Short answer: On 15 September 2026, free AppsFlyer Zero accounts that had not upgraded lost branded link domains, user invites and raw data exports. AppsFlyer warned that removing branded domains "may result in inactive links". Deferred deep linking is now listed only on paid deep linking tiers.
What is the AppsFlyer Zero plan?
AppsFlyer Zero is the free tier of AppsFlyer's mobile measurement platform, offering basic attribution and basic smart links for apps without paid media activity. AppsFlyer describes the plan as "not suitable for apps with paid activities".
Zero accounts also receive the Welcome Package: 12k free conversions to use within the first 12 months, plus 30-day trials of the Raw Data API, API Analytics Suite and Custom Dashboards. The 2026 change reduced what Zero includes after those trials.
Timeline of the change
- 13 May 2026: Zero accounts receive three months of free Deep Linking Advanced as a preview.
- 15 September 2026: accounts that did not upgrade move to the reduced Zero plan.
The preview gave teams a taste of the paid deep linking tier. Once it ended, any account that had not upgraded lost the features below.
What was removed
- Branded domains: links on your own domain are revoked, so links already printed, shared or sent in campaigns can stop working.
- User invites: invited teammates lose access to the account.
- Raw data exports: device-level exports are no longer available on the free plan.
- Editing: existing bulk links, Smart Banners and Smart Script configurations keep running but can no longer be edited.
The notice itself does not mention deferred deep linking. AppsFlyer's deep linking pricing page, however, lists deferred deep linking only from the paid Standard tier up, so new users who install from a Zero link land on the app's home screen rather than the content they clicked.
What still works on Zero
- Short links on AppsFlyer's own domain
- QR codes
- Web and social to app routing
- Basic click reporting
That is enough for a simple "download our app" link. It is not enough for referral programmes, influencer campaigns or any flow where the user should land on a specific screen after install.
Who is affected most?
Teams that printed or shared branded links are hit hardest, because those links can stop routing without warning. Small teams that relied on one free account for several people are next.
- Offline and print: QR codes on packaging, posters or shop counters that point to a branded domain
- Referral and influencer flows: links that relied on deferred deep linking to open a specific screen
- Shared dashboards: marketing, product and engineering teams working from one free account
- Data teams: anyone piping device-level exports into a warehouse
What to do now
- Audit live links. Check every link in bios, QR codes, emails, push notifications and ads for branded domains that are now inactive.
- Decide on deep linking. If users must land on a specific screen after install, you need a paid AppsFlyer deep linking tier or a different provider.
- Export what you can. Pull any reports you rely on before you lose more history.
- Check team access. List who has lost access and who genuinely needs it.
- Compare costs. Growth is $0.07 per conversion before add-ons, and deep linking tiers are custom-priced. Run your volume through the cost calculator and read the AppsFlyer pricing breakdown.
Your options after the change
You can stay on AppsFlyer and pay for the features you need, or move to an MMP whose free or entry plan still includes them.
| Option | Free or entry allowance | Deferred deep linking on free or entry plan |
|---|---|---|
| AppsFlyer Growth | 12k conversions in the first 12 months, then $0.07 each | From the custom-priced Standard tier |
| Linkrunner Free | 25k installs, one-time, no expiry | Yes |
| Tenjin Free | 2k conversions a month | Yes |
| Kochava Free | 10k conversions a month | SmartLinks included; deferred not confirmed |
| Airbridge Core | 30-day trial, then from $40 a month | Yes |
| Adjust Base | 1.5k conversions a month, first 12 months | Yes |
Tenjin is best for indie and hybrid-casual game studios on a small budget, and Airbridge's Core plan bundles deferred deep links, short links and QR codes at a low monthly price. For a wider list, see the AppsFlyer alternatives and free MMPs compared.
Where Linkrunner fits
Where Linkrunner fits: Best for teams that lost branded links or deferred deep linking and want both back without a paid deep linking tier. Linkrunner's free plan includes 25k attributed installs with deferred deep linking, branded links on your own domain, data exports and unlimited seats. It does not expire, and paid usage starts at $0.010 per install with no annual contract.
Because every link is dynamic and deferred by default, there is no separate link product to buy once you start running paid campaigns.
If you are rebuilding your links anyway, it is worth putting them on a provider that will not revoke features later, and Linkrunner's free plan is a low-risk place to start.
FAQ
Will my old OneLink URLs stop working? Links on revoked branded domains may become inactive, as AppsFlyer's own notice warns. Links on the default onelink.me domain keep basic routing on Zero. Read what OneLink is for more on how those links work.
Can I get the old Zero features back? Only by upgrading to a paid AppsFlyer tier. Branded domains and bulk links sit in the custom-priced Deep Linking Advanced tier, and raw data needs a premium plan.
Does AppsFlyer Zero still include deferred deep linking? AppsFlyer's deep linking pricing page lists deferred deep linking only from the paid Standard tier up. Zero keeps short links, QR codes and basic routing.
Is AppsFlyer Zero suitable for paid campaigns? AppsFlyer itself describes Zero as "not suitable for apps with paid activities". Teams running paid user acquisition are expected to move to Growth or Enterprise.
What is the best free alternative to AppsFlyer Zero? It depends on volume and features. Tenjin and Kochava offer monthly free allowances, while Linkrunner offers 25k free installs with deferred deep linking, branded links and unlimited seats included.