# 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](/1.4.x/the-manifest/application-information.md) for complete requirements.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Installation criteria vary by browser and may change over time. Some browsers require HTTPS, user engagement, or additional manifest properties.
{% endhint %}

## 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:

<figure><img src="/files/oItRoFZZuKTCNIYmXdvO" alt=""><figcaption><p>GitHub installation from Chrome</p></figcaption></figure>

### 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

<figure><img src="/files/1kI245F9RqcsRXi3WIcI" alt=""><figcaption><p>GitHub installation from Microsoft Edge</p></figcaption></figure>

### 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

{% hint style="info" %}
Firefox PWA support varies by operating system. Linux has full support, while Windows and macOS support is more limited.
{% endhint %}

### 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.

{% hint style="warning" %}
iOS PWAs have some limitations compared to Android. Some features like push notifications require iOS 16.4 or later.
{% endhint %}

## 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

<figure><img src="/files/A3W5uvfyoPLsWzl2Rjq2" alt=""><figcaption><p>Uninstalling from Chrome app menu</p></figcaption></figure>

**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

<figure><img src="/files/xipLvVQUWT45ixx1LX2i" alt=""><figcaption><p>Accessing Edge app settings</p></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/Ifq7tpibLM6Hq80pudPD" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/JdfVHR2rFTr9WrDhiV7z" alt=""></picture><figcaption><p>Edge app settings panel</p></figcaption></figure>

### 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

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/ZP6eadHZvESIlq7HyKsO" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/D00t6AiSGsg2PTVaLcMN" alt=""></picture><figcaption><p>Uninstalling PWA from Windows Settings</p></figcaption></figure>

### 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

{% hint style="success" %}
Uninstalling a PWA removes the app shortcut and clears cached data, but you can always reinstall it by visiting the website again.
{% endhint %}


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