Google’s Firebase Dynamic Links deprecated August 25, 2025. Kochava is cited within Google’s documentation as an alternative deep linking service provider/vendor offering similar functionality to Firebase Dynamic Links.
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Migration Checklist
We’re here to make your transition from Firebase Dynamic Links as quick and smooth as possible. If you would like a custom consultation and planning session to review your current Firebase Dynamic Links setup and learn how Kochava SmartLinks can meet your urgent needs, contact us.
Step 1
Prepare Your Dynamic Links Library for Migration
Before beginning the transition, it’s important to export your entire Firebase Dynamic Links metadata from Firebase. This enables you to review and properly recreate your existing customer experiences.
Tasks
Export your library of existing Dynamic Links metadata. Be sure to include the following:
- Original URLs
- Destination URLs for Play Store, App Store, and/or web redirection
- Deep link paths for in-app content (if applicable)
- Link metadata
- Custom link parameters (e.g., campaign tracking codes)
Resources
Follow Firebase’s Google Takeout Export Guide for step-by-step instructions on exporting your Dynamic Links metadata.
Step 2
Create Your Kochava Account
To get started, create a Kochava account and set up your app project(s). Your account serves as the central hub for managing all your apps, deep links, tracking, and analytics.
Tasks
- If you don’t already have a Kochava account, complete the form HERE, and our team will create one for you.
- Once you have an account, set up a new project for your app(s), including Android, iOS, and web configurations.
Resources
Follow Kochava’s Create and Edit Apps Guide to set up your app(s).
Step 3
Integrate the Kochava Software Development Kit (SDK)
Next, integrate the Kochava SDK into your app(s) to enable install and in-app event tracking, deferred deep linking, attribution, and other capabilities. SDK integration is critical for ensuring a seamless user experience and enabling key functionality (e.g., deferred deep linking, install tracking, attribution).
If you require a server-to-server integration, please contact us.
Tasks
- Follow SDK integration guides for your app(s).
- OPTIONAL: Pursue enhanced deep linking integration in the event that Android App Link and/or iOS Universal Link support is needed.
- After SDK integration, follow the integration testing guide (in the resources immediately following) to validate successful integration.
Resources
Step 4
Create Your SmartLinks
Recreate your Firebase Dynamic Links using Kochava SmartLinks. This enables you to route users to the correct app store, in-app content, or webpage based on their device and other context—providing seamless customer experiences. If you need to create a large volume of links, see step 5 for bulk create options.
QUICK TIP: Start with a small pilot group of links and complete end-to-end testing (see step 6). Identify any missteps or issues before proceeding to create your full library of replacement links.
Tasks
- OPTIONAL: Follow documentation for implementing Android App Links and/or iOS Universal Links support (note prerequisite SDK integration dependencies in step 3).
- Create your first SmartLinks using the Kochava dashboard, replicating the functionality of your Firebase Dynamic Links:
- Specify app store URL.
- Specify deep link path (if applicable).
- Include any deferred deep linking parameters for onboarding new users.
- Specify fallback URL for non-mobile users.
- Add metadata, UTM, and custom parameters (if applicable).
- Test the SmartLinks to ensure that they route correctly across all platforms (iOS, Android, desktop).
Resources
Step 5
Bulk Create SmartLinks
If you have many Dynamic Links to migrate, you can leverage the Kochava Links API to streamline the process. This saves significant time and reduces manual work by programmatically importing your existing Dynamic Links.
Are you overwhelmed by the volume of links you’re required to manage? Contact us for a consultation. There may be options to reduce your link load using custom parameters and dynamic macros in your query strings—enabling you to use one link for hundreds or thousands of distinct destinations.
Tasks
- Prepare a CSV file with the Dynamic Links metadata you exported via Google Takeout in step 1.
- Work with your developer(s) to create a script that programmatically calls the Kochava Links API to create your links automatically.
- Once the script has been run, log in to your Kochava account and verify that all SmartLinks have been successfully created.
Resources
Links API Documentation
Step 6
Conduct End-to-End Link Testing
Perform comprehensive testing to ensure that all SmartLinks operate and behave as expected. This includes:
- Testing in different environments (e.g., TestFlight, Google Play Console, production, staging)
- Validating deferred deep linking functions for new users who install the app through a SmartLink click
- Checking analytics or reporting data to confirm that click events are tracked and attributed correctly
Tasks
- Extract SmartLinks from your Kochava dashboard.
- Click the links from a variety of test devices (e.g., Android, iOS, desktop) to confirm that the user experience matches your configurations.
- Review real-time tracking data in the Kochava dashboard to verify click tracking and install or in-app event attribution (if applicable).
Resources
Step 7
Update Existing Marketing Campaigns With New SmartLinks
Once testing is complete, it’s time to update your live campaigns—replacing Firebase Dynamic Links with the equivalent SmartLinks. This step is crucial to ensure that there is no disruption in your customer experiences.
QUICK TIP: Create a master spreadsheet containing all Firebase Dynamic Links alongside new corresponding Kochava SmartLinks. This provides a helpful reference point for any troubleshooting.
Tasks
- Replace all Firebase Dynamic Links in your current marketing campaigns and materials (e.g., paid ads, emails, social media, push notifications, SMS, web, smart banners) with Kochava SmartLinks.
- Leverage Kochava analytics and reporting to view traffic and performance. Monitor campaigns closely for any issues. If you observe unexpected fluctuations in traffic volume, check for broken links or incorrect routing.
- NOTE: Printed materials featuring QR codes built from Firebase Dynamic Links need to be updated and reprinted with Kochava SmartLinks QR codes.
Resources
Step 8
Ongoing Support and Optimization
As you complete your migration, Kochava will provide dedicated support to help you fully utilize the capabilities of SmartLinks and optimize your deep linking strategy.
Tasks
- Schedule a follow-up meeting with your Client Success Manager (CSM) to review the migration and discuss any additional needs.
- Leverage advanced features like dynamic routing and personalized user experiences to boost engagement.
Resources
- Kochava Support Center
- Email Support at support@kochava.com
- Contact Kochava
What Can You Expect From Kochava SmartLinks™?
Keep your existing customer experiences fully intact and capitalize on added feature functionality.
- Universal Compatibility: Full support for both Android and iOS with advanced integration capabilities for Android App Links and iOS Universal Links
- Dynamic Routing: Advanced logic to personalize user experiences based on device type, operating system, location, and other custom parameters
- Comprehensive Analytics: End-to-end measurement and multi-channel attribution within one robust analytics suite
- Seamless Migration: Dedicated onboarding support to help you quickly and efficiently transition from Firebase Dynamic Links—minimizing disruption to your ongoing campaigns
- Expanded Features: Bonus features, including built-in QR code generation, advanced routing filters, more granular reporting, omnichannel campaign attribution, and beyond
- Transparent Pricing: Flexible pricing models—with no hidden fees—based on attributed conversions or monthly active users (MAU)