Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are modern, high quality applications built using web technology. PWAs offer similar capabilities to iOS/Android/desktop apps, they are reliable even in unstable network conditions, and are installable making it easier for users to find and use them.
Most users are familiar with installing applications, and the benefits of an installed experience. Installed applications appear on operating system launch surfaces, such as the Applications folder on Mac OS X, the Start menu on Windows, and the home screen on Android and iOS. Installed applications also show up in the activity switcher, device search engines such as Spotlight and in content sharing sheets.
Most browsers indicate to the user that your Progressive Web App (PWA) is installable when it meets certain criteria. Example indicators include an Install button in the address bar, or an Install menu item in the overflow menu.
In addition, when the criteria is met, many browsers will fire a
beforeinstallprompt event, allowing you to provide a custom in-app UX that
that will trigger the install flow within your app.
Install criteria
In Chrome, your Progressive Web App must meet the following criteria before
it will fire the beforeinstallprompt event and show the in-browser install
promotion:
- The web app is not already installed
- Meets the user engagement heuristics:
- The user needs to have clicked or tapped on the page at least once (at any time, even during a previous page load)
- The user needs to have spent at least 30 seconds viewing the page (at any time)
- Be served over HTTPS
- Includes a web app manifest that includes:
short_nameornameicons- must include a 192px and a 512px iconstart_urldisplay- must be one offullscreen,standalone,minimal-ui, orwindow-controls-overlayprefer_related_applicationsmust not be present, or befalse
Other browsers have similar criteria for installation, though there may be minor differences. Check the respective sites for full details: