TL;DR
- Yes, as a home screen shortcut. Anyone can add your website to their phone’s home screen in a few taps.
- A true app-style install takes extra setup. That kind of website is called a progressive web app.
- The install option only shows when that setup is in place, and not every browser offers one.
- Webmaster For Hire doesn’t build phone apps or work with app-builder tools.
How Do I Add a Website to My Phone’s Home Screen?
Any website can be saved this way, including yours. Share these steps with your customers:
- iPhone: open the site in Safari, tap the Share button (on some versions, it’s inside the three-dot menu), then tap Add to Home Screen. If your iPhone is up to date, other browsers’ Share menus offer it too.
- Android: open the site in Chrome, tap the menu (the three dots), then tap Add to home screen or Install app.
An icon appears on the home screen. Tapping it opens your website.
What Is a Progressive Web App?
A progressive web app, or PWA, is a website set up to install like an app. It gets its own icon and can open without the browser’s address bar. You install it from the website itself instead of an app store.
To be installable in Chrome and similar browsers, a site needs a few technical pieces, according to MDN’s guide:
- A web app manifest. A small file that gives the app its name and icons.
- App icons in set sizes, usually made from your logo. See What Logo File Formats Do I Need for My Website and Print?
- A secure connection. The site must load with https.
Why Doesn’t My Website Show an Install Option?
- The setup isn’t there. Without the pieces above, browsers won’t offer an install.
- The browser doesn’t show prompts. iPhones never pop up an install prompt. Visitors use the Share menu instead.
- Some browsers don’t install web apps at all. They add a regular shortcut instead.
What If I Want a Real Phone App?
Webmaster For Hire doesn’t build phone apps. When a client asked, Beth answered, “You can turn your website into a mobile app.” There are tools that do that, but we don’t work with them, so you’d need a developer who does.
Make sure your website works well on phones first. See Should I Update My Current Website or Rebuild It?
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Keep your site on https. It’s required for any app-style install.
- Check your site on a phone after any change.
:: Common Questions ::
Is a Progressive Web App the Same as a Regular Phone App?
No. A progressive web app installs from your website instead of an app store. Underneath, it’s still your website.
Does My Site Need to Be Secure to Install Like an App?
Yes. It has to load with https. That’s what an SSL certificate provides. See our Advanced SSL Certificate page.
Want Your Site to Work Better on Phones?
Request a consultation, or see our WordPress Support Services.
