Branch deep link data not received — clicked_branch_link = false even when tapping a Branch link #484
Description
Describe the bug
Hi Branch Team,
I have integrated the Flutter Branch SDK using flutter_branch_sdk: ^8.10.0 and followed all setup steps as documented. My Branch dashboard configuration is complete, and I am on a paid plan.
How I generate the Branch link
I am generating links using the Branch API as shown below:
const BRANCH_API_KEY = Deno.env.get('BRANCH_API_KEY');
const BRANCH_API_SECRET = Deno.env.get('BRANCH_API_SECRET');
const BRANCH_API_URL = 'https://api2.branch.io/v1/url';
Native setup
Android: Added required intent-filters and configuration in AndroidManifest.xml
iOS: Added associated domains and required plist configuration
Verified that SHA256 fingerprints / AASA / assetlinks are correctly configured
Issue
When tapping the Branch link, there are two scenarios:
App already installed
Fresh install flow (App Store / Play Store → Open App)
In both scenarios, Branch does not deliver deep link data.
I consistently receive:
"clicked_branch_link": false
No metadata is returned.
Flutter integration
I have integrated the Branch service in main.dart as follows:
await FlutterBranchSdk.init(enableLogging: _localDebug);
FlutterBranchSdk.listSession().listen((data) {
// Never receives the deep link data
});
await FlutterBranchSdk.getFirstReferringParams();
await FlutterBranchSdk.getLatestReferringParams();
Problem
listSession() never receives deep link metadata
getFirstReferringParams() and getLatestReferringParams() both return empty data
clicked_branch_link is always false, even when clearly coming from a Branch link
I have tested all flows multiple times (new install, existing install, cold start, warm start), but the issue persists.
Request
Could you please help identify why Branch is not detecting the link click and not returning session metadata?
Is there anything additional needed for Flutter integration beyond the documented setup?
Thank you!
Steps to reproduce
Generate a Branch link using the Branch API (/v1/url) with valid metadata.
Send the generated link to a mobile device (Android / iOS).
Tap the Branch link in any app (e.g., WhatsApp, Messages, Email).
If the app is not installed → install from Play Store / App Store → tap Open.
If the app is already installed → link should open the app directly.
Observe the Flutter logs:
listSession() does not receive deep link data
getFirstReferringParams() and getLatestReferringParams() return empty maps
clicked_branch_link = false even though the link was tapped
Compare expected vs actual behavior:
Expected: Branch returns deep link payload
Actual: No Branch data is returned in any scenario
A clear and concise description of what you expected to happen.
I expected that when a user taps a Branch link (whether the app is already installed or installed fresh from the Play Store / App Store), the Branch SDK would correctly detect the link click and return the deep link metadata.
Specifically:
clicked_branch_link should be true
listSession() should receive the deep link payload
getFirstReferringParams() and getLatestReferringParams() should return the metadata that was included when generating the Branch link
The app should receive the correct parameters for routing the user to the intended screen
In short, I expected Branch to deliver the deep link data reliably for both existing install and new install flows.
Plugin Version
8.10.0 Latest One
Flutter Version
3.35.5
Android/iOS/Web
Android and iOS on both all device
Make and Model
Android and iOS on both all device
Additional Information/Context
No response