Installation guide

πŸ“± How to Install a PWA on Android (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Samsung Internet)

Most Android browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Samsung Internet, support PWA installation.

πŸ”Ή Method 1: Using Google Chrome

1️⃣ Open the PWA Website

  • Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
  • Visit the PWA app’s URL (e.g., https://yourpwaapp.com).

2️⃣ Check for the Install Prompt

  • If the app supports installation, a popup banner (Install or Add to Home Screen) will appear at the bottom.
  • If no prompt appears, tap the three-dot menu (οΈ™) in the top-right corner.

3️⃣ Tap "Install" or "Add to Home Screen"

  • From the dropdown menu, select "Install App" or "Add to Home Screen".

4️⃣ Confirm Installation

  • A confirmation window will appear.
  • Tap "Add", and the app will install on your home screen.

5️⃣ Access the App

  • The PWA icon will now appear on your home screen and app drawer like a native app.
  • Tap to open and use the app in full-screen mode, independent of the browser.

πŸ”Ή Method 2: Using Microsoft Edge (Android)

πŸ“Œ Steps are similar to Chrome: Open the PWA URL β†’ Tap the three-dot menu β†’ Select "Install App".

πŸ”Ή Method 3: Using Firefox (Android)

πŸ“Œ Firefox does NOT support full PWA installation, but you can bookmark the app for easy access.

  1. Open the PWA in Firefox Mobile.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu β†’ Select "Add to Home Screen".
  3. The shortcut will appear on your home screen, but the app will open within the browser.

🍏 How to Install a PWA on iPhone (iOS - Safari Browser Only)

Apple supports PWA installation through Safari, but with some limitations (e.g., no push notifications).

πŸ”Ή Steps to Install a PWA on iPhone

1️⃣ Open Safari

  • On your iPhone, open Safari (PWAs cannot be installed via Chrome on iOS).

2️⃣ Visit the PWA App URL

  • Type the PWA’s URL (e.g., https://yourpwaapp.com) in the Safari address bar.

3️⃣ Tap the "Share" Button

  • At the bottom of the screen, tap the Share icon (πŸ”—).

4️⃣ Select "Add to Home Screen"

  • Scroll down in the share options and tap "Add to Home Screen".

5️⃣ Name the App & Confirm

  • A preview screen will appear, showing the app icon and URL.
  • You can rename the app if needed.
  • Tap "Add" in the top-right corner.

6️⃣ Access the App

  • The app icon will appear on your iPhone home screen.
  • Tap to launch the PWA in full-screen mode, like a native app.

🚨 Limitations on iOS

  • No push notifications for PWAs.
  • No background sync support.
  • PWA data is stored in Safari, so clearing Safari history may remove the app.

πŸ’» How to Install a PWA on Windows (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera)

Windows supports full PWA installation on major browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

πŸ”Ή Method 1: Using Google Chrome

1️⃣ Open Chrome

  • Launch Google Chrome on your Windows PC.

2️⃣ Visit the PWA Website

  • Enter the PWA URL (e.g., https://yourpwaapp.com).

3️⃣ Check for Install Option

  • If the PWA is installable, an install icon (πŸ–₯️+ or computer with a download icon) will appear in the address bar.
  • If no icon appears, click the three-dot menu (οΈ™) in the top-right corner.

4️⃣ Click "Install"

  • If using the three-dot menu, select "Install [App Name]".
  • Confirm the installation in the popup window.

5️⃣ Launch the App

  • The PWA will now appear in the Windows Start Menu and can be pinned to the taskbar.

πŸ”Ή Method 2: Using Microsoft Edge (Recommended on Windows 10/11)

Microsoft Edge provides deeper integration for PWAs on Windows.

  1. Open Edge and go to the PWA’s URL.
  2. Click the install icon (a small monitor with a download arrow) in the address bar.
  3. Click "Install" and confirm.
  4. The app will now open in a standalone window like a native app.
  5. You can manage the PWA under Settings > Apps > Manage Apps in Edge.

πŸ”Ή Method 3: Using Firefox (Windows Desktop)

⚠️ Firefox does not fully support PWA installation.

  • Users can pin a website shortcut to the desktop but will not get a standalone app experience.

πŸ“Œ How to Install a PWA (Progressive Web App) on Android TV?

Installing a PWA (Progressive Web App) on an Android TV is not as straightforward as on mobile devices, but it is possible by using a web browser that supports PWA installation. Follow these steps:


πŸ›  Method 1: Using Google Chrome (via Sideloading)

Since Google Chrome on Android TV doesn’t natively support PWAs, you need to sideload it first.

Step 1: Install Google Chrome on Android TV

  1. Enable Unknown Sources

    • Go to Settings β†’ Device Preferences β†’ Security & Restrictions β†’ Unknown Sources.
    • Allow installation from a file manager or downloader app.
  2. Download Chrome APK

    • Use a downloader app like Downloader by AFTVnews from the Play Store.
    • Download Chrome APK from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror).
    • Install Chrome on your Android TV.

Step 2: Install the PWA

  1. Open Google Chrome on your Android TV.
  2. Go to the PWA website URL (e.g., https://yourpwa.com).
  3. If the website supports PWA, you’ll see an "Install" or "Add to Home Screen" prompt.
  4. Click "Install" and follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. The PWA will now be available in your Apps section on the Android TV.

πŸ–₯️ Method 2: Using a PWA-Supporting Browser (Like Puffin or Kiwi Browser)

Some Android TV browsers support PWA installation natively.

Steps to Install a PWA via Puffin Browser

  1. Install Puffin TV Browser from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open the PWA website you want to install.
  3. Look for an "Install" or "Add to Home Screen" prompt.
  4. Click on it, and the app will be added to your TV’s app list.

πŸ“Œ Alternative: Bookmarking as a Quick Access App

If installing as a PWA is not possible, you can:

  1. Open a browser like Puffin, Firefox, or TV Bro.
  2. Go to the PWA website.
  3. Bookmark the site or create a shortcut in the launcher.

βœ… Final Thoughts

πŸ’‘ While Android TV doesn’t have full PWA support yet, using sideloaded Chrome, Puffin TV, or Kiwi Browser can help you install and access PWA apps smoothly. πŸš€

Let me know if you need further assistance! 😊



πŸš€ Managing Installed PWAs

How to Uninstall a PWA

πŸ“Œ On Android:

  • Long-press the PWA icon β†’ Tap Uninstall or Remove.

πŸ“Œ On iPhone:

  • Long-press the PWA icon β†’ Tap Delete App.

πŸ“Œ On Windows (Chrome/Edge):

  • Open Chrome/Edge β†’ Go to Settings > Apps β†’ Select the installed PWA β†’ Click Uninstall.

πŸ” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why don’t I see the "Install App" button on my browser?

βœ… Ensure you are using a PWA-supported browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari).
βœ… The website must have a valid service worker and manifest.json file.
βœ… If using iOS, install via Safari (not Chrome).

Q2: Can I receive push notifications on a PWA?

βœ… Android & Windows: Yes, push notifications work if the developer enables them.
❌ iPhone (iOS): No, iOS currently does not support PWA push notifications.

Q3: Can I install a PWA on Mac?

βœ… Yes, follow the Windows Chrome/Edge installation steps. The process is the same for macOS.

Q4: How do I update my PWA?

βœ… PWAs update automatically in the background.
βœ… If you suspect an outdated version, clear browser cache and restart the app.

Q5: Are PWAs safe?

βœ… PWAs on the PRITSCO App Store are reviewed for security compliance.
βœ… Always install PWAs from trusted sources.


🎯 Final Thoughts

Installing a PWA is quick and easy, providing a native app-like experience across devices. Follow the steps above to install a PWA on Android, iPhone, and Windows, and enjoy the benefits of a fast, lightweight, and secure app experience! πŸš€