How To Install/Remove A PWA?

Understanding PWA Installation

PWA installation is different from traditional app installation:

What actually happens:

  • Your browser creates a shortcut with app metadata

  • Resources are cached for offline use (not downloaded permanently)

  • The app opens in its own window (without browser UI)

  • No web server runs on your device

What doesn't happen:

  • No executable files downloaded to your system

  • No traditional installation process

  • No storage of source code on your device

  • No permanent local copy

Think of it as a smart bookmark that:

  • Opens in a dedicated window

  • Works offline through caching

  • Integrates with your operating system

  • Receives updates automatically

Installation Requirements

For your PWA to be installable, the manifest must include:

  • App name (name and/or short_name)

  • At least one icon (192x192px minimum)

  • Start URL (start_url)

  • Display mode (display)

See the Application Information page for complete requirements.

Installation criteria vary by browser and may change over time. Some browsers require HTTPS, user engagement, or additional manifest properties.

Installing a PWA

Chrome (Desktop & Android)

When you visit a PWA-enabled website, Chrome displays an install icon in the address bar (right side).

Steps:

  1. Click the install icon (⊕ or computer monitor icon) in the address bar

  2. Review the app information in the dialog

  3. Click Install to confirm

The PWA will appear:

  • As a shortcut on your desktop (desktop)

  • In your app drawer (Android)

  • In your Start menu/Applications folder

Example: Installing GitHub as a PWA:

GitHub installation from Chrome

Microsoft Edge (Desktop & Android)

Edge provides the same installation experience as Chrome.

Steps:

  1. Click the app icon in the address bar

  2. Click Install in the popup dialog

  3. The app opens in its own window

GitHub installation from Microsoft Edge

Firefox (Desktop)

Firefox supports PWA installation with a slightly different approach.

Steps:

  1. Click the three-line menu (☰) in the top right

  2. Look for the option "Install [App Name]" or the install icon

  3. Confirm the installation

Firefox PWA support varies by operating system. Linux has full support, while Windows and macOS support is more limited.

Safari (iOS 16.4+)

On iPhone and iPad, Safari uses "Add to Home Screen" for PWA installation.

Steps:

  1. Tap the Share button (square with arrow)

  2. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen

  3. Edit the name if desired

  4. Tap Add in the top right

The PWA icon will appear on your home screen like a native app.

iOS PWAs have some limitations compared to Android. Some features like push notifications require iOS 16.4 or later.

Uninstalling a PWA

Chrome (Desktop)

Option 1: From the app window

  1. Open the installed PWA

  2. Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top right

  3. Select "Uninstall [App Name]"

  4. Confirm the uninstallation

Uninstalling from Chrome app menu

Option 2: From Chrome settings

  1. Open Chrome

  2. Go to chrome://apps

  3. Right-click the PWA icon

  4. Select "Remove from Chrome"

Chrome (Android)

  1. Long-press the PWA icon in your app drawer

  2. Tap "Uninstall" or drag to "Uninstall" area

  3. Confirm removal

Microsoft Edge (Desktop)

Method 1: Quick uninstall

  1. Open the installed PWA

  2. Click the three horizontal dots (...) in the title bar

  3. Select "Uninstall"

Method 2: App settings

  1. Click the three dots (...) in the app

  2. Select "App settings"

  3. Click "Uninstall" in the app settings panel

Accessing Edge app settings

The app settings also let you clear cached data without uninstalling:

Edge app settings panel

Firefox (Desktop)

  1. Open the installed PWA

  2. Click the Firefox menu (☰) in the top right

  3. Select "Remove Site" or "Uninstall Site"

  4. Confirm removal

Safari (iOS)

  1. Long-press the PWA icon on your home screen

  2. Tap "Remove App" from the menu

  3. Choose "Delete App" (not "Remove from Home Screen")

  4. Confirm deletion

Alternatively:

  • Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage

  • Find and select the PWA

  • Tap "Delete App"

Android (All Browsers)

  1. Long-press the PWA icon in your app drawer or home screen

  2. Drag to "Uninstall" or tap "App info" → "Uninstall"

  3. Confirm removal

Windows 10/11

PWAs appear as regular applications in Windows:

Method 1: Start Menu

  1. Find the PWA in your Start menu

  2. Right-click the app icon

  3. Select "Uninstall"

Method 2: Settings

  1. Press Windows + X

  2. Select "Installed Apps" or "Apps and Features"

  3. Find the PWA in the list

  4. Click the three dots (⋯) next to the app

  5. Select "Uninstall"

  6. Confirm removal

Uninstalling PWA from Windows Settings

macOS

  1. Open Finder → Applications

  2. Find the PWA (usually in a browser-specific folder)

  3. Drag it to the Trash, or right-click → "Move to Trash"

  4. Empty the Trash to complete removal

Uninstalling a PWA removes the app shortcut and clears cached data, but you can always reinstall it by visiting the website again.

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