🚀 Free Alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links for Deep Linking

Google recently announced the discontinuation of Firebase Dynamic Links, leaving many developers searching for reliable alternatives.

I recently migrated one of my projects away from Firebase Dynamic Links, and in this post, I’ll walk you through a 100% free solution that works seamlessly across both Android and iOS.

🔑 Why This Approach?

• ✅ Completely Free – no hidden costs
• ✅ No Vendor Lock-in – you own everything
• ✅ Supports Android App Links + iOS Universal Links
• ✅ Works with deep linking & parameters
• ✅ Optional link shortener (TinyURL API or your own

🛠 Step-by-Step Integration

1. Configure Android – assetlinks.json

Create a file named assetlinks.json and host it at:

https://your-domain/.well-known/assetlinks.json

Example:

[
  {
    "relation": ["delegate_permission/common.handle_all_urls"],
    "target": {
      "namespace": "android_app",
      "package_name": "your.package.name",
      "sha256_cert_fingerprints": ["YOUR_SHA256_CERT"]
    }
  }
]

2. Update Android Manifest

Add this intent filter inside your AndroidManifest.xml:

<intent-filter android:autoVerify="true">
    <action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
    <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
    <category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
    <data android:scheme="https" android:host="your-domain" />
</intent-filter>

This ensures your app handles links from your domain.

3. Configure iOS – apple-app-site-association

Host a file named apple-app-site-association at:

https://your-domain/apple-app-site-association

Example:

{
  "applinks": {
    "apps": [],
    "details": [
      {
        "appID": "TEAM_ID.BUNDLE_ID",
        "paths": ["*"]
      }
    ]
  }
}

This enables iOS Universal Links for your app.

4. Handle Links in Flutter

Add the app_links package to your project and listen for incoming links:

final _appLinks = AppLinks();

_appLinks.uriLinkStream.listen((Uri? link) {
  if (link != null) {
    print("Deep link: $link");
    final params = link.queryParameters; // extract params
  }
});

5. (Optional) Shorten Your Links

For user-friendly links, you can integrate TinyURL API:

final response = await http.post(
  Uri.parse('https://api.tinyurl.com/create'),
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
  },
  body: jsonEncode({'url': longUrl}),
);

You can also set up your own shortener if you prefer full control.

🏆 The Result

• Firebase Dynamic Links → ❌ Removed
• Deep Linking → ✅ Fully owned & free
• Cross-platform (Android + iOS) → ✅ Works perfectly

💡 Final Thoughts

Migrating away from Firebase Dynamic Links doesn’t have to be complicated. With App Links (Android) and Universal Links (iOS), you get a robust, vendor-free solution that you fully control.

👉 How are you planning to handle deep linking after Firebase Dynamic Links?
Would you prefer a self-hosted solution like this or rely on a third-party provider?