Google is officially shutting down Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) on August 25, 2025, leaving thousands of apps without a built-in solution for one of mobile's most critical features: handling deep links after install.
This process, known as deferred deep linking, is essential for user experience, campaign attribution, and retention.
If you're wondering how to continue handling deep links post-install without Firebase, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- Why deferred deep linking matters
- What breaks without Firebase
- How AppsOnAir AppLink provides a seamless alternative
- A step-by-step guide to implementing it.
What Is Deferred Deep Linking?
Deferred deep linking allows users to land on specific in-app content even if they haven’t installed the app yet. Here's how it works:
- A user taps a smart link (e.g., from an ad, email, or social media).
- If the app is not installed, the link takes them to the App Store or Play Store.
- After installing the app and opening it for the first time, the user is automatically directed to the original intended screen inside the app.
Without deferred deep linking, users are dropped on the generic home screen post-install, a frustrating experience that leads to drop-offs and poor conversions.
The Problem: Firebase Dynamic Links Is Going Away
FDL handled deferred deep links elegantly, but with its sunset approaching, teams now face serious concerns:
- How do we recreate deferred deep linking behavior?
- Will users still land on the correct content after installation?
- Can we retain attribution and analytics?
Meet AppsOnAir AppLink, A Drop-in Replacement for FDL
AppsOnAir AppLink is built to solve exactly this.
It offers a Firebase Dynamic Links alternative with:
- Fully supported deferred deep linking
- Smart routing across iOS, Android, and web
- Custom domain support (e.g., links.yourbrand.com)
- Simple SDK integration
- Real-time analytics
- Flexible link behavior control
Whether you're onboarding new users from a campaign, re-engaging lapsed users, or driving social shares, AppLink ensures every click lands right where it should, even after app install.
How AppsOnAir Handles Deep Linking Post-Install
The user journey with AppLink:
- User clicks a smart AppLink
- Link detects device type and app install status
- If not installed, redirects to the App Store or Play Store
- After installation, AppLink data is retrieved via the SDK
- User lands on the correct in-app screen
- You get full tracking of clicks, installs, and attribution
Getting Started: How to Implement It
Here’s how to migrate and set up deferred deep linking with AppsOnAir:
Step 1: Import Existing Firebase Links (Optional)
If you already use FDL:
- Export your links via CSV.
- Import them into AppsOnAir via the dashboard.
- Your custom domains and deep link data stay intact.
Step 2: Set Up Your App
In the AppsOnAir dashboard:
- Register your iOS and Android apps.
- Provide Team ID (iOS) or SHA-256 key (Android).
- Set fallback URLs.
Step 3: Integrate the SDK
Install the lightweight SDK in your mobile app:
- iOS, Android, or hybrid (Flutter, React Native, etc.)
- Add initialization code to your app's entry point.
- Use the SDK to retrieve the deep link data on first launch.
Step 4: Create Deferred Deep Links
You can:
- Use the dashboard to generate links manually
- Or use the SDK/API to create links dynamically based on in-app behavior
Set:
- Deep link destination
- Platform-specific fallback behavior
- Custom metadata (title, image, description)
Step 5: Track & Optimize
Use the built-in analytics dashboard to monitor:
- Clicks
- Installs
- Retention
- Link performance by campaign
Final Thoughts: The Future of Deep Linking Is Still Bright
While Firebase may be shutting down its Dynamic Links service, your user experience doesn’t have to suffer.
With AppsOnAir AppLink, you not only retain the powerful functionality of deferred deep linking, but you also gain more control, analytics, and scalability.
Whether you're a solo developer, a growing startup, or an enterprise team, migrating now ensures you won’t be scrambling at the last minute before Firebase’s August 2025 shutdown.
