How to Install a Progressive Web App

Installing a progressive web app (PWA) adds a website to your device so you can open it from an app icon, often in its own window. The steps depend on your browser and device, and not every website offers an installable PWA. You’ll need an internet connection to find the site and a current browser that supports installation.

What You’ll Need

A device running a current version of a supported browser, such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox. Available options differ by operating system and browser.
The web address of the site you want to install. Use the site’s official address and check that it loads securely over HTTPS.
Permission to install apps or add shortcuts on the device. On a work or school device, an administrator may restrict this.

Step-by-Step

Open the site in a browser. Type its address into the browser’s address bar rather than opening it inside another app. Sign in if needed, and confirm you’re on the correct site before installing.
Look for an installation option. On a desktop browser, check the address bar for an install icon, often shown as a screen or arrow, or open the browser’s main menu. In Chrome or Edge, the menu may include “Install app” or “Install this site as an app.” The wording and availability vary. Choose the site-specific install option if it appears.
Confirm the installation. Review the name shown in the prompt and select “Install” or the equivalent. The app may open in a separate window, and the browser may add it to your Start menu, Applications folder, or launcher. If the prompt asks for permissions, grant only those you need.
If there is no install prompt, use the browser’s add-to-device option. On Android, open the site in Chrome and tap the three-dot menu. Choose “Install app” if available; otherwise, “Add to Home screen” may create a shortcut. A shortcut can look like an app icon but may not offer every PWA feature.
On iPhone or iPad, add the site from Safari. Open the site in Safari, tap the Share button, scroll through the actions, and select “Add to Home Screen.” Edit the displayed name if you wish, then tap “Add.” The result is a Home Screen icon; available app-like features depend on the site and your iOS or iPadOS version.
On a Mac, check the browser and macOS options. In a browser that offers PWA installation, use its install command in the address bar or menu. Safari users can use the Share menu’s “Add to Dock” option on supported macOS versions. If neither option appears, you can save a bookmark instead, but that is not the same as installing a PWA.
Find and open the new icon. Check the device’s app list, Start menu, Dock, Applications folder, or Home Screen. Launch it once and sign in if required. If you only see the site in a browser tab, check whether the browser created a shortcut rather than a standalone app.
Remove it if you no longer need it. Uninstall it through the device’s app settings or app list, or remove its Home Screen icon. A browser-created shortcut may need to be deleted from the place where it was saved. Removing the app usually does not delete your account with the site.

Common Mistakes

Expecting every website to install. A site may not provide the technical features or browser support needed for installation. If the install command is missing, try the supported add-to-home or shortcut option, or use the site in a regular tab.
Confusing a bookmark with an installed app. A bookmark opens a page in the browser. A PWA may open in its own window and integrate with the device, but the exact features depend on the site and platform.
Using the wrong browser or an in-app browser. A link opened from email or social media may be inside a restricted browser view. Copy the address and open it directly in a browser that supports installation.
Installing a lookalike site. Check the address and app name in the prompt. Avoid installing from unfamiliar links, particularly if the site asks for unexpected permissions.
Assuming offline access is guaranteed. Some PWAs cache selected content; others need an internet connection for most tasks. Installation alone does not make a website work offline.

Tips

Update your browser and operating system if installation options are missing or the app behaves unexpectedly.
Use the same browser profile where you normally visit the site. This can make it easier to access saved sign-in details, though you may still need to log in again.
Check the app’s permissions in your device settings. Revoke access to notifications, location, camera, or other features if you do not need them.
For a site you use often, pin its icon to a convenient place after installation. This is separate from installing the app and may require an additional device or browser action.
Keep expectations practical: a PWA is delivered by the website, so its appearance, offline support, and available device features can change when the site is updated.

Troubleshooting

No install option appears: Confirm that you opened the site directly in the browser, not an embedded view. Try the browser’s main menu and check for an “Install” or “Add to Home Screen” action. Update the browser, reload the page, and try again. If the option remains absent, the site or browser may not support PWA installation on that device.

The icon does not appear: Search the device’s app list or launcher, and check the browser’s installed-apps area. On mobile, confirm the final “Add” or “Install” action was completed. If you created a shortcut, look on the Home Screen or in the location where shortcuts are stored.

The app opens in a browser tab: You may have saved a bookmark or shortcut rather than installed the PWA. Remove the shortcut if needed, then revisit the site and use the browser’s specific install command. Some platforms intentionally open web apps in a browser-like window.

The app will not load or sign-in fails: Check your connection, open the site in a normal browser tab, and see whether the site itself is working. Close and reopen the app, then update the browser. If problems continue, clear the site’s stored data only if you’re prepared to sign in again; this can remove local settings or offline content.

Installation is blocked: Check available device storage and app-install restrictions. On a managed work or school device, ask the administrator about permitted options. Do not try to bypass an organization’s controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a progressive web app?
A PWA is a website built with features that can make it behave more like an app, such as a Home Screen icon or a separate window. Which features work depends on the site, browser, and device.

Is installing a PWA the same as downloading an app from an app store?
No. A PWA is generally installed through a browser from a website. It may not be listed in an app store, and its features and update process can differ from a store app.

Can I install a PWA on any phone or computer?
No. Support varies across operating systems and browsers, and some websites are not installable. If installation is unavailable, you may still be able to bookmark the site or add a shortcut.

Will a PWA work without internet?
Only if the site was designed to make relevant content available offline. Test the features you need while connected; do not assume every page or action will work offline.

How do I update a PWA?
PWAs usually receive site updates through the browser when you reconnect or reopen the app. Keep the browser current and restart the app if an update does not appear.

How do I uninstall a PWA?
Use your device’s normal app-removal option, or remove its Home Screen or Dock icon. The exact steps depend on how it was installed. Uninstalling it does not necessarily delete your account or data held by the website.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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