At a Glance: This article will provide you with a clear and detailed understanding of how to migrate your Firebase Dynamic Links to the Apptrove platform.
Understanding Firebase and Why Migration is Necessary
What is Firebase?
Firebase is a popular app development platform offered by Google that helps developers build and scale mobile and web applications. It offers tools for cloud storage, user authentication, app testing, and deep linking, allowing users to access specific in-app content through a shared link.
One of Firebase’s key features, Dynamic Links, is designed to direct users to a particular location in your app based on their app installation status. However, Firebase has announced the deprecation of Dynamic Links, urging businesses to migrate their deep linking solution.
Why is Migration Necessary?
With Firebase discontinuing support for Dynamic Links, businesses using these links will face challenges such as broken links, reduced user experience, and eventually the complete discontinuation of the feature. Although Google has provided a 12-month transition period, it is highly recommended that you start the migration early to ensure an uninterrupted user experience.
This is where Apptrove offers a seamless and powerful alternative for deep linking — UniLink.
Why Choose Apptrove's UniLink?
Apptrove offers UniLink, a flexible and powerful deep linking tool designed to make it easier for businesses to direct users to the right destination based on their behaviour, app installation status, and device type.
With UniLink, you can create a single link that behaves differently based on user conditions. For example:
If a user does not have your app installed, they will be redirected to the app store or a web URL.
If a user has your app installed, they will be taken directly to the specific content inside your app.
In cases where no condition is defined, the user will default to the app store or web URL.
Moreover, Apptrove offers advanced campaign tracking, allowing you to customize and track your link performance by adding custom parameters like campaign name, ad set name, traffic source, etc.
Steps to Migrate from Firebase Dynamic Links to Apptrove
Step 1: Identify Existing Firebase Links
Begin by logging into your Firebase Console and navigating to the Dynamic Links section. Export all your existing Dynamic Links along with their corresponding paths, fallback URLs, and deep link structures.
This step will help you understand the volume of links to be recreated and ensure no link is left behind.
Step 2: Create Equivalent Links in Apptrove
Log in to your Apptrove Dashboard and navigate to UniLink.
Click on Create New Template.
Provide the link name, web URL, and deep link path. Add custom parameters for campaign tracking.
Click Save & Generate Link.
Test your link to ensure it behaves as expected.
For bulk link creation, Apptrove offers an API-based migration solution, allowing you to map and recreate all your existing Firebase Dynamic Links programmatically.
Step 3: Replace Existing Links
Once your new Apptrove UniLinks are created, replace all instances of Firebase Dynamic Links across your app, website, email campaigns, and marketing materials with the newly created Apptrove links.
This ensures that users are seamlessly redirected without any disruption.
Step 4: Test and Monitor
After updating the links, thoroughly test them across different devices and scenarios to confirm:
New users are redirected to the app store or a web URL.
Existing users are redirected to the app.
Campaign tracking is functioning accurately.
Apptrove’s analytics dashboard will provide insights into how your links are performing, allowing you to optimize your marketing efforts.
Why Should You Migrate to Apptrove Now?
Although Firebase provides a 12-month transition period, delaying migration could result in broken links or poor user experiences once Dynamic Links are fully deprecated. Migrating to Apptrove UniLink ensures:
Continuous user redirection without interruptions.
Advanced tracking with custom parameters.
Easy management of deep linking campaigns.
World-class support to assist you throughout the transition.
Have a look at the detailed KB - UniLink
How do I migrate the links?
To create the Apptrove Link equivalent to REST API, utilize Apptrove's API
To create the Apptrove Link equivalent to Dynamic Builder API, utilize Apptrove's relevant SDK methods (iOs || Android)
We are delighted to have assembled a world-class team of experienced professionals who are ready to take care of your queries and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us at anytime through emailing us at support@apptrove.com or by using the in-platform chat feature. We'd love to hear from you!
