Guide: How to Install/Uninstall PWAs in Chrome Browser
PWA’s are great for users who have low network connectivity or who want to use the app without an internet connection. They load quickly and feel responsive even when the network is not the best. ..
Despite running on a Chrome wrapper, PWAs give the impression that they work just like any other application. They feature their desktop icons, do away with the Chrome address bar and tabs, making for a fully immersive experience.
Chrome offers multiple ways to install and remove PWAs on Windows and macOS. Let me walk you through the best ways to do that.
Install Progressive Web Apps
If you want to install a progressive web app on your Chrome browser, the process is actually quite simple. However, not all websites have this feature, so you’ll first need to load one to see if it has PWA functionality. If it does, the first two methods below will work fine. Otherwise, you’ll need to try one of the other methods below. ..
Chrome offers a way to convert any website to a progressive web app using the Create Shortcut feature. While you cannot expect the advanced features that you normally receive from true progressive web apps, they work the same way. The third method in this list will help you with that.
1. ‘Install’ option on address bar
To install a progressive web app in Chrome, open the Chrome browser and click on the ‘+’ shaped icon on the right side of the URL bar.
-Open Chrome and go to the main menu bar at the top of the browser window. -Click on “Settings” -Under “Advanced” click on “Web Platform”. -Under “Web Platform” click on “Developer Tools”. -In the Developer Tools window, click on the “Site” tab. -On the Site tab, under “Site Info” you will see a box that says “Is this site a progressive web app?” If it is not, you will need to install the Progressive Web App Manifest file. To do so, click on the link in that box and save it to your computer. -Once you have saved the Progressive Web App Manifest file, close Developer Tools and open Chrome again. -Click on the Install button next to the Progressive Web App Manifest file in Site Info. Chrome should install the site as a progressive web app. ..
2. ‘Install’ option in the Chrome menu
Another easy way to install progressive web apps is to use the Chrome menu. With the site loaded, open the Chrome menu and then click install ‘site name’.
Please enter your name and email to be notified when the site is available.
If you’re not seeing the installation icon in the URL when trying to access a site that supports PWA functionality, it may be because the site does not support this feature. To determine if a site supports PWA functionality, check the Chrome menu again and see if there is an option called “PWA.”
3. Install using the Create Shortcut option
Chrome also offers the option to forcibly install any website as a progressive web app. You can achieve that by using the Create Shortcut feature present in the Chrome menu. You can also use this method to install real PWAs, but the two methods above are much more convenient in that regard.
Create a shortcut to the Chrome browser on your computer.
To open the website as a window, select the check box next to Open as window and click Create.
If you don’t check the box next to Open as window, the shortcut you create will not open in a special Chrome window. ..
Remove Progressive Web Apps
PWAs are not fully integrated into the operating system, and you cannot remove them like regular Windows or macOS applications.
- Remove Chrome from your computer by going to chrome://flags and changing the “disable user agent spoofing” value to “true”.
- Remove PWAs from your computer by going to C:\Users<username>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome.
1. ‘Delete’ option in the PWA menu
To remove an app from your phone, open the PWA app you want to remove, click the three dots icon in the top right corner of the screen, and on the menu that appears up, click delete ‘app name’. ..
If you check the box next to Also clear data from Chrome, then your browser will delete all browsing data and cookies related to the PWA app. This is ideal for troubleshooting and can help resolve issues caused by an outdated browser cache.
If you want to delete the PWA, please check the box and click Delete.
2. Uninstall with Apps Launcher
Google Chrome’s Apps Launcher also provides you with the means to uninstall PWAs. If you’ve already removed the desktop icon for the PWA, this provides the perfect way to completely uninstall the app.
To access the Apps Launcher, type “chrome://apps” in the address bar and press Enter. ..
Remove the PWA from Chrome.
Delete the PWA if you want to delete the browser cache of it. ..
The Apps Launcher offers the option to add deleted PWA icons back to the desktop. Right-click on the app and then click Create Shortcuts to do that.
Love them or hate them
Progressive web apps are changing the game. I love that I can focus on a task without being distracted by dozens of Chrome tabs. But PWAs are few and far between, so don’t forget to “ force ” Chrome to create apps for sites that don’t yet support the functionality. But of course, not all progressive web apps are the best, so make sure to get rid of the ones that don’t offer anything special.
Are you finding yourself constantly encountering web page elements that you can’t ignore? Here are five great Chrome extensions to help you out.
How to Install/Uninstall PWAs in Chrome Browser: benefits
Faq
Final note
Chrome users can install and uninstall PWA (Progressive Web Apps) with ease. ..
If you have any questions about how to install or uninstall PWA’s in the Chrome browser, please comment below or contact us directly. This guide is for educational purposes only. If you want to correct any misinformation about this guide, please contact us. If you want to add an alternate method to the guide, please contact us. Our contact page is here for any help you may need. You can also use our social and accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp for your questions. We answer questions within 24-48 hours (weekend off). ..
