Installing your app on iPhone and Android

Every Overskill app automatically works as an installable mobile app. Users add it to their home screen, and it looks and feels like a native app — even though there's no app store involved.

What this gives your users

Once installed:

• Home screen icon — launches your app in full-screen
• No browser bar — looks just like a regular iPhone/Android app
• Offline behavior — depends on the app. Test which pages remain usable without a connection. Installation alone does not establish offline access, saved edits or synchronization; MDN explains the distinction.
• Push notifications — if your app sends them

And from your perspective:

• No App Store fees — no 30% Apple cut
• No app review delays — your changes go live immediately
• No separate codebase — the same app that runs in the browser is what gets installed

How users install on iPhone

These steps follow Apple's current Safari instructions. Other browser options depend on the iOS and browser version; check current browser support and test the path your users will follow.

1. Visit your app's published URL in Safari.
2. Choose Share from Safari's Page Menu, or use the Share button in the Top or Bottom tab layout.
3. Choose Add to Home Screen from the share options. If it is missing, use Edit Actions to add it.
4. Enable Open as Web App.
5. Choose Add.

Your app appears on their home screen.

How users install on Android

1. Open your app in Chrome (or any Chromium-based browser)
2. Tap the menu (three dots top-right)
3. Tap Install app (or Add to Home Screen)
4. Tap Install

Your app appears in their app drawer and on their home screen.

Telling users how to install

Most users don't know about Add to Home Screen unless prompted. Your app doesn't show an install prompt on its own, but the AI can add one:

After 30 seconds on the site, show mobile users a banner that says Add this to your home screen for one-tap access.

What your icon and name look like

Your app's icon and name on the home screen come from your app's settings. Set them in:

• Dashboard → Settings → App Icon (upload a square image, or regenerate one)
• Dashboard → Settings → App Name (the name shown under the icon)

Push notifications

If you've set up push notifications, they work on installed iOS and Android apps the same way as native apps.

What to read next

• Push notifications in your app
• Connecting your own domain — looks more professional than *.overskill.app