What is a PWA?
LoopString is a Progressive Web App (PWA). This means your browser can install it directly to your home screen or taskbar and launch it in fullscreen, just like a native mobile or desktop app. There is no app store involved — the install happens straight from your browser.
When installed, LoopString:
- Opens in fullscreen standalone mode with no browser address bar
- Appears as its own icon on your home screen, dock, or taskbar
- Launches directly to the dashboard, bypassing the browser UI
- Displays the LoopString purple theme color in your device's task switcher
Note: the PWA does not cache content for offline use. An active internet connection is required to monitor and control your devices.
Installing on Android (Chrome)
- Open app.loopstring.io in Chrome.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.
- Tap Add to Home screen (or Install app if Chrome shows a banner).
- Tap Add on the confirmation dialog.
- The LoopString icon will appear on your home screen. Tap it to launch.
On some Android devices Chrome shows an Install banner at the bottom of the screen automatically after a few visits. Tapping that banner triggers the same flow.
Installing on iOS (Safari)
Chrome on iOS does not support PWA installation. Use Safari instead.
- Open app.loopstring.io in Safari.
- Tap the Share button (the box with an arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down in the share sheet and tap Add to Home Screen.
- Edit the name if you like, then tap Add in the top-right corner.
- The LoopString icon appears on your home screen. Tap it to launch.
Safari on iOS installs the app using the apple-touch-icon defined by the app, which matches the LoopString branding.
Installing on Desktop (Chrome, Edge, or Brave)
- Open app.loopstring.io in Chrome, Edge, or Brave.
- Look for the install icon (a monitor with a down arrow) in the browser's address bar on the right side.
- Click it and then click Install in the prompt.
- LoopString opens in its own window and is added to your applications.
Alternatively: click the browser menu (three dots), then look for Install LoopString Automation or Apps > Install this site as an app.
Once installed, you can pin it to your taskbar or dock like any other application.
What You Get After Installing
Fullscreen experience. The browser toolbar disappears. The dashboard fills your entire screen, giving more space for sensor cards and controls.
Dedicated home screen icon. The LoopString icon launches the app directly — no need to open a browser and navigate to the URL.
Task switcher integration. The app appears as a separate entry in your device's task switcher with the LoopString name and theme color.
Same live data, same features. Everything available in the browser works in the installed app. Real-time sensor feeds, actuator controls, the Configurator, alerts — all identical.
Troubleshooting
The install prompt or address bar icon is not showing.
Browsers only offer the install prompt when certain criteria are met: the page must be served over HTTPS, a valid web manifest must be present, and you must be using a supported browser. LoopString meets all of these requirements. If the prompt is still missing, try:
- Reloading the page and waiting a few seconds
- Visiting the app on at least two separate occasions (Chrome sometimes requires multiple visits)
- Checking that you are not already in an installed instance — open app.loopstring.io in a regular browser tab, not an existing installed window
- On iOS, confirming you are using Safari and not Chrome or Firefox
The app is installed but not loading.
The PWA requires an internet connection. If the dashboard shows a loading spinner and does not progress, check your network connection. The app does not serve a cached offline page — a live connection to Firebase is needed to authenticate and stream device data.
I want to uninstall it.
On Android: long-press the LoopString icon on your home screen and drag it to Uninstall, or go to Settings > Apps > LoopString and uninstall from there.
On iOS: long-press the icon and tap Remove App, then Delete App.
On desktop (Chrome/Edge): open the app, click the three-dot menu inside the app window, and select Uninstall LoopString Automation. Alternatively, right-click the icon in your taskbar or applications list and choose to uninstall.
Uninstalling the PWA does not affect your LoopString account, devices, or any stored data.