---
title: How to use Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
description: Share a web-based version of your app that users can open instantly in their browser—no app store download required.
---

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1. [App Documentation](https://help.appdocumentation.com/?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Build Your App](https://help.appdocumentation.com/build-your-app?hsLang=en-us)
3. [Building a PWA](https://help.appdocumentation.com/build-your-app?hsLang=en-us#building-a-pwa)

# How to use Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

## Share a web-based version of your app that users can open instantly in their browser—no app store download required.

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a browser-based version of your app that works on mobile and desktop devices. It lets users access your app through a URL, bookmark it, and even add it to their home screen. PWAs are useful for quick access, previews, and sharing, though they do not replace native app store builds.

---

### **How to use Progressive Web Apps (PWA)**

1. Log in, go to **Builder** in the left navigation
2. Go to **App Settings**, then open **Share App**
3. Copy the **HTML5 URL**

     - This URL opens the web-based version of your app in a browser
     - You can share this link directly with users
4. (Optional) Set up a custom domain for your PWA

     - Go to **App Settings**

           1. Click the **Progressive Web Apps** tab
           2. Enter the custom domain you want to use (for example, [app.yourdomain.com](http://app.yourdomain.com))
           3. Click **Save**
     - Configure your DNS settings for the custom domain

           1. Open your domain provider’s DNS manager
           2. Add a new record:

                    1. **Type:** CNAME
                    2. **Host:** the subdomain you created (for example, app)
                    3. **Value:** pwa.appdocumentation.com
                    4. **TTL:** 1–4 hours
                    5. Save the record
5. (Optional) Add an SSL certificate

     - In **Progressive Web Apps** settings, choose one of the following:

           1. Upload your own SSL certificates
           2. Proceed without SSL (not recommended)
6. Update PWA meta tags

     - Add a description to explain what your app does
     - Review the default title (pulled from your app name)
     - Configure social sharing metadata:

           1. Description text
           2. Default image (usually your app logo)
     - These values are used when your app is shared on Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and other platforms
7. Access your PWA

     - Open your custom domain (or HTML5 URL) in a browser
     - Your app loads as a web-based experience
8. Add the PWA to a device home screen

     - On iOS:

           1. Open the PWA in Safari or Chrome
           2. Tap **Share**
           3. Select **Add to Home Screen**
           4. Name the shortcut and tap **Add**
           5. The PWA appears as an icon on the device home screen
     - On Android:

           1. Open the PWA in Chrome
           2. Tap **3 dots icon**
           3. Select **Add to home screen**
           4. Name the shortcut and tap **Add**
           5. On some models, you will be prompted to touch and hold to place the app icon manually, or tap **Add automatically** to place it on your screen automatically.

---

### **Pro tips**

- Use PWAs for previews, internal testing, or easy sharing without app store friction
- Set up a custom domain to avoid exposing your app ID and improve branding
- Always use SSL for better security and browser compatibility
- PWAs have limitations compared to native apps, especially around WebViews and advanced device features
- For the best user experience, publish native iOS and Android apps alongside your PWA

- [Control Panel](https://help.appdocumentation.com/control-panel?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Navigating the Control Panel](https://help.appdocumentation.com/control-panel?hsLang=en-us#navigating-the-control-panel)
    - [Global Tools](https://help.appdocumentation.com/control-panel?hsLang=en-us#global-tools)
    - [Terms & Policies](https://help.appdocumentation.com/control-panel?hsLang=en-us#terms-policies)
- [Build Your App](https://help.appdocumentation.com/build-your-app?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Global Settings](https://help.appdocumentation.com/build-your-app?hsLang=en-us#global-settings)
    - [Building Your Apps's Navigation](https://help.appdocumentation.com/build-your-app?hsLang=en-us#building-your-appss-navigation)
    - [Building Your Login Flow](https://help.appdocumentation.com/build-your-app?hsLang=en-us#building-your-login-flow)
    - [Building a PWA](https://help.appdocumentation.com/build-your-app?hsLang=en-us#building-a-pwa)
- [Add Functionality To Your App](https://help.appdocumentation.com/add-functionality-to-your-app?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Plugins to drive engagement & community](https://help.appdocumentation.com/add-functionality-to-your-app?hsLang=en-us#plugins-to-drive-engagement-community)
    - [Plugins to drive monetization](https://help.appdocumentation.com/add-functionality-to-your-app?hsLang=en-us#plugins-to-drive-monetization)
    - [Plugins to run operations & workflows](https://help.appdocumentation.com/add-functionality-to-your-app?hsLang=en-us#plugins-to-run-operations-workflows)
    - [Plugins to show content & media](https://help.appdocumentation.com/add-functionality-to-your-app?hsLang=en-us#plugins-to-show-content-media)
- [Make Money With Your App](https://help.appdocumentation.com/make-money-with-your-app?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Overview](https://help.appdocumentation.com/make-money-with-your-app?hsLang=en-us#overview)
    - [iOS/Apple](https://help.appdocumentation.com/make-money-with-your-app?hsLang=en-us#ios-apple)
    - [Android/Google](https://help.appdocumentation.com/make-money-with-your-app?hsLang=en-us#android-google)
- [Publish Your App](https://help.appdocumentation.com/publish-your-app?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Overview](https://help.appdocumentation.com/publish-your-app?hsLang=en-us#overview)
    - [Android/Google](https://help.appdocumentation.com/publish-your-app?hsLang=en-us#android-google)
    - [iOS/Apple](https://help.appdocumentation.com/publish-your-app?hsLang=en-us#ios-apple)
- [Manage Your App](https://help.appdocumentation.com/manage-your-app?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Managing Your App’s Users](https://help.appdocumentation.com/manage-your-app?hsLang=en-us#managing-your-apps-users)
    - [Push Notifications](https://help.appdocumentation.com/manage-your-app?hsLang=en-us#push-notifications)
    - [Analytics](https://help.appdocumentation.com/manage-your-app?hsLang=en-us#analytics)
- [Connect External Partners](https://help.appdocumentation.com/connect-external-partners?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Android/Google](https://help.appdocumentation.com/connect-external-partners?hsLang=en-us#android-google)
    - [iOS/Apple](https://help.appdocumentation.com/connect-external-partners?hsLang=en-us#ios-apple)
    - [Zapier](https://help.appdocumentation.com/connect-external-partners?hsLang=en-us#zapier)
    - [Meta](https://help.appdocumentation.com/connect-external-partners?hsLang=en-us#meta)
    - [Segment](https://help.appdocumentation.com/connect-external-partners?hsLang=en-us#segment)

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