Install as an app (PWA)

Home Lab is a Progressive Web App. You can install it to your phone's home screen or your desktop so it opens in its own window, works offline with a cached shell, and feels like a native app.

Requirements

• Served over HTTPS (or localhost). Put it behind a TLS reverse proxy.
• A browser that supports installable PWAs - Chrome, Edge, and Chromium-based browsers. (Safari and Firefox don't expose a programmatic install button; use their own "Add to Home Screen" / "Install" menu item instead.)

Install from the app

Go to Settings → App & data. The Progressive Web App row shows one of:

• Install - your browser supports it; click to install.
• Installed - it's already installed / running in standalone mode.
• A hint to use the browser menu - your browser doesn't offer a programmatic prompt, so use its built-in install / add-to-home-screen option.

Install from the browser

• Chrome / Edge (desktop) - look for the install icon in the address bar, or use the ⋮ menu → Install Home Lab.
• Android Chrome - ⋮ menu → Add to Home screen / Install app.
• iOS Safari - Share → Add to Home Screen.

Offline behaviour

A service worker caches the app shell (HTML, CSS, scripts and icons) using a network-first strategy: it always tries the network first and falls back to the cache when offline. Live widget data still needs the backend to be reachable - offline you'll see the last cached layout.

When a new version is deployed, the service worker activates on the next load and clears the old cache. If something looks stale after an update, fully close the tab/app and reopen it.

Already installed but the button says "Install"?

The install prompt is captured very early on page load. If you've just installed, reopening the app should show Installed. The app also detects standalone (installed) mode and disables the button accordingly.