DeepLink

We present new complex and multifunctional Firebase feature on SeattleCloud platform - DeepLink , available on Android and iOS platforms.

Dynamic Links or DeepLinks are smart URLs that allow you to send existing and potential users to any location within your iOS or Android app. 

DeepLinks are easy to create, customize and manage, no coding require.

Let's move on to creating DeepLink: 

1. Login into your Firebase Console account and create new project or open the existing one (in case you've already created project).

Android app:

2. Add new android app -> see step 2 in this thread or open currently created app. 

! Ensure Android Package Name is equivalent with the Bundle ID that has been used on SeattleCloud side.

- Download JSON file.

3.1. Go to 'Application Dashboard' on SeattleCloud -> open 'Application Settings' -> find 'Firebase' -> enable checkbox - 'Enable Dynamic Links' -> copy SHA certificate.

3.2. Return on Firebase Console-> open 'Settings' -> 'General' category -> from apps list find appropriate app -> add here copied SHA-certificate. 

Now Android app is ready for DeepLink customization. 

iOS app:

2. Add new iOS app -> see step 2 in this thread or open currently created one. 

! Ensure iOS bundle ID on Firebase is equivalent with the Bundle ID that has been used on SeattleCloud side.

- Download .plist file.

3. Once the app is created -> open 'Settings' -> 'General' category -> from apps list find needed app -> set up the following:

3.1 - App nickname - may use the app name (AppStore name)

3.2 - App Store ID - find it in app’s URL from AppStore (Ex.: /123456789)

3.3 - Team ID - find it in the Apple Member Center under the provisioning profile

Now iOS app is ready for DeepLink customization. 

Let's proceed to DeepLink customization:

4. On Firebase Console open left side menu -> find 'Grow' category -> choose 'Dynamic Links' -> click on Get Started.

From here are created URL prefix for feature DeepLinks.

URL Prefix - Type the domain name you want to use for your DeepLinks.

Example: yourapp.page.link

! It's allowed to add up to 10 URL prefix

! Also, you are allowed to use (your own workable) custom domain.

5. Once URL(s) prefix(es) is ready, find button 'New Dynamic Link' of it -> it's time to customize the DeepLink:

5.1. 

 add path name to chosen URL prefix (ex.: /tab3), this will displayed as shared link

- 5.1.2 - add alternative link which will be opened on web (desktop) and in case the app is not installed 

! it's important to add at the end of alternative link the syntax -> 

?app_next_page=Page Name (ex.: tab3)

- 5.1.3 - Set up with DeepLink behavior for each platform in particular:

=> Android

- link behavior for iOS - usually is chosen to open alternative way in browser

- link behavior for Android - usually is chosen to open the link inside of the app. 

Alternative link may be opened in Google Play / using a custom URL / in a different way for devices that don't support Google Play service.

iOS =>

- link behavior for iOS - usually is chosen to open the link inside of the app. 

Alternative link may be opened in AppStore / opened a different app for iPad / sharing a campaign / sharing a custom link.

- link behavior for Android - usually is chosen to open alternative way in browser

 The correctness of link may be checked by clicking on  and choosing option 'Link preview (debug)'.

6. Return on SeattleCloud and open 'Application Dashboard' of the app -> choose 'Application Settings':

6.1. Find 'Firebase' setting -> enable 'Dynamic Links' feature

6.2. For Android app is generate the SHA key (step 3.1) needed for setup android app on Firebase console

6.3. Add JSON File -> Android | .plist file -> iOS.

(review above step (2) for both platforms)

6.4. Add created URL prefix(es) for specific application

7. Open 'Page Settings':

7.1. Open 'Sharing' category - here may be added 2 types of DeepLink: Global and Individual link 

7.2.  Global DeepLink - shared link opens home page of the app

7.3. Individual DeepLink - shared link opens specific page of the app (ex. tab3) with possibility of navigation through application.

8. iOS => Important particularity of iOS platform is enabling 'Associated Domains' capability in application's Provisioning Profile certificate (Bundle ID).

Login into your Apple Developer Account -> choose 'Identifiers' -> open (create) Bundle ID of the app -> enable 'Associated Domains' capability -> edit (generate) Provisioning Profile certificate.

Note! DeepLink configs are applied only through new build.

Also, DeepLink may be added through a HTML URL scheme, find out here how to setup the link.