Your users open shared playlists, song links, and invites from every channel: WhatsApp, email, Instagram, and text messages, all expecting the application to open the right screen instantly.
But if your deep linking system breaks, every tap starts from zero.
Your users get stuck on login pages or blank screens, your team wastes time debugging inconsistent flows, and every click becomes a lost opportunity.
Sound familiar?
Today’s applications demand deep, consistent linking experiences: fast, secure, and reliable. When links fail or behave differently across environments, it hurts user trust and engagement.
In this post, we’ll walk through how we migrated from Firebase Dynamic Links to native mobile app links, achieving faster resolution, smaller builds, and full control without third-party dependencies.
You’ll see how we built domain-verified links, centralized link handling, and cross-platform mobile development solutions with authentication integration, and how you can apply the same approach in your own applications.
Ask yourself:
- How many users drop off when a shared link doesn’t open correctly?
- How often do teams patch around deep link inconsistencies instead of fixing them at the root?
- You already know these challenges, but how far have you come in solving them?
Whether you’re a product owner, mobile developer, or tech lead, deep linking consistency is no longer optional. Every failed link means friction, and every second of delay hurts the experience.
Native App Links change that. They give you full control, faster performance, and total reliability, without relying on Firebase or external SDKs.
Bitcot helps teams make that shift through our mobile app development services, building native, verified deep linking systems that scale seamlessly, enhance UX, and prepare your application for the post-Firebase future.
The future of deep linking is already here. Are you ready to make the switch?
Why Mobile App Deep Linking Matters More Than Ever
Every app interaction begins with intent: a user wants to open something specific: a playlist, a product, a message.
Deep links make that possible by connecting external links directly to in-app experiences, removing friction and guiding users exactly where they want to go.
But not all deep linking systems are equal.
Firebase Dynamic Links once made this easy, but with Firebase’s deprecation deadline approaching, thousands of applications are now facing a critical decision: migrate or risk broken user journeys.
Dynamic Links relied on Google’s cloud service for routing and tracking, which added network delays, dependency risks, and hidden maintenance costs.
Native Android App Links and iOS Universal Links solve that problem by shifting control back to your application.
With domain verification, secure intent handling, and direct OS-level routing, they provide:
- Instant link resolution: no waiting for a redirect or cloud handshake
- Full ownership: no third-party service or SDK dependencies
- Improved security: verified domains ensure links can’t be hijacked
- Better user experience: users land exactly where they expect, every time
For modern applications (especially those focused on content sharing, social interactions, or deep user personalization) this isn’t just a technical upgrade. It’s a foundational improvement in reliability and trust.
In our recent project, we migrated an existing Firebase Dynamic Links setup to a fully native deep linking architecture across Android and iOS. The goal was clear: eliminate external dependencies, improve performance, and ensure long-term scalability through mobile app optimization.
An Overview of Our Mobile App Deep Linking Solutions
To future-proof our mobile platforms and eliminate third-party dependencies, we migrated both Android and iOS from Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) to fully native deep linking implementations: Android App Links and iOS Universal Links.
This transition was about building a faster, more secure, and completely self-owned deep linking architecture that enhances user experience and performance across every platform.
Key Highlights
- Native App Links (Android) and Universal Links (iOS): Both platforms now use OS-level link verification for seamless, instant deep linking with no redirects or cloud routing.
- Domain Verification & Security: Verified domains ensure all deep links are authenticated and protected against spoofing, providing a safe and trusted user journey.
- Centralized Link Handling: Dedicated handlers manage every deep link, ensuring consistent navigation and state management.
- Enhanced State Management: Improved navigation logic prevents UI inconsistencies and ensures accurate playback states.
- Authentication-Aware Routing: Both implementations validate authentication before granting access, with graceful fallbacks to the login flow when needed.
- Multi-Environment Support: Each platform includes separate domain configurations for staging and production, automating environment-specific link behavior.
- Comprehensive Error Handling: Users receive contextual, user-friendly fallback screens or alerts for invalid or expired links.
- Semantic Versioning: Both applications now use semantic versioning for improved version tracking and API compatibility.
- User Engagement: Improved mobile user experience through faster load times and seamless navigation flows.
The Outcome
By adopting native deep linking solutions across both ecosystems, we achieved:
- 60-80% faster link resolution times (0.5-1s vs. 2-3s with Firebase)
- 500KB smaller Android APK size by removing the Firebase SDK
- 100% uptime and reliability through OS-level link handling
- Zero third-party dependencies and no rate limits
- Improved user trust and smoother cross-platform experience
These improvements provide a future-ready deep linking foundation that’s secure, efficient, and scalable for all upcoming features and campaigns.
Achievements of Our Mobile App Deep Linking Solutions
Migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links to native deep linking solutions across Android and iOS delivered measurable technical, performance, and user experience improvements.
Successful Firebase Dynamic Links Migration
We completed the transition ahead of Firebase’s August 2025 deprecation deadline, ensuring uninterrupted deep linking functionality:
- Removed Firebase SDK dependencies, eliminating long-term maintenance costs
- Prevented potential downtime or link breakage post-Firebase shutdown
Native Android App Links & iOS Universal Links Implementation
- Fully integrated App Links (Android) and Universal Links (iOS) using verified domains for seamless routing
- Achieved instant link resolution with OS-level handling, removing network hops and reducing latency
- Unified architecture ensures consistent navigation and user flows across both platforms
- Introduced centralized link handling components: AppLinksActivity on Android and SceneDelegate on iOS
- Simplified routing, improved code maintainability, and created a single entry point for all deep link flows
- Enhanced platform-aware navigation with integrated authentication checks and fallback paths
Enhanced State Management
- Fixed navigation issues, such as songs switching unexpectedly or UI states desynchronizing
- Implemented isolated state management for deep link vs. regular application sessions
- Achieved 100% consistent UI behavior between background, foreground, and cold start states
- Improved app performance with optimized state transitions and memory management
Improved Security & Domain Verification
- Implemented assetlinks.json (Android) and apple-app-site-association (iOS) for domain validation
- Ensured only verified links open the application, protecting users from malicious redirects
Multi-Environment & Version Management
- Configured flavor-specific domains for staging and production environments
- Adopted semantic versioning across both applications for consistent version tracking
Error Handling & User Experience
- Designed user-friendly fallback UIs and alerts for deleted playlists or expired links
- Added contextual recovery options like “Browse Playlists” or “Go Back”
- Reduced deep-link-related support tickets by 40%
Performance & Efficiency Gains
- Reduced link processing time from 2-3 seconds to 0.5-1 second—a 60-80% performance improvement
- Cut Android APK size by ~500KB after removing Firebase SDK
- Achieved 100% uptime with zero external dependencies
Development Timeline for Our Mobile App Deep Linking Solutions
Building native deep linking solutions for both Android and iOS required a structured, phase-based approach. The entire migration, from analysis to deployment, was completed in just under 80 hours.
Phase 1: Analysis & Planning (~9 hours)
- Reviewed existing Firebase Dynamic Links implementations
- Mapped all deep link entry points, routing patterns, and dependencies
- Designed a unified deep linking architecture supporting both App Links and Universal Links
- Defined fallback behavior, error scenarios, and environment configurations
Phase 2: Core Implementation (~28 hours)
Android:
- Built AppLinksActivity for centralized deep link handling
- Configured verified domains and intent filters in AndroidManifest
- Developed AppLinksHelper for URL parsing and generation
The architecture for Android app development follows a streamlined flow designed for speed, verification, and context-aware navigation. When a user clicks a link, the Android OS first verifies the domain and matches it with the defined intent filter. The verified link is then received by the AppLinksActivity, which authenticates the user if required and navigates them directly to the target activity.
iOS:
- Enabled Associated Domains capability and configured applinks entries in Xcode
- Implemented URL capture and parsing logic in SceneDelegate using NSUserActivity
- Established consistent routing logic and deep link entry points across both platforms
As an iOS app development company, we ensured the implementation followed Apple’s best practices for Universal Links, providing seamless integration and optimal performance.
Phase 3: Deep Link Routing & State Management (~16 hours)
- Integrated navigation coordinators to ensure deep links route correctly regardless of application state
- Implemented isolated state management to prevent UI inconsistencies
- Validated proper authentication handling and fallback routing
- Applied native app integration techniques for seamless platform-specific features
Phase 4: Error Handling & User Experience Enhancements (~8 hours)
- Designed user-friendly fallback screens and alerts for invalid or expired links
- Added actionable recovery options
- Improved user feedback and progress indicators during deep link processing
Phase 5: Testing & Refinement (~14 hours)
- Conducted end-to-end testing of all deep link scenarios across Android and iOS devices
- Validated domain verification through assetlinks.json and apple-app-site-association files
- Tested across multiple states: application installed, not installed, backgrounded, and freshly launched
Phase 6: Version Management & Final Integration (~5 hours)
- Adopted semantic versioning across both applications
- Integrated force-update API logic to align with new versioning standards
- Final review and deployment, ensuring stable deep link resolution across environments
Challenges Solved in Our Mobile App Deep Linking Solutions
Migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links to native solutions required rethinking navigation, state management, and reliability at a foundational level. Here are the key challenges we solved:
1. Deep Link State Management
Problem: Returning users experienced inconsistent application states. Music continued playing while the UI showed “paused,” navigation buttons appeared incorrectly, and data occasionally overlapped between flows.
Solution: We introduced isolated state management for deep link sessions with separate state handling, custom flags to track deep link modes, and dedicated resume handlers for each flow type.
Result: 100% consistent behavior across all sessions with zero unexpected state changes or UI desynchronization.
Problem: Firebase Dynamic Links previously handled installation and routing automatically, but native links required manual handling of different application states and authentication flow integration.
Solution:
- Introduced centralized link handling components: AppLinksActivity (Android) and SceneDelegate (iOS)
- Added authentication state validation before opening protected screens
- Built fallback navigation to guide unauthenticated users through login
Result: A consistent and secure cross-platform deep linking experience with no interruptions during login transitions.
3. Deleted or Invalid Content Handling
Problem: Links pointing to deleted playlists or expired tracks resulted in blank screens or application crashes with no feedback.
Solution: Designed user-friendly error UIs with clear messaging and actionable options like “Browse Playlists” or “Go Back.”
Result: Clear, intuitive recovery experience with a 40% reduction in support tickets related to broken links.
4. Multi-Environment Configuration
Problem: Production builds occasionally used staging domains, causing inconsistent deep link verification.
Solution: Implemented flavor-specific domain configurations for Android and environment-based entries for iOS with automated environment selection during build time.
Result: Zero misconfigurations during deployment with fully automated, environment-aware deep linking setup.
5. Version Management & Force Update Compatibility
Problem: The backend expected semantic versioning (e.g., 3.1.4), but the applications were sending version codes (e.g., 98), breaking force-update logic.
Solution: Updated both platforms to use semantic version names in API calls while maintaining backward compatibility.
Result: Restored force-update functionality with improved version tracking across all platforms.
Code Quality Improvements in Our Mobile App Deep Linking Solutions
Beyond performance and reliability, this migration strengthened our overall application architecture and code quality.
Clean Architecture
- Single Responsibility: Each component has a clear, isolated purpose
- Utility Separation: Shared helpers manage URL parsing and generation
- State Isolation: Deep link state is separated from regular navigation flows
Type Safety & Validation
- Leveraged Kotlin null-safety and defensive programming techniques
- Implemented strict validation for incoming link data and user state
- Adopted clear error propagation patterns
Error Handling
- Introduced graceful fallbacks for every possible failure scenario
- Displayed user-friendly messages and actionable recovery options
- Enabled platform-consistent error UI across Android and iOS
Performance Optimization
- Reduced link processing time from 2-3 seconds to under 1 second
- Eliminated network dependency by handling all links natively within the OS
- Reduced overall application size (Android: ~500KB smaller without Firebase SDK)
- Enhanced mobile application performance through efficient resource management, ensuring apps load faster and deliver smoother user experiences.
Security Enhancements
- Implemented verified domain configuration with assetlinks.json (Android) and apple-app-site-association (iOS)
- Added authentication validation before granting access to protected screens
- Strengthened intent filter rules and minimized exposure to unauthorized link patterns
Performance Metrics & Results of Our Mobile App Deep Linking Solutions
Our migration to native deep linking solutions brought significant improvements across every measurable area:
| Metric | Before (Firebase Dynamic Links) | After (Native App Links & Universal Links) | Improvement |
| Link Resolution Time | 2-3 seconds (cloud redirect via Firebase) | 0.5-1 second (direct OS-level handling) | 60-80% faster |
| APK / App Size Impact | Android: +500KB due to Firebase SDK | Android: 0KB (SDK removed) | ~500KB smaller build |
| Reliability | 99.9% uptime (dependent on Firebase SLA) | 100% uptime (native OS handling) | No third-party dependencies |
| User Experience | Occasional delays and blank screens on invalid links | Instant responses with user-friendly fallbacks | Consistent and intuitive UX |
| Security | External service dependency with redirect-based validation | Domain-verified deep links with full control | Enhanced data and access security |
| Version Management | Inconsistent version tracking (code-based) | Semantic versioning (name-based) | Simplified updates & debugging |
| Cross-Platform Parity | Inconsistent navigation between Android and iOS | Unified architecture and behavior | Full alignment across devices |
Additional Highlights
- 40% reduction in deep link-related support tickets
- Unified link processing architecture simplified maintenance
- Improved authentication reliability
- Zero downtime post-Firebase deprecation readiness
Partner with Bitcot to Build Your Custom Mobile App Deep Linking Solution
Deep linking isn’t just a technical upgrade. It’s the foundation of seamless user experiences, higher engagement, and stronger customer retention.
Whether you’re migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links, building a new mobile ecosystem, or looking to unify your Android and iOS experiences, Bitcot can help.
Our team of mobile experts designs and delivers custom deep linking architectures that are:
- Fast and secure, powered by verified domains and OS-native routing
- Fully owned, with zero dependency on third-party SDKs or external services
- Scalable and future-ready, supporting multi-environment setups and continuous versioning
- User-centric, ensuring every link opens exactly where your customers expect, every time
- Built with enterprise mobile app solutions standards for reliability and maintainability
We’ve already helped leading applications future-proof their deep linking systems, improving speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Now, it’s your turn.
Let’s build a deep linking solution that scales with your business and delivers real impact, across every device, every channel, and every click.
Final Thoughts
Migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links to native Android App Links and iOS Universal Links was more than a technical update. It was a strategic shift toward full platform ownership, better performance, and long-term reliability.
By removing third-party dependencies, unifying deep link handling, and implementing verified, OS-native routing, we’ve built a foundation that’s faster, safer, and future-ready.
Our teams now have complete control over link behavior, authentication flows, and user navigation, without relying on external services or facing unpredictable deprecation timelines. The result is a deep linking ecosystem that performs seamlessly across platforms, whether users open a shared playlist, a product link, or a personalized experience.
Key Takeaways
- Speed & Efficiency: Link resolution improved by up to 80%, delivering near-instant responses
- Security & Reliability: Verified domains and OS-level handling eliminate redirect risks and dependency failures
- User Experience: Clear feedback, consistent navigation, and smooth transitions enhance overall engagement
- Scalability: The new architecture supports staging, production, and future feature expansion with minimal effort
- Future-Readiness: Fully independent of Firebase’s infrastructure, ensuring continuity beyond deprecation
This migration reinforces our commitment to technical excellence and user-centric design, ensuring every click leads exactly where it should, every time.
At Bitcot, through our web and mobile app development services, we continue to build future-proof solutions that empower businesses to take control of their mobile ecosystems, simplify user journeys, and drive meaningful engagement across all platforms. Our expertise in mobile app architecture ensures scalable, maintainable solutions that grow with your business.
The deep linking evolution has already begun, and we’re ready for what comes next.
Get in touch with our team.
