Turn Your Favorite Websites into Desktop and Mobile Apps

[Rodger Jorge Mansfield]

Turn Your Favorite Websites into Desktop and Mobile Apps

Tired of tab clutter? Learn how to transform your most-used websites into standalone apps in Chrome and Edge, streamlining your browsing experience and boosting productivity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 23, 2024

Ever wish your favorite websites felt more like native applications, unburdened by browser tabs and toolbars? 

Here's a Col Tip.  Install a web page as a standalone app!

Both Chrome and Edge on both desktop and mobile devices offer a simple solution: the ability to install web pages as standalone apps. 

This not only declutters your browsing but also can enhance performance and offer a more focused experience. 

Here's how to do it on desktop PCs.

Desktop - Chrome:

1. Open the website you want to install.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Hover over "More tools" and select "Save, share and cast"
4. Select "Install page as app."
5. Enter a name for the app, select "Install.""
6. Select the option to "pin" to your taskbar.

Desktop - Edge:

1. Open the desired website.
2. Click the three-dot menu and select "Apps."
3. Click "Install this site as an app."
4. Choose a name and click "Install."
5. Select if you want to "pin to taskbar" or create a desktop icon.
6. Your new app will be listed under the "Apps" listing.

fig. 2 - Installing Desktop WPA Using Microsoft Edge

Here's how to install Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on your Android phone.

Android - Chrome

1. Launch the Chrome browser on your Android device.
2. Visit the website you want to install as a PWA.
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
4. Select "Add to Home screen" (or sometimes it's labeled "Install app").
5. A pop-up will appear, confirm the app's name and tap "Add" or "Install."
6. The PWA icon will appear on your home screen like any other app.

Android - Edge

1. Launch the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Go to the website you want to install as a PWA.
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
4. Tap on "Apps" in the menu.
5. Select the option to install the site as an app.
6. Confirm the app's name and tap "Install."
7. The PWA will be added to your app list, accessible through the Edge Apps page (edge://apps).

Important Notes:

• Not every website offers a PWA version. You'll typically see an "Add to Home Screen" prompt or a similar indication if it's available.
• PWAs update automatically in the background, ensuring you always have the latest version.
•  Some PWAs offer offline functionality, allowing you to use them even without an internet connection.

Here's how to install WPAs on an iPhone.

iPhone - Chrome

1. Launch the Chrome browser on your iPhone.
2. Visit the website you want to save as a pseudo-app.
3. Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing up).
4. Scroll through the options and tap "Add to Home Screen."
5. You can edit the name of the app.
6. "Add" in the top right corner.
7. The website's icon will appear on your home screen, launching it in a standalone Chrome window when tapped.

iPhone - Edge

1. Launch the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Go to the website you want to save.
3. Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen.
4. Select "Add to Home Screen."
5. Edit the name.
6. Tap "Add" in the top right corner.
7. The website icon will be added to your home screen, launching a standalone Edge window when tapped.

Important Notes:

• These aren't technically full PWAs like on Android, but they offer a similar experience of opening a website in its own window without browser UI elements.
• Limitations:
  • They may not offer offline capabilities or background syncing like true PWAs.
  • Some features of the website might be limited.
  • If a website offers a dedicated iOS app, that's usually a better option for a more integrated experience.

For desktop or mobile, find the icon where the app was saved and select to open.

Installing web pages as apps in Chrome and Edge is a powerful way to personalize your digital workspace and elevate your browsing experience. 

By taking a few simple steps, you can enjoy the benefits of both worlds – the convenience of the web and the streamlined focus of applications.

Have you tried installing web pages as apps? 

Which websites have you found most useful in this format? 

Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! 

Don't forget to share this guide with your fellow tech enthusiasts on social media.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind OneCoolTip.com, where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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