Migrate from Short.io to Flyn
Transfer your Short.io links and custom domains to Flyn with a straightforward CSV export and DNS update
Last updated: April 2026
Pre-Migration Checklist
Complete these steps before starting the migration to ensure a smooth transition.
- 1Export links from each domain in Short.io separately
- 2Note all custom domains connected to Short.io
- 3Screenshot DNS settings for each domain
- 4Verify your Flyn plan supports your link volume
- 5Coordinate with team on migration timing
Step 1: Export from Short.io
First, export your existing links from Short.io so you can import them into Flyn.
Log in to Short.io
Go to app.short.io and sign in to your account.
Select your domain
Choose the branded domain whose links you want to export from the domain switcher.
Export links as CSV
Export may need to be enabled by contacting Short.io support first. Once enabled, go to Domain Settings, click the download icon next to your domain name, and Short.io will email you a CSV.
Download and verify
Download the CSV file from the email. It contains original URL, slug, domain, tags, and creation timestamp. You can also use the Short.io API for programmatic export.
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, free, no credit card required.
Open Dashboard > Import
Access the import tool from the Flyn dashboard.
Upload the Short.io CSV
Flyn auto-detects Short.io's CSV format and maps the originalURL, slug, and domain columns.
Confirm import
Review the preview, then click "Import All" to create all links in Flyn.
Step 3: Domain & DNS Migration
Point your custom domain to Flyn so existing short links keep working seamlessly.
Find your CNAME record
In your DNS provider, locate the CNAME record for your branded domain.
Update the CNAME
Change the value from cname.short.io to link.flyn.to.
Register domain in Flyn
Go to Settings > Domains > Add Domain in Flyn and enter your custom domain.
Confirm verification
Wait for DNS propagation (5-30 minutes). Flyn marks the domain as verified once the CNAME resolves.
DNS Record Summary
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Type | CNAME | CNAME |
| Host | go (or your subdomain) | go (no change) |
| Target | cname.short.io | link.flyn.to |
What Transfers
Here is what carries over from Short.io to Flyn and what needs to be reconfigured.
| Item | Transfers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Destination URLs | All original URLs preserved | |
| Slugs (paths) | Short.io paths carry over to Flyn | |
| Tags | Tags export and import cleanly | |
| Custom domains | Update CNAME from cname.short.io to link.flyn.to | |
| Click statistics | Historical stats remain in Short.io | |
| QR codes | Regenerate | Regenerate QR codes in Flyn for free |
| Expiration rules | Recreate link expiration settings in Flyn |
Post-Migration Verification
After completing the migration, work through this checklist to verify everything is working.
- Test a sample of short links from each migrated domain
- Confirm domains are verified in Flyn
- Check that Flyn analytics are recording new clicks
- Reconfigure link expiration rules if needed
- Update API integrations from Short.io to Flyn
Troubleshooting
Common issues and how to resolve them.
Export only includes links for one domain
Short.io exports are per-domain. Switch to each domain in the dashboard and export separately, then import each CSV into Flyn.
CNAME conflict with existing A record
A CNAME and A record cannot coexist on the same hostname. Remove the A record before adding the CNAME pointing to link.flyn.to.
Imported links missing tags
Check that the Short.io CSV includes a tags column. If tags were not exported, you can bulk-add tags in Flyn after import.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I migrate from Short.io to Flyn?
Export your links as CSV from the Short.io dashboard, import the CSV into Flyn, then update your custom domain's CNAME from cname.short.io to link.flyn.to.
Does Short.io offer bulk export?
Yes. Short.io supports CSV export from the dashboard and also via their API. Both methods give you all link data needed for migration.
Will my Short.io API integrations break?
You will need to update API calls to use Flyn's REST API. The endpoints differ, but Flyn covers the same operations. Check flyn.to/docs for API documentation.
Can I migrate multiple Short.io domains?
Yes. Export links from each domain separately, import each CSV into Flyn, and update each domain's CNAME to link.flyn.to.
Is Flyn cheaper than Short.io?
Flyn Pro at $9/month (annual) includes unlimited links and 3 custom domains. Short.io's Hobby plan costs $5/month with 2,500 links and 100K tracked clicks, their Pro plan is $18/month with unlimited links and clicks, and their Team plan is $48/month. Flyn offers unlimited links and unlimited tracked clicks at $9/month.
Ready to Migrate from Short.io?
Create a free Flyn account and import your links in minutes. No credit card required.