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PWA Settings

📱 Dashboard: PWA Settings

Overview

The PWA Settings section allows you to create a simple Progressive Web App (PWA) version of your App dashboard.

A PWA gives you and your staff a quick way to access the dashboard from a phone, tablet, or desktop without needing to install anything from the App Store or Google Play.

Once set up, the dashboard can be added to a device home screen or desktop and opened more like an app than a normal browser tab.

This is useful for teams who want quicker day-to-day access to their dashboard.

What this section does

From this page, you can:

  • Set the full name of your dashboard PWA
  • Set a shorter name for home screen display
  • Choose the URL the PWA opens to
  • Select your theme colour
  • Select your background colour
  • Upload the icon used when the PWA is installed

These settings control how the PWA looks and behaves when installed on supported devices and browsers.

Where to find it

→ PWA Settings

How to use PWA Settings

1. App Name

The App Name is the full name of your dashboard PWA.

This is usually the main name shown during installation or within app details.

Examples:

  • Redpost App Dashboard
  • Certini Dashboard
  • My Business App Centre

Use a name that is clear and easy for staff to recognise.

2. Short Name

The Short Name is a shorter version of the app name.

This is often used where there is limited space, such as under the icon on a phone home screen.

Examples:

  • My App
  • My Business
  • App Dashboard

Keep this short and simple so it displays neatly.

3. Start URL

The Start URL controls which page opens first when the PWA is launched.

In most cases, this should be your main dashboard page.

Examples might include:

  • The dashboard homepage
  • The main login page
  • A specific section if that is the main area your team needs

Best practice: use your main dashboard entry page unless you have a specific reason to send users somewhere else.

4. Theme Colour

The Theme Colour is used by supported browsers and devices as the main accent colour for the PWA.

This may affect areas such as:

  • The browser toolbar colour
  • The top bar colour in installed mode
  • The overall branded appearance

Choose a colour that matches your business branding.

5. Background Colour

The Background Colour is the colour shown while the PWA is loading.

This should work well with your logo and brand colours.

A white background is often the safest option, but a brand colour may also work well if it fits your design.

6. App Icon

The App Icon is the image used when the PWA is installed on a device.

This is one of the most important parts of the setup, as it is what staff will tap on to open the dashboard.

Best practice for the icon:

  • Use a square PNG
  • Use a clear logo or brand mark
  • Avoid small text
  • Keep the design simple and easy to recognise
  • Use a high-quality image

A 512 x 512 PNG is the recommended size.

The system uses this icon for different device sizes where supported.

Saving your settings

Once you have completed the fields:

  1. Enter your App Name
  2. Enter your Short Name
  3. Set the Start URL
  4. Choose your Theme Colour
  5. Choose your Background Colour
  6. Upload your App Icon
  7. Click Save Settings

Your PWA settings will then be ready for supported browsers and devices.

Suggested setup

A good basic setup might be:

  • App Name: Your full business or dashboard name
  • Short Name: A shorter version of the same name
  • Start URL: Your main dashboard page
  • Theme Colour: Your primary brand colour
  • Background Colour: White or a suitable brand colour
  • App Icon: A clean square logo in 512 x 512 PNG format

How PWAs work on different devices

PWAs are supported differently depending on the platform and browser being used.

Android

On Android devices, PWAs usually work best in Chrome or other Chromium-based browsers.

Users may see an install prompt automatically, or they may need to open the browser menu and choose:

  • Install app
  • Add to Home screen

Once installed, the dashboard can open from the home screen in a more app-like way.

This is generally the smoothest PWA experience.

iPhone and iPad

On Apple devices, PWAs are usually installed using Safari.

To install:

  1. Open the dashboard in Safari
  2. Tap the Share icon
  3. Select Add to Home Screen
  4. Confirm the name and add it

Once added, the dashboard will appear on the home screen like an app icon.

Important notes for iPhone/iPad:

  • Safari is the preferred browser for installation
  • Installation options may not appear the same in other browsers
  • The PWA works more like a saved web app than a traditional App Store app

Desktop browsers

On desktop computers, PWAs usually work best in:

  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge

If the browser supports installation, users may see:

  • An install icon in the address bar
  • A menu option such as Install this site as an app

Once installed, the dashboard can open in its own window, separate from the normal browser.

This can make it feel more like a dedicated desktop app.

Firefox

Firefox currently offers more limited support for installing PWAs.

For the best results, it is better to use:

  • Chrome on desktop and Android
  • Edge on desktop
  • Safari on iPhone and iPad

Best practice for installing the dashboard PWA

If you want your staff to use the dashboard as a PWA:

  • Set up the name, icon, and colours first
  • Test the PWA yourself before sharing it with staff
  • Use Chrome on Android
  • Use Safari on iPhone/iPad
  • Use Chrome or Edge on desktop
  • Make sure staff are using the correct dashboard link

Troubleshooting tips

If the install option does not appear:

  • Check that your PWA settings have been saved
  • Refresh the page
  • Make sure an icon has been uploaded
  • Try a supported browser
  • Check that the Start URL is correct
  • On iPhone or iPad, use Safari rather than another browser

If the icon or name does not look right after installation, update the settings and test again.

Things to keep in mind

A dashboard PWA is designed as a convenient installed version of your dashboard, not as a replacement for your main published mobile app.

It is best used for:

  • staff access
  • quicker dashboard entry
  • creating a shortcut on mobile or desktop
  • giving the dashboard a more app-like feel

It should not be thought of as an App Store or Play Store app.

In summary

The PWA Settings page lets you create an installable version of your App dashboard for phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

This helps you and your staff:

  • access the dashboard more quickly
  • add it to a home screen or desktop
  • use it in a more app-like way
  • apply your own branding with a name, colours, and icon

For best results, make sure your setup is clear, your icon is high quality, and staff install the PWA using a supported browser.

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