How We Ensure Results
Our engineers hold Firebase and iOS/Android development certifications. For each project we prepare a custom testing checklist: installed/not installed apps, updates, different OS versions, carrier-dependent interruptions. Get a consultation on your scenario — contact us.
Why Order Integration Now
Dynamic Links simplify user engagement: referral programs with automatic transitions, contextual email campaigns, ad campaigns with precise analytics. Even after Firebase shutdown, functionality can be preserved with other tools. We'll help choose the optimal solution for your budget. Order an audit of your current configuration or turnkey integration.