The Home Screen family · A practical guide
How do you add a website to your home screen?
By Lucky Ranasinghe · Published 18 October 2026
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.
Choose 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.
An app or a shortcut
A site with a web app manifest can open in its own window. A shortcut opens the website in your browser.
Why iPhone has no install button
Safari does not show an install prompt. You tap Share, then Add to Home Screen, then Add.
Turn on notifications after adding the app
On iPhone, web notifications need the app added to your Home Screen first, on iOS 16.4 or later.
Remove it again
Long-press the home screen icon and choose remove.
Make your own site installable
Start with HTTPS, a manifest and icons. Read the developer checklist, then make your install link.
Questions, answered
How do I install on iPhone?
Open the site in Safari. Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow), then Add to Home Screen, then Add.
How do I install on Android?
Open the site in Chrome. Tap the menu (three dots), then Install app or Add to Home screen.
How do I install on desktop?
Open the site in Chrome or Edge. Click the install icon at the right end of the address bar, then Install.
How do I remove it?
Long-press its home screen icon and choose remove.
Will any site become a standalone app?
A site needs a web app manifest to open in its own window. Other sites can be added as shortcuts.