The Home Screen family · A practical guide
What is a home screen app?
By Lucky Ranasinghe · Published 18 October 2026
A home screen app is a website built to install from the browser and open like an app, usually called a progressive web app (PWA). You add it with Add to Home Screen and it gets its own icon.
How to install on your device
Open the site in Safari. Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow), then Add to Home Screen, then Add.
Open the site in Chrome. Tap the menu (three dots), then Install app or Add to Home screen.
Open the site in Chrome or Edge. Click the install icon at the right end of the address bar, then Install.
App or shortcut?
A web app manifest is what lets it open in its own window. A shortcut gives a website a home screen icon but opens in your browser.
Notifications on iPhone
On iPhone, web apps can send notifications only once added to the Home Screen, on iOS 16.4 or later.
Check who makes it
There is no app store review. Check who makes an app and what it asks for before you use it.
Explore the catalogueQuestions, answered
Is a home screen app a website?
Yes. It is a website built to install from the browser and open like an app.
What is the difference between an app and a shortcut?
A web app manifest lets an app open in its own window. A shortcut opens in your browser.
Can I get notifications on iPhone?
On iPhone, web apps can send notifications once added to the Home Screen, on iOS 16.4 or later.
Does an app store review these apps?
No app store review is required. Check who makes an app before using it.