Migrate from Branch to Flyn
Export your Branch links, import into Flyn, and update your DNS, no SDK, all in minutes
Last updated: April 2026
Pre-Migration Checklist
Complete these steps before starting the migration to ensure a smooth transition.
- 1Export all link data from Branch as CSV (or via the Data Export / Quick Links API on a premium plan) and verify the file downloaded correctly
- 2Note that the Quick Links page caps at 1,000 links and the last 6 months, use the API for older or larger inventories
- 3Document your current custom domain DNS settings (screenshot recommended)
- 4List any links that rely on Branch SDK deferred deep linking so you can recreate them as no-SDK Flyn deep links
- 5Ensure your Flyn account is on the right plan for your link volume
- 6Notify your team about the upcoming migration window
Step 1: Export from Branch
First, export your existing links from Branch so you can import them into Flyn.
Log in to your Branch dashboard
Log in to your Branch account at dashboard.branch.io.
Open the Quick Links page
Go to the Quick Links page to see your short links. Note: this page is limited to 1,000 links and only shows links created in the last 6 months, older or higher-volume accounts should use the API export below.
Download a CSV from the dashboard
On the Summary page and each product analytics page, click the download (CSV) icon to export the data you are viewing, matching your current filters, date range, and selected columns. Data is delivered immediately as a CSV download.
Or use the Data Export / Quick Links API
For complete or bulk export, use Branch's Data Export API (one-day-interval CSVs of your Branch data) or the Quick Links API to pull link slugs and destinations. Note: API access requires a premium Branch plan. You can also append ?debug=true to any Branch link to inspect its underlying link data.
Step 2: Import into Flyn
Upload your exported links into Flyn. The import wizard auto-maps columns and preserves your slugs.
Create a Flyn account
Sign up at flyn.to/signup, no credit card required. Free accounts can import up to 25 links.
Go to Dashboard > Import
Open the Flyn dashboard and click the "Import" button in the top navigation.
Upload your Branch CSV
Drag and drop the exported CSV or click to browse. Flyn auto-maps the destination URL and slug columns from your Branch export to the correct fields.
Review and confirm
Preview the imported links. Flyn preserves your original slugs and destination URLs. Click "Import All" to finalize.
Step 3: Domain & DNS Migration
Point your custom domain to Flyn so existing short links keep working seamlessly.
Find your current DNS record
In your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, etc.), locate the CNAME record for the branded short domain you point at Branch (e.g., go.yourcompany.com).
Update the CNAME target
Change the CNAME value from your Branch-provided target to link.flyn.to, do not change the hostname.
Add your domain in Flyn
In the Flyn dashboard, go to Settings > Domains > Add Domain. Enter your branded short domain and click Verify.
Wait for DNS propagation
DNS changes typically propagate within 5-30 minutes. Flyn will show a green checkmark once the domain is verified.
DNS Record Summary
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Type | CNAME | CNAME |
| Host | go (or your subdomain) | go (no change) |
| Target | branch.io | link.flyn.to |
What Transfers
Here is what carries over from Branch to Flyn and what needs to be reconfigured.
| Item | Transfers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Destination URLs | All destination URLs are preserved exactly as-is | |
| Custom slugs | Your /my-slug paths carry over | |
| Custom domains | Update CNAME from your Branch target to link.flyn.to | |
| Click & attribution analytics | Historical Branch attribution stays in Branch, new clicks tracked in Flyn | |
| QR codes | Regenerate | QR designs do not transfer, regenerate free in Flyn |
| Deferred deep links (SDK) | Re-create | Flyn deep links open 16+ apps with no SDK, set them up fresh, no app code |
| bnc.lt / app.link short links | Branch-owned link domains cannot migrate, only your custom domain links carry over |
Post-Migration Verification
After completing the migration, work through this checklist to verify everything is working.
- Verify 5-10 sample short links resolve to correct destinations
- Confirm custom domain shows a green checkmark in Flyn dashboard
- Check that new clicks are appearing in Flyn analytics
- Test deep links open in the correct native apps on iOS and Android
- Test QR codes if you regenerated them in Flyn
- Update any integrations or API calls to use Flyn endpoints
- Keep your Branch account active for 30 days as a safety net
Troubleshooting
Common issues and how to resolve them.
Links returning 404 after migration
DNS propagation can take up to 30 minutes. Clear your browser cache and try again. Use a DNS checker tool (like whatsmydns.net) to verify the CNAME is pointing to link.flyn.to.
Old bnc.lt or app.link links still go to Branch
Branch-owned link domains (bnc.lt, *.app.link) cannot be migrated, they are operated by Branch. Only links on your own custom branded domain (e.g., go.yourcompany.com) will transfer by updating the CNAME. Existing Branch-domain links continue working through Branch.
Deep links not opening the app after switching
Branch deep links rely on its mobile SDK. Flyn deep links work without an SDK but are configured per platform, recreate the deep link in Flyn for each target app (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) and test on a real device. No app code change is required.
Quick Links export is missing older links
The Branch Quick Links dashboard only shows up to 1,000 links from the last 6 months. Use the Data Export API or Quick Links API (premium plans) to retrieve your full link history, then import that CSV into Flyn.
Analytics showing zero clicks after import
Historical attribution data from Branch does not transfer. Flyn analytics start counting from the moment your domain points to link.flyn.to. Allow 5 minutes for the first clicks to appear in the dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to migrate from Branch to Flyn?
Most link migrations complete in 5-15 minutes. The CSV import takes seconds, the majority of time is spent on DNS propagation for custom domains (5-30 minutes). If you used Branch SDK deep links, budget extra time to recreate those as no-SDK Flyn deep links.
Will my existing short links break during migration?
If you use a custom domain, there is a brief window (usually under 5 minutes) during DNS propagation where some requests may not resolve. To minimize downtime, lower your DNS TTL to 60 seconds before switching the CNAME.
Can I migrate my bnc.lt or app.link links to Flyn?
No. Branch-owned link domains (bnc.lt and *.app.link) cannot be transferred. Only links on your own custom domain (like go.yourcompany.com) can be migrated by updating the CNAME record.
Do I need to keep the Branch SDK in my app after switching?
No. Flyn deep links open content in 16+ native apps without any SDK. If Flyn covers your deep linking needs, you can remove the Branch SDK from your app once you have recreated and tested your links. If you still rely on Branch for install attribution, keep the SDK for that purpose.
Do my Branch analytics transfer to Flyn?
Historical click and attribution data stays in Branch. Once your domain points to Flyn, all new clicks are tracked in Flyn's analytics with real-time streams, city-level geo, device breakdowns, and period-over-period trends.
Is there a limit on how many links I can import?
Free accounts can import up to 25 links. Flyn Pro supports unlimited link imports, there is no cap on CSV size or API bulk creation. This is useful because Branch's Quick Links page itself caps at 1,000 links, so export your full history via the API first.
What happens to my Branch API integrations?
You will need to update API calls to use Flyn's REST API. The endpoints and authentication differ, but Flyn's API covers link creation and management. See our API docs at flyn.to/docs for migration examples. Note that Flyn is a link platform, not an MMP, attribution-specific Branch API calls have no direct Flyn equivalent.
Ready to Migrate from Branch?
Create a free Flyn account and import your links in minutes. No credit card required.