Install OpenHRApp as an App (PWA) on Android and iOS
OpenHRApp is a Progressive Web App (PWA), which means you can install it directly on your Android or iOS device and use it just like a native app — with its own icon, full-screen mode, and fast loading. No app store download required.
This is a sub-guide of Welcome to OpenHR.
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
A Progressive Web App is a website that behaves like a native mobile app. Once installed, OpenHR will:
- Appear on your home screen with its own icon
- Open in full-screen mode (no browser address bar)
- Load faster thanks to cached resources
- Work even with poor network connectivity
- Receive push notifications (if enabled by your admin)
Installing OpenHRApp on Android (Chrome)
- Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
- Navigate to your organization's OpenHR URL (e.g.,
https://openhrapp.com). - Log in with your credentials.
- You should see a "Add to Home Screen" banner at the bottom — tap Install.
- If the banner doesn't appear:
- Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Select "Add to Home screen" or "Install app".
- Confirm by tapping "Install" or "Add".
- OpenHR will now appear on your home screen as a standalone app.
Installing OpenHRApp on iPhone / iPad (Safari)
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad (this only works in Safari, not Chrome or Firefox on iOS).
- Navigate to your organization's OpenHRApp URL.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Tap the Share button (the square with an upward arrow) at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down in the share menu and tap "Add to Home Screen".
- You can rename the app if you want, then tap "Add" in the top-right corner.
- OpenHR will now appear on your home screen as an app icon.
Installing OpenHRApp on Desktop (Chrome / Edge)
- Open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your computer.
- Navigate to your OpenHRApp URL and log in.
- Look for the install icon (a small + or monitor icon) in the address bar on the right side.
- Click it and confirm "Install".
- OpenHR will open in its own window and appear in your Start Menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).
Using OpenHRApp as an Installed App
Once installed, OpenHRApp behaves like any other app on your device:
- Launch it from your home screen or app drawer — no need to open a browser first.
- Switch between OpenHR and other apps normally.
- Notifications will come through as system notifications (if supported by your organization).
- Updates happen automatically — you always get the latest version without reinstalling.
You can immediately clock in for attendance from the installed app with full camera and GPS support.
Troubleshooting PWA Installation Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Add to Home Screen" option not showing (Android) | Make sure you're using Chrome. Clear your browser cache and reload the page. |
| "Add to Home Screen" option not showing (iOS) | You must use Safari — this feature is not available in Chrome or Firefox on iOS. |
| App opens in browser instead of full-screen | Remove the shortcut and reinstall using the steps above. Make sure you use the browser's install/share feature, not a simple bookmark. |
| App looks outdated after an update | Close the app completely and reopen it. On Android, you can also go to Chrome > Settings > Site Settings > find OpenHR > Clear & Reset. |
| App not loading offline | Ensure you've visited the app at least once while online so resources can be cached. |
How to Uninstall the PWA
- Android: Long-press the OpenHR icon > Uninstall (or drag to Remove).
- iOS: Long-press the OpenHR icon > Remove App > Delete from Home Screen.
- Desktop (Chrome): Open the app > click the three-dot menu in the title bar > Uninstall.
Related Guides
- Welcome to OpenHR — Overview of all features.
- How to Clock In and Out — Use attendance from the installed app.
- Understanding the Dashboard — What you see when you open the app.