Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have been available on Chrome based browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Brave for years, and it’s now finally available as an option to use in Firefox. Though still in experimental mode. The feature is also still only available optionally, so you will need to manually enable it on your browser. But it's quick and easy, so follow along as we show you how to enable and use PWAs in Firefox.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to install websites as apps on Firefox using the new PWA feature.
- This feature allows Firefox users to turn different websites into progressive web apps that look like native apps on the operating system.
- You need to configure the browser before converting a website into a PWA. Plus, they can be removed much more easily than system applications.
Table of Contents
Why Use Progressive Web Apps in Mozilla Firefox?
Having a launchable app for your preferred website is now possible. This offline feature is now available in Mozilla Firefox. Users can access the browser and convert a site into an application, similar to native apps. This update arrives in Firefox as a new interface, so your favourite websites can have their own desktop shortcuts.
Before explaining how to install an app with Firefox on your home screen and give it its own icon, here are some of the advantages it offers:
- Quick and customizable access, turning any website into a system app shortcut on your desktop, taskbar, or start menu.
- Lighter than native apps, consuming fewer resources.
- Push notifications, similar to mobile devices. From settings, you can adjust these after installing the app.
- PWAs have a much better caching system, allowing offline use (if previously visited). They also work well with poor internet connections.
This is a new feature not enabled by default in Firefox. But you can activate it to turn any compatible site into an application. It works similarly to Microsoft Edge’s installable apps. You don’t need to be a developer or expert to set it up.
How to Enable Progressive Web Apps in Firefox. (Firefox PWA Apps)
Depending on your version of Firefox, you might need to update first.
- So press Alt on your keyboard, then click Help > About Firefox then wait for it to auto-update.
- Once firefox is up to date, you will see a little download icon on the right-hand side of the address bar. This icon is the "install PWA icon".
- Click it once to install the website as an app (with all running extensions included). It will instantly appear as a new icon in the taskbar.
- From now on, you can instantly access this site as an app from the start menu by simply searching for it. You can also pin it anywhere you want.
- If you want to uninstall it simply click the icon in the same place as the install icon to eject the app (uninstall it). Alternatively, you can also find it in the Start Menu, right-click on it and click Uninstall.
