The Deprecation of Firebase Dynamic Links
In August 2023, Google officially announced the deprecation of Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL), with a scheduled sunset in 2025. For years, mobile developers relied on FDL as the default free tool to handle iOS Universal Links, Android App Links, and store fallback redirection.
With the shutdown timeline active, development teams are looking for sustainable, developer-friendly alternatives that do not force them into bloated enterprise contracts or complex self-hosted server fleets.
What Makes Deeplio a Natural Successor to FDL
Unlike legacy alternatives that require complex mobile SDK integration, Deeplio operates entirely at the Anycast edge network layer. It automates the hosting of /.well-known/assetlinks.json and /.well-known/apple-app-site-association directly on your custom domain.
Incoming links are evaluated in under 50 milliseconds across global edge nodes, routing users seamlessly into your installed native app or directing uninstalled users to Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Key Architectural Differences from FDL
1. Zero Client-Side SDK: FDL required importing the FirebaseDynamicLinks SDK into your iOS Podfile and Android build.gradle. Deeplio requires zero client libraries; your app uses standard iOS NSUserActivity and Android intent-filters.
2. Direct Custom Domain Hosting: FDL required configuring CNAME and TXT verification records through the Firebase console. Deeplio provisions automated SSL certificates on Cloudflare for SaaS, allowing instant custom domain routing.
3. Deterministic Edge Routing: Redirection occurs at the Cloudflare edge before reaching the browser, eliminating the intermediate white loading screens common in FDL web handoffs.
Legacy FDL Flow:
Link Click ──> Web Redirect Page (FDL SDK Loader) ──> App Launch or Store
Deeplio Edge Flow:
Link Click ──> Anycast Edge Worker (<50ms) ──────────> App Launch or StoreMigrating Your Existing Custom Domains
If your app currently uses links like links.yourbrand.com, you can preserve this domain during migration. Add your domain in the Deeplio console, update your DNS CNAME record to point to Deeplio's edge gateway, and register your Android package SHA-256 and iOS Team ID.
Your existing links will immediately route through Deeplio without requiring updates to printed QR codes or distributed marketing materials.
When moving away from FDL, you can retain your existing subdomain (e.g. links.yourbrand.com) by pointing its CNAME record to Deeplio's edge gateway.
Firebase Dynamic Links vs Deeplio
A factual architectural comparison between FDL and Deeplio edge routing.
| Capability | Deeplio Edge | Alternative / Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Status Ensures long-term link reliability | Active, modern Anycast infrastructure | Deprecated by Google with scheduled sunset |
| Client SDK Dependency Reduces app binary size and build complexity | Zero SDK (Pure native iOS/Android handlers) | Requires FirebaseDynamicLinks SDK |
| Custom Domain Routing Fast global DNS and Anycast delivery | Automated edge SSL on your custom domain | Legacy Firebase Hosting proxy routing |
Key Migration Checkpoints
- Remove the deprecated FirebaseDynamicLinks SDK from your mobile builds.
- Use standard GoRouter, React Navigation, or native OS handlers for deep links.
- Point your custom domain CNAME to Deeplio for automated .well-known hosting and store fallbacks.
Ready to deploy branded Smart Links for your mobile app?
Automate your Apple AASA and Android Assetlinks endpoints on your own domain with fast Anycast edge routing. No client SDK required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Deeplio support deferred deep linking?
No. Deeplio does not include an attribution SDK or support deferred deep linking. It focuses on reliable direct Universal Links, App Links, custom domain hosting, and immediate store fallback routing.
Can I use Deeplio without Firebase?
Yes. Deeplio is completely independent of Firebase. You can use it with any backend, including Supabase, AWS, custom APIs, or standalone mobile apps.