A web app is an app built for the web that you can access on any device. You can use web apps to have a website work as an app and access it on your computer or mobile devices through the Launcher or home screen. Some web apps include extra features, like more storage to browse content offline, notifications, file system access and icon badges.
Install a web app
- On your Android device, open Chrome
.
- Go to a website with a web app that you want to install.
- On the right of the address bar, tap More
Add to home screen
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Uninstall a web app
- On your Android device, tap Settings
- To remove a web app, tap the web app's icon.
- Tap Uninstall.
Accept or deny app name updates
You’ll receive app updates from Google Chrome when the app wants to update its name below its icon on your screen.
You can choose whether you want to accept the update or uninstall the app.
Important: When a change is drastic, like a name change to resemble a different app, it might be a malicious change by the developer. If you think that’s the case, uninstall the app.
- To accept the change: Tap OK.
- To uninstall the app: Tap Uninstall app
Related resources
Tip: Although web apps work offline, some may not work completely without an Internet connection.
You can use web apps on Android through Google Chrome by accessing websites that function like apps and, in some cases, adding them to your home screen.
To use a web app, open Chrome and go to the website of the service you want, such as Gmail, Google Docs, or Google Drive. These sites are designed to work like apps, allowing you to perform tasks such as sending emails, editing documents, or managing files.
For a more app-like experience, you can add the web app to your home screen. Open the website in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and select Add to Home screen. Confirm the name, then tap Add. The web app will appear as an icon on your home screen.
When you open it from the home screen, it may launch in a standalone view without the usual browser interface, depending on how the site is built. This makes it feel more like a native app.
Some web apps also support offline use. For example, certain features may continue working without an internet connection and sync later when you are back online.
In summary, Chrome on Android allows you to use web apps directly through websites and enhance the experience by adding them to your home screen for quick, app-like access.
