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Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

PWAs are apps you open from the web that you can also add to your phone or computer. They launch fast, work even on patchy internet, and don’t take up much space. Think “app convenience, web simplicity.”

PWA advantages
  • 📦 Installable
  • 📶 Works offline
  • ⚡️ Fast & responsive
  • 🔔 Push notifications*
  • 🔒 Secure (HTTPS)
  • 🧩 Cross-platform

* Platform support varies.

What is a PWA?

A Progressive Web App is a website that behaves like a regular app. You can open it in your browser or add it to your home screen/desktop so it’s one tap away. PWAs are small, quick to install, and always up to date because they come from the web.

  • No app store hassle: add it directly from the browser.
  • Light on storage: takes far less space than typical apps.
  • Works when the signal is weak: key parts load even offline.
  • Safe by default: they use secure connections (HTTPS).

Why people like PWAs

Quick to get

Open a link and you’re in. If you like it, tap “Install” to add it to your home screen—no large download or account required.

Reliable on the go

Many PWAs keep working when the connection stutters—perfect for travel, subways, or crowded events.

Fast and smooth

They launch instantly and feel responsive, so checking a schedule, list, or news feed is snappy.

Always up to date

Updates arrive automatically the next time you open the app—no waiting for manual updates.

Low storage footprint

Install size is tiny compared to many native apps, so you keep more photos and videos.

Helpful features

Many PWAs support notifications, background updates, and offline lists—features you expect from apps.

Good to know: Some features (like notifications) depend on your device and browser, but the core experience works everywhere.

What you can do with a PWA

Travel & tickets

Save boarding passes, check gates, or see trip updates—even with spotty airport Wi-Fi.

Shopping & food

Browse menus, reorder favorites, track deliveries, and get notified when your order is ready.

Everyday tools

Keep to-dos, notes, calendars, and local news one tap away—without cluttering your device.

How to install a PWA

iPhone & iPad (Safari)

  1. Open the site in Safari.
  2. Tap Share (square with arrow).
  3. Choose Add to Home Screen.
  4. Tap Add.

Android (Chrome)

  1. Open the site in Chrome.
  2. Look for Install in the menu or banner.
  3. Confirm Install.

Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)

  1. Open the site in Chrome, Edge, or another modern browser.
  2. Click the Install icon in the address bar (or menu).
  3. Launch it from your apps list or dock.

Uninstall anytime like any other app. Your data is removed from the device, and you can still use the website version.

For the curious: how PWAs work (short version)

Behind the scenes, PWAs use a small helper called a service worker to save what you need so pages open fast and keep working offline. A tiny web app manifest lets your browser install it with a name and icon. All of this runs over a secure connection.

PWA vs. website vs. app

What you get Website PWA App store app
Install to deviceNoYesYes
Works with weak/no internetLimitedYesYes
Takes lots of storageNoNoOften
Updates automaticallyYesYesSometimes
Download from app storeNoOptionalRequired

Frequently asked questions

Is a PWA safe?

Yes. PWAs use secure connections (HTTPS). You control permissions like notifications—nothing happens without your say-so.

Do they work on iPhone and Android?

They work on both. Some features may vary by device and browser, but the core experience—installing and using them like apps—works great.

Will it use my data?

PWAs are efficient. After the first visit, they reuse what’s already saved on your device, which can reduce data usage.

How do I uninstall?

Delete it like any other app (long-press → Remove, or from your apps list). You can always return to the website version anytime.

const manifest = { name: "PWA Guide", short_name: "PWA Guide", start_url: ".", display: "standalone", background_color: "#0f172a", theme_color: "#2563eb", icons: [ { src: "data:image/svg+xml,⚡️", sizes: "192x192", type: "image/svg+xml" } ] }; const link = document.createElement('link'); link.rel = 'manifest'; link.href = URL.createObjectURL(new Blob([JSON.stringify(manifest)], { type: 'application/json' })); document.head.appendChild(link);