Web Install API — New Era of PWA Installation

Learn about the Web Install API — experimental browser feature that allows installing PWAs in one click directly from catalogs like Web Store.

Description

Learn about the Web Install API — experimental browser feature that allows installing PWAs in one click directly from catalogs like Web Store.

What is Web Install API?

Web Install API is an experimental feature in modern Chromium browsers that allows installing Progressive Web Apps directly through JavaScript using navigator.install(). No more outdated beforeinstallprompt hacks. Now installation is triggered by a button click — from any interface, including app aggregators like Web Store.

What Does This Change?

Before

Installation depended on automatic beforeinstallprompt appearance
Limited UX control
Impossible to initiate third-party PWA installation from catalog

Now

Installation called manually via navigator.install()
Can install PWAs by install_url and manifest_id
Aggregators can offer 'install' directly
Browser still controls permissions and security
Step toward full Web app ecosystem

How It Works

User clicks 'Install' button — Action must happen within user gesture (click, tap)
Site calls navigator.install() — Passes install_url (app URL) and optional manifest_id
Browser shows install dialog — User confirms installation in native browser dialog
PWA installs on device — App appears on home screen / app drawer / dock

Requirements

HTTPS or localhost
Valid Web App Manifest
Registered Service Worker
Chromium ≥ 143 (or flag enabled manually)
Call from user gesture (click, tap)

Browser Support

Chrome 143+: Yes
Edge 143+: Yes
Chromium (with flag): Experimental
Safari: No
Firefox: No

Why This Matters for Web Store

Install PWAs directly from catalog

Users can install apps without leaving Web Store

Simplified user journey

One click instead of multiple steps through browser menus

Web Store as App Store alternative

True cross-platform app distribution without gatekeepers

Promoting open web as platform

Foundation for real PWA ecosystem independent of big tech

Standards Status

Experimental Feature

Web Install API is in early standardization stage in Chromium. Specification and API behavior may change. We closely monitor standard development and adapt Web Store as it stabilizes.

How to Enable

Chrome/Edge 143+

Works without flags. Just update your browser to latest version.

Chrome/Edge 139-142

Open about:flags, search for 'Web Install API' and enable it.

Other Chromium browsers

Check chrome://flags/#web-app-installation-api

For PWA Developers

Want your app to support installation via Web Install API?

Correct start_url in manifest
Icons 192px and 512px
Working Service Worker
App is installable

View page on Web Store →