How to Add a PWA to your Phone / Tablet

What is a PWA?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that uses modern web capabilities to provide a native app-like experience to users. Roastr is built as a PWA, which means you can install it directly on your phone or tablet without going through an app store.

Benefits of Using Roastr as a PWA

• Instant Loading: Opens faster than traditional web apps
• Native Feel: Feels like a native app with smooth animations
• Home Screen Access: Quick access directly from your home screen
• No App Store Required: Install directly from your web browser

Android Installation

Installing Roastr on your Android device is straightforward:

Step 1: Open Chrome or Firefox Browser

Open Google Chrome on your Android device. While other browsers may work, Chrome provides the best PWA experience.

Step 2: Navigate to Roastr

Go to roastr.com in your Chrome browser.

Step 3: Look for the Install Banner

Chrome will automatically detect that Roastr is a PWA and show you an "Add to Home Screen" banner at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4: Tap "Add"

Tap the "Add" button in the banner. If you don't see the banner, you can also:

• Tap the three dots menu (⋮) in the top right
• Select "Add to Home Screen"

Step 5: Confirm Installation

• Chrome will show you a confirmation dialog
• You can customize the app name if desired
• Tap "Add" to confirm

Step 6: Find Your App

Roastr will now appear on your home screen just like any other app. You can move it to your preferred location or add it to folders.

iOS Installation

Installing Roastr on your iPhone or iPad requires Safari:

Step 1: Open Safari

Open Safari on your iOS device. Important: You must use Safari for PWA installation on iOS - other browsers won't work.

Step 2: Navigate to Roastr

Go to roastr.com in Safari.

Step 3: Tap the Share Button

Look for the share button (square with an arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen (iPhone) or top of the screen (iPad).

Step 4: Find "Add to Home Screen"

Scroll down in the share menu until you see "Add to Home Screen" option. Tap it.

Step 5: Customize and Add

• iOS will show you a preview of how the app icon will look
• You can edit the name if desired (though "Roastr" is perfect!)
• Tap "Add" in the top right corner

Step 6: Access Your App

Roastr will now appear on your home screen. You can organize it into folders or move it to your dock for easy access.

Troubleshooting

I Don't See the Install Option

For Android:

• Make sure you're using Chrome or Firefox browser
• Check that you're on the main Roastr website
• Try refreshing the page
• Clear your browser cache and try again

For iOS:

• Make sure you're using Safari browser
• Other browsers (Chrome, Firefox) don't support PWA installation on iOS
• Try refreshing the page
• Make sure you're not in private browsing mode

The App Won't Install

General Solutions:

• Check your internet connection
• Make sure you have enough storage space
• Try closing other browser tabs
• Restart your browser and try again

App Looks Different After Installation

This is normal! The PWA version removes browser UI elements like the address bar and navigation buttons, giving you more screen space for the app content.

Push Notifications Aren't Working

• Check your device's notification settings
• Make sure notifications are enabled for Roastr
• On iOS, you may need to enable notifications when prompted

Getting Started with Roastr PWA

Once installed, you can:

1. Track Your Coffee Journey: Log your brewing sessions, rate your cups, and track your progress
2. Manage Your Inventory: Keep track of your coffee beans and equipment
3. Sync Across Devices: Your data stays synced across all devices

Need Help?

If you're having trouble with the installation or have questions about using Roastr, feel free to reach out to our support team. We're here to help you get the most out of your coffee tracking experience!

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Last updated: July 2025