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Install the Ithy App

Ithy Progressive Web App (PWA) for Mobile

Winson Luk avatar
Written by Winson Luk
Updated over a week ago

The Ithy app provides a convenient mobile app for all devices, making it easier than ever to conduct research and generate content anytime, anywhere.

Accessing Ithy on Mobile Devices

There are two primary ways to use Ithy on mobile devices.

Mobile Browser Access

  • Simply visit ithy.com in your mobile device's web browser

  • The responsive design automatically adjusts to your screen size

  • All core features are available through the browser interface

Progressive Web App Installation

  • When visiting ithy.com on a compatible mobile device, you may receive a prompt to "Add to Home Screen" or "Install"

  • Accepting this prompt installs the Ithy PWA on your device

  • The PWA provides an app-like experience with improved performance and offline capabilities

  • Once installed, you can launch Ithy directly from your home screen without opening a browser

Mobile-Specific Features

The mobile experience includes several optimizations:

  • Touch-Friendly Interface: Larger touch targets and simplified navigation

  • Responsive Design: Content automatically adjusts to different screen sizes

  • Optimized Image Sizing: Images are appropriately scaled for mobile viewing

  • Home Screen Icon: Custom icon when installed as a PWA

  • Full-Screen Mode: Removes browser UI elements when used as a PWA

Using Ithy Effectively on Mobile

Tips for the best mobile experience:

  1. Install as PWA for faster access and improved performance

  2. Enable auto-rotation on your device for flexibility

  3. Adjust text size in your device settings if needed for better readability

  4. Use the share button to easily send articles via messaging apps or email

Mobile Limitations

While the mobile experience is comprehensive, be aware of a few potential limitations:

  • Complex visual elements like mind maps may display differently on smaller screens

  • PDF export functionality works best on devices with PDF viewing capabilities

  • Some advanced features may be more efficiently used on larger screens

  • Input of very long queries may be more challenging on mobile keyboards

Troubleshooting Mobile Issues

If you encounter problems with the mobile experience:

  • Ensure your mobile browser is updated to the latest version

  • Clear your browser cache and cookies if performance issues occur

  • Check that JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings

  • If using the PWA, try uninstalling and reinstalling it

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection for article generation

The Ithy mobile experience is continuously improved, with updates automatically applied when you access the site or use the PWA.

Installing the Ithy App

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) lets the standard ithy.com site install on your device's home screen like a native app on iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS.

You gain a home-screen icon, a splash screen, and faster loading times. This provides an app-like experience without needing to go through an app store.

Installing in Three Taps

  1. Open ithy.com in Chrome, Edge, Safari (iOS 16.4+), or Firefox Android.

  2. Look for the “Add to Home Screen” or “Install App” banner.

    • On iOS, tap the share icon ▢↑ → Add to Home Screen.

    • On Android/desktop Chrome, a small “+” appears in the URL bar.

    • Sometimes you may need to open the browser menu yourself, and find the option in the menu to add the site to your home screen.

  3. Confirm Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to add the Ithy.com PWA to your home screen. An icon for Ithy.com will appear, just like your other apps.

Benefits of Using the PWA

  • Easier Access: Launch Ithy.com directly from your home screen with a single tap.

  • Optimized Experience: The PWA is tailored for mobile use, providing a more extensive and smoother experience compared to just using the website in a mobile browser tab.

  • App-like Feel: Enjoy a full-screen experience without browser address bars or navigation buttons cluttering the view.

Desktop Browsers

Google Chrome

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

  1. Navigate to the PWA-enabled website

  2. Look for the Install icon in the address bar (appears as ⊕ or a monitor with down arrow)

  3. Click Install in the prompt

  4. The PWA will be added to your desktop and Start Menu/Applications folder

Alternative method: Click the three-dot menu (⋮) → Select Install [App Name]

Microsoft Edge

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

  1. Visit the PWA website

  2. Click the App Available icon in the address bar (⊕)

  3. Select Install or Install this site as an app

  4. Name the app (optional) and click Install

Alternative method: Three-dot menu (⋯) → Apps → Install this site as an app

Safari (macOS)

Compatibility: macOS only

Basic method (any macOS version):

  1. Open the website in Safari

  2. Drag the URL or site icon from the address bar to your Dock or Desktop

App-like experience (macOS Sonoma 14.0+):

  1. With the site open, click File in the menu bar

  2. Select Add to Dock

  3. Rename if desired and click Add

  4. Creates a web app in Applications folder that opens in its own window

Mozilla Firefox

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

Firefox doesn't natively support PWA installation on desktop. Workarounds:

  • Create a desktop shortcut by dragging the padlock icon from the address bar to your desktop

  • Use third-party extensions like PWAs for Firefox

  • Consider using Chrome or Edge for full PWA functionality

Opera

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

  1. Navigate to the PWA website

  2. Click the Install button in the address bar when it appears

  3. Confirm by clicking Install

Mobile Devices

iOS/iPadOS (iPhone/iPad)

Browser: Safari only (PWA installation not supported in other iOS browsers)

  1. Open Safari and navigate to the website

  2. Tap the Share icon (square with up arrow ↑)

  3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen

  4. Edit the name if desired

  5. Tap Add in the top-right corner

Android

Google Chrome:

  1. Open the PWA website in Chrome

  2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)

  3. Select Install app or Add to Home screen

  4. Tap Install to confirm

Microsoft Edge:

  1. Visit the website in Edge

  2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋯)

  3. Select Add to phone or Add to Home screen

  4. Confirm the installation

Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open the website in Firefox

  2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)

  3. Select Install or Add to Home screen

  4. Confirm to add to home screen

Opera:

  1. Navigate to the PWA website

  2. Tap the menu icon (⋮)

  3. Select Home screen

  4. Confirm the installation

Important Notes

  • iOS Limitations: On iOS/iPadOS, only Safari can install PWAs. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other browsers cannot add PWAs to the home screen

  • Desktop Firefox: Currently lacks native PWA support; consider alternative browsers for full functionality

  • After Installation: PWAs appear as standalone apps on your device, accessible from:

    • Desktop: Start Menu (Windows), Applications folder (macOS), App launcher (Linux)

    • Mobile: Home screen

  • Offline Capability: Many PWAs work offline or with limited connectivity after installation

  • Updates: PWAs update automatically when you use them while connected to the internet

Troubleshooting

If the install option doesn't appear:

  1. Try refreshing the page

  2. Check if you've already installed the PWA

  3. For desktop, ensure your browser is updated to the latest version

  4. Some browsers hide the install prompt after dismissal - try clearing site data and revisiting

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