A progressive web app (PWA) is a type of web app that can function like a native app on your device. PWAs can be installed on your device without the need to download them from app stores. PWAs can also work offline, send push notifications, and access device features like the camera and microphone. PWAs can provide a fast, reliable, and engaging user experience.
However, how to install PWA on your device? Is there a difference between installing PWA on Android, iOS, PC, or Mac? What are the terms and steps you should follow to install PWA? This article will answer those questions and provide a complete guide on how to install PWA on your device.
Install PWA on Android
To install PWA on Android, you need a web browser that supports PWA, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Samsung Internet. Here are the steps you have to do to install PWA on Android:
- Open your web browser and visit a website that offers PWAs. Examples of websites that offer PWAs are Twitter, Pinterest, Spotify, and Starbucks.
- If the website offers a PWA, you’ll see an Add to home screen icon at the bottom or top of your screen. This icon may differ depending on the web browser you’re using. For example, in Chrome, this icon is a + inside a circle. In Firefox, this icon is in the form of a house with a + sign. On Samsung Internet, this icon is in the form of three dots in the upper right corner.
- Tap the Add to home screen icon and follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You may be asked to confirm the name and PWA icon to be added to your home screen. Once you complete this step, the PWA will be installed on your device and you can see its icon on your home screen.
- To open a PWA, simply tap its icon on your home screen. You should see the PWA running in full screen without the address bar or web browser menu. You can also access PWA features like offline, push notifications, and device access.
Install PWA on iOS
To install PWA on iOS, you need the Safari web browser. Here are the steps you must take to install PWA on iOS:
- Open Safari and visit a website that offers PWAs. Examples of websites that offer PWAs are Twitter, Pinterest, Spotify, and Starbucks.
- If the website offers a PWA, you’ll see a Share icon at the bottom of your screen. This icon is square with an arrow coming out from it.
- Tap the Share icon and scroll down to find the Add to Home Screen option. Tap on this option and follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You may be asked to confirm the name and PWA icon to be added to your home screen. Once you complete this step, the PWA will be installed on your device and you can see its icon on your home screen.
- To open a PWA, simply tap its icon on your home screen. You’ll see the PWA running in full screen without the address bar or Safari menu. You can also access PWA features like offline, push notifications, and device access.