# What is PWA?

A PWA is a website that can be installed like an app, with its own icon and window, without going through an app store.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/what-is-pwa · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** A PWA is a website that can be installed like an app, with its own icon and window, without going through an app store.

## PWA (Progressive Web App) explained

A PWA, or progressive web app, is a website you can install like an app, with its own icon and window. It runs on the browser's engine but opens from your home screen or app list, and it is installed from the browser, so there is no download from an app store.

On Android, an installed PWA can register as a **share target**, which puts it in the Share menu of Gallery and other apps. On iPhone, you add it with Safari's Share button and Add to Home Screen, but it does not appear in the Share menu.

This site can be installed as a PWA, so on Android you can pick videos in the Gallery, tap Share and send them straight to a transfer.

## PWA vs app store app vs website

| | Website | PWA | App store app |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Install | None | From the browser, in a tap or two | From an app store |
| Icon on home screen | No | Yes | Yes |
| Updates | Automatic | Automatic | Through the store |
| Storage used | Browser cache only | Usually small | Varies, often larger |

## How to install a PWA

- **Android (Chrome):** open the site, tap the menu and choose _Install app_ or _Add to Home screen_.
- **iPhone and iPad (Safari):** tap the Share button, then _Add to Home Screen_.
- **Windows, Mac, Linux (Chrome or Edge):** click the install icon in the address bar, or use the browser menu.
- **Mac (Safari):** on recent macOS versions, choose _File > Add to Dock_.

To remove it, uninstall it like any other app.

## Sending videos from the Android gallery

1. Install the site as an app in Chrome, as above.
2. Open Gallery or Google Photos and select one or more videos.
3. Tap **Share** and pick _Share Large Files Free_ from the list.
4. The files land on the upload page. Upload, then send the link.

The videos are sent in their original quality, up to 20 GB per transfer, rather than being compressed like many chat apps do.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I install a PWA on Android?

Open the site in Chrome, tap the menu and choose Install app or Add to Home screen.

### Does a PWA take up much space?

Usually very little, because most of it is the website you already visit.

### Is a PWA safe to install?

It runs inside the browser's security sandbox and asks for the same permissions a website would, so it cannot do more than the website itself.

### Why is the app missing from the iPhone Share menu?

iOS does not let web apps appear in the Share menu. Open the app from the home screen and pick your files from there.