Setting up the mailbox Progressive Web App (PWA)

What is a Progressive Web App?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that behaves like a native app: it can be installed, has its own app icon, and launches in its own window. This requires the browser to support PWA installation.

Restrictions and notes

Note

The availability and functionality of the Progressive Web App depend on which browser and operating system you are using.

• Notifications & Offline Functionality: PWAs can cache content, but are not fully functional offline.
• Private Window: Installation from private windows is generally not possible.
• Account and login: Log in to mailbox before you install the PWA. The PWA will then launch directly in your inbox.
• Installation: Depending on your browser, either an icon will appear in the address bar or there will be a corresponding menu option in the settings.

Supported browsers

• Chromium-based (e.g. Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi): Full PWA installation on desktop and Android.
• Firefox Android: Supports installation via the menu.
• Firefox Desktop: Currently only available in experimental mode on Windows.

Installing PWA on Chromium-based browsers – Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux

1. Open mailbox in your browser and log in.
2. When the install icon appears in the address bar, click it and confirm the installation. Alternatively, select ⋮ from the menu, then choose Stream, save and share > Install mailbox Suite.

mailbox will then launch as a Progressive Web App in its own window and can be pinned like a programme or launched via the app launcher.

Installing PWA on Chromium - Android

1. Open mailbox in Chrome/Chromium on Android and log in.
2. Tap ⋮ on the right > Add to home screen and then tap Install. If the website is recognised as a PWA, the option Install app will appear instead.
3. Launch the PWA via the mailbox icon on the home screen.

mailbox opens directly as a PWA in full-screen mode, without a browser address bar.

Installing the PWA in Firefox – Android

1. Open mailbox in Firefox for Android and log in.
2. Tap ⋮ > Install.
3. Select the desired location on the panel using the Add to home screen or Add automatically option.
4. Launch the PWA via the mailbox icon on the home screen.

mailbox opens directly as a PWA in full-screen mode, without the browser address bar.

Setting up PWA on iOS

With the PWA, you can use mailbox as easily as you would an app. Add the mailbox Suite to the home screen of your iPhone or iPad to launch mailbox directly in its own window.

Step-by-step guide for iOS

1. Open mailbox in Safari and log in.
2. Tap the Share icon (square with an upward arrow) in the bottom toolbar.
3. Scroll down the menu and select Add to home screen
4. Enter a name for the app (e.g. “mailbox Suite”). Confirm by tapping Add.

The icon for mailbox Suite will now appear on your home screen. When you tap the icon, mailbox opens directly as a PWA in full-screen mode, without a browser address bar.

Visual step-by-step guide

Figure 1: Usually, mailbox will show you the installation steps directly once you have logged in via your browser.

Figure 2: The setup can be carried out easily and conveniently using the share icon.

Figure 3: Add app icon to the home screen.

Figure 4: Choose a name for the app icon.

Figure 5: If the setup was successful, you will now see the app icon on your home screen.

Notes on iOS

• The PWA can be moved, placed in folders or deleted just like a normal app.
• Push notifications are currently only supported to a limited extent by iOS for PWAs.
• The PWA operates independently of the Safari browser, but remains technically linked to it.

Setting up PWA on Android

With PWA, you can use mailbox on Android devices just as easily as you would an app. Once set up, an app icon will appear on the home screen and open mailbox directly in its own window.

Step-by-step guide for Android

1. Open mailbox in Chrome or another Chromium-based browser and log in.
2. Tap the Menu icon (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
3. Tap the option Install app or Add to home screen (depending on your browser). For Installation: A dialogue box will open asking you to confirm the installation. Tap Install. For Shortcut: A dialogue box will open where you can enter a name for the shortcut. Confirm by tapping Add.

The icon for mailbox Suite will now appear on your home screen and can be launched or moved just like any other app. When you tap the icon, mailbox opens directly as a PWA; if installed in full-screen mode, it opens without the browser address bar.

Notes on Android

• The PWA can be moved, placed in folders or deleted just like a normal app.
• Push notifications are usually available on Android when used with Chromium-based browsers, but may be restricted depending on the device and operating system settings.
• The PWA functions independently of the browser, but is technically tied to the Chromium browser being used.