Short answer: Yes, AppsFlyer Zero costs nothing, but it is a limited plan for owned media, not a free MMP for paid campaigns: AppsFlyer's own pricing page marks it "not suitable for apps with paid activities". As checked on 5 November 2026, Zero keeps short links, QR codes and click measurement, plus a Welcome Package of 12k free conversions in the first year. Since 15 September 2026 it excludes deferred deep linking, branded link domains, user invites and raw data exports.
Is AppsFlyer Zero really free, and what are its limits?
AppsFlyer Zero is the free plan of AppsFlyer's mobile measurement platform, aimed at apps that promote themselves through owned channels such as their website, social profiles and QR codes. It is free in the sense that there is no fee. Its limits are about scope:
- Not for paid media. AppsFlyer says Zero is "not suitable for apps with paid activities", so measuring Meta, Google or TikTok campaigns means moving to the paid Growth plan.
- A one-year allowance. The Welcome Package gives 12k free conversions to use within the first 12 months after sign-up.
- Short trials of the useful extras. Raw Data API access, the API Analytics Suite and Custom Dashboards are a 30-day trial from sign-up, then need a paid subscription.
- Fewer link features since 15 September 2026. Deferred deep linking, branded domains, user invites and raw data exports are gone.
Welcome Package: AppsFlyer's sign-up allowance of 12k free conversions, used within 12 months, plus core analytics, SKAdNetwork support and 30-day trials of premium add-ons.
What AppsFlyer Zero includes and excludes (checked 5 Nov 2026)
| Feature | On Zero today | Changed on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short links to app stores, web or app | Included | No change | AppsFlyer Zero update notice |
| QR codes | Included | No change | AppsFlyer Zero update notice |
| Click measurement by campaign or link | Included | No change | AppsFlyer Zero update notice |
| 12k free conversions (Welcome Package) | First 12 months only | No change | AppsFlyer pricing page |
| Raw Data API, API Analytics Suite, Custom Dashboards | 30-day trial, then paid | No change | AppsFlyer pricing FAQ |
| Measuring paid campaigns | Not suitable, per AppsFlyer | No change | AppsFlyer pricing page |
| Deferred deep linking | Excluded; starts on the custom-priced Standard tier | 15 Sep 2026 | AppsFlyer deep linking pricing |
| Branded link domains | Revoked; starts on the Advanced tier | 15 Sep 2026 | AppsFlyer Zero update notice |
| User invites | Revoked | 15 Sep 2026 | AppsFlyer Zero update notice |
| Raw data exports | Removed | 15 Sep 2026 | AppsFlyer Zero update notice |
| Bulk links, Smart Banners, Smart Script | Keep running, read-only | 15 Sep 2026 | AppsFlyer Zero update notice |
Sources, all checked 5 November 2026: appsflyer.com/pricing (plan cards and FAQ), appsflyer.com/pricing/deep-linking (deep linking tiers) and appsflyer.com/zero-update-2026 (the Zero notice). The plan cut entry links the notice directly.
How did Zero get smaller?
- 13 May 2026: Zero accounts received three months of free Deep Linking Advanced (trial entry).
- 15 September 2026: accounts that had not upgraded moved to the updated Zero plan. AppsFlyer warned that revoking branded domains and user invites "may result in inactive links wherever they are currently implemented".
The full AppsFlyer record is on its vendor page, and the 2026 pricing changes roundup puts it next to other vendors' moves.
What does AppsFlyer cost once you outgrow Zero?
- Growth: $0.070 per conversion after the Welcome Package.
- What counts: AppsFlyer's FAQ says a conversion can be an install, a re-engagement or a re-attribution from a measured campaign. Unattributed organic installs are not counted.
- Deep linking: Standard, Advanced and Premium deep linking tiers are all custom-priced.
At list price, 20k conversions a month costs about $1,400 on Growth and 50k about $3,500, before any deep linking tier or add-on. AppsFlyer's pricing page does not state a separate conversion cap on Zero beyond the Welcome Package.
Who is Zero still right for?
Zero still works for a simple "download our app" link, a QR code on packaging or a link in a social bio, where it doesn't matter which screen a new user lands on and one person runs the account. It is not built for:
- Paid user acquisition on any ad network
- Referral, creator or influencer links that must open a specific screen after install
- Teams that share one account
- Data teams that need device-level exports
What can you do if Zero no longer fits?
- Check your live links for revoked branded domains, and move them to a domain you control.
- Price the paid route: Growth at $0.070 per conversion plus a custom-priced deep linking tier if you need deferred links.
- Compare other free plans. Several still include deferred deep linking; this site tracks them on the free deep linking page and in the free plans guide.
For a side-by-side comparison of where to move, MMPCompares covers what to compare after AppsFlyer Zero, vendor by vendor.
Among the free plans this site tracks, Linkrunner's keeps what Zero dropped: deferred deep linking, branded links, exports and unlimited seats, on 25k attributed installs with no expiry. Its own limits are 30 days of data retention and 1M custom events a month until you move to paid usage at $0.012 per install.
FAQ
Is AppsFlyer Zero free forever? The plan has no fee, but its 12k free conversions must be used within the first 12 months, and premium add-on trials last 30 days. AppsFlyer can change the plan, as it did on 15 September 2026.
Can I run paid ads on AppsFlyer Zero? AppsFlyer describes Zero as not suitable for apps with paid activities. Teams measuring paid campaigns are expected to use Growth at $0.070 per conversion, or Enterprise.
Does AppsFlyer Zero include deep linking? It includes short links, QR codes and basic routing. Deferred deep linking is listed only from the paid Standard deep linking tier, and branded domains from Advanced.
Does AppsFlyer Zero include raw data? No. Raw data exports were removed on 15 September 2026, and the Raw Data API is a 30-day trial from sign-up.
Did my teammates lose access to AppsFlyer Zero? Yes, if they were invited users. User invites were revoked on 15 September 2026, so invited teammates no longer have access through the free plan.