Installing as an App (PWA)

Version: 0.1.1 | Last Updated: 2026-01-07

Overview

CareForMeds is a Progressive Web App (PWA), which means you can install it on your phone, tablet, or computer just like a regular app. This gives you faster access, better notifications, and offline capabilities.

Benefits of Installing

Installing on iPhone/iPad

1. Open CareForMeds in Safari (must be Safari, not Chrome)
2. Tap the Share button (square with arrow pointing up)
3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen
4. Edit the name if desired
5. Tap Add
6. Find the CareForMeds icon on your home screen

Note: iOS requires Safari for PWA installation. Chrome and Firefox on iOS don't support this feature.

Installing on Android

From Chrome

1. Open CareForMeds in Chrome
2. Tap the three dots menu (⋮) in the top right
3. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app
4. Confirm by tapping Add or Install
5. Find the CareForMeds icon in your app drawer or home screen

From the Install Prompt

You may see an "Install CareForMeds" banner at the bottom of the screen:

1. Tap Install
2. Confirm installation
3. Done!

Installing on Desktop

Chrome

1. Open CareForMeds in Chrome
2. Look for the install icon (⊕) in the address bar
3. Click it and confirm Install
4. The app opens in its own window
5. Find it in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications (Mac)

Edge

1. Open CareForMeds in Microsoft Edge
2. Click the three dots menu (⋯)
3. Select Apps > Install this site as an app
4. Click Install

Firefox

Firefox doesn't fully support PWA installation on desktop, but you can create a shortcut:

1. Click the three lines menu
2. Select More tools > Create shortcut

After Installation

Once installed:

• Open the app by tapping/clicking its icon
• Sign in with your existing account (same username/password)
• Enable notifications when prompted
• Your data syncs automatically with the web version

Troubleshooting

"Add to Home Screen" not showing

• Make sure you're on the actual CareForMeds site (not a bookmark)
• On iOS, you must use Safari
• Try refreshing the page
• Clear browser cache and try again

App not updating

• Close and reopen the app
• Check for updates in your browser's app settings
• Clear app cache if issues persist

Notifications not working after install

• Check notification permissions in device settings
• Ensure CareForMeds notifications are enabled in Settings > Notifications
• On iOS, check Settings > Notifications > CareForMeds

App crashes or won't load

1. Close the app completely
2. Check your internet connection
3. Try opening in a browser instead
4. If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall

Uninstalling

iPhone/iPad

1. Long-press the app icon
2. Tap Remove App or the minus sign
3. Confirm removal

Android

1. Long-press the app icon
2. Drag to Uninstall or tap Uninstall
3. Confirm

Desktop

• Windows: Settings > Apps > Find CareForMeds > Uninstall
• Mac: Find in Applications > Right-click > Move to Trash
• Chrome: chrome://apps > Right-click > Remove from Chrome

Difference from App Store Apps

CareForMeds as a PWA:

• ✅ No download from App Store/Play Store needed
• ✅ Always up to date automatically
• ✅ Takes less storage space
• ✅ Same features as the website
• ✅ Works on any device with a modern browser

See Also

• Push Notifications - Set up reminders
• Account Security - Keep your account safe