Installation guide
π± 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.
πΉ Method 1: Using Google Chrome
1οΈβ£ Open the PWA Website
- Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
- Visit the PWA appβs URL (e.g.,
https://yourpwaapp.com
).
2οΈβ£ 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.
3οΈβ£ Tap "Install" or "Add to Home Screen"
- From the dropdown menu, select "Install App" or "Add to Home Screen".
4οΈβ£ Confirm Installation
- A confirmation window will appear.
- Tap "Add", and the app will install on your home screen.
5οΈβ£ 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.
πΉ Method 2: Using Microsoft Edge (Android)
π Steps are similar to Chrome: Open the PWA URL β Tap the three-dot menu β Select "Install App".
πΉ Method 3: Using Firefox (Android)
π Firefox does NOT support full PWA installation, but you can bookmark the app for easy access.
- Open the PWA in Firefox Mobile.
- Tap the three-dot menu β Select "Add to Home Screen".
- The shortcut will appear on your home screen, but the app will open within the browser.
π 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).
πΉ Steps to Install a PWA on iPhone
1οΈβ£ Open Safari
- On your iPhone, open Safari (PWAs cannot be installed via Chrome on iOS).
2οΈβ£ Visit the PWA App URL
- Type the PWAβs URL (e.g.,
https://yourpwaapp.com
) in the Safari address bar.
3οΈβ£ Tap the "Share" Button
- At the bottom of the screen, tap the Share icon (π).
4οΈβ£ Select "Add to Home Screen"
- Scroll down in the share options and tap "Add to Home Screen".
5οΈβ£ 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.
6οΈβ£ 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.
π¨ 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.
π» 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.
πΉ Method 1: Using Google Chrome
1οΈβ£ Open Chrome
- Launch Google Chrome on your Windows PC.
2οΈβ£ Visit the PWA Website
- Enter the PWA URL (e.g.,
https://yourpwaapp.com
).
3οΈβ£ Check for Install Option
- If the PWA is installable, an install icon (π₯οΈ+ 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.
4οΈβ£ Click "Install"
- If using the three-dot menu, select "Install [App Name]".
- Confirm the installation in the popup window.
5οΈβ£ Launch the App
- The PWA will now appear in the Windows Start Menu and can be pinned to the taskbar.
πΉ Method 2: Using Microsoft Edge (Recommended on Windows 10/11)
Microsoft Edge provides deeper integration for PWAs on Windows.
- Open Edge and go to the PWAβs URL.
- Click the install icon (a small monitor with a download arrow) in the address bar.
- Click "Install" and confirm.
- The app will now open in a standalone window like a native app.
- You can manage the PWA under Settings > Apps > Manage Apps in Edge.
πΉ Method 3: Using Firefox (Windows Desktop)
β οΈ Firefox does not fully support PWA installation.
- Users can pin a website shortcut to the desktop but will not get a standalone app experience.
π 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:
π Method 1: Using Google Chrome (via Sideloading)
Since Google Chrome on Android TV doesnβt natively support PWAs, you need to sideload it first.
Step 1: Install Google Chrome on Android TV
-
Enable Unknown Sources
- Go to Settings β Device Preferences β Security & Restrictions β Unknown Sources.
- Allow installation from a file manager or downloader app.
-
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
- Open Google Chrome on your Android TV.
- Go to the PWA website URL (e.g.,
https://yourpwa.com
).
- If the website supports PWA, youβll see an "Install" or "Add to Home Screen" prompt.
- Click "Install" and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The PWA will now be available in your Apps section on the Android TV.
π₯οΈ 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
- Install Puffin TV Browser from the Google Play Store.
- Open the PWA website you want to install.
- Look for an "Install" or "Add to Home Screen" prompt.
- Click on it, and the app will be added to your TVβs app list.
π Alternative: Bookmarking as a Quick Access App
If installing as a PWA is not possible, you can:
- Open a browser like Puffin, Firefox, or TV Bro.
- Go to the PWA website.
- Bookmark the site or create a shortcut in the launcher.
β
Final Thoughts
π‘ While Android TV doesnβt have full PWA support yet, using sideloaded Chrome, Puffin TV, or Kiwi Browser can help you install and access PWA apps smoothly. π
Let me know if you need further assistance! π
π Managing Installed PWAs
How to Uninstall a PWA
π On Android:
- Long-press the PWA icon β Tap Uninstall or Remove.
π On iPhone:
- Long-press the PWA icon β Tap Delete App.
π On Windows (Chrome/Edge):
- Open Chrome/Edge β Go to Settings > Apps β Select the installed PWA β Click Uninstall.
π Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why donβt I see the "Install App" button on my browser?
β
Ensure you are using a PWA-supported browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari).
β
The website must have a valid service worker and manifest.json file.
β
If using iOS, install via Safari (not Chrome).
Q2: Can I receive push notifications on a PWA?
β
Android & Windows: Yes, push notifications work if the developer enables them.
β iPhone (iOS): No, iOS currently does not support PWA push notifications.
Q3: Can I install a PWA on Mac?
β
Yes, follow the Windows Chrome/Edge installation steps. The process is the same for macOS.
Q4: How do I update my PWA?
β
PWAs update automatically in the background.
β
If you suspect an outdated version, clear browser cache and restart the app.
Q5: Are PWAs safe?
β
PWAs on the PRITSCO App Store are reviewed for security compliance.
β
Always install PWAs from trusted sources.
π― 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! π