Installing the app (PWA)

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that your device can install and run like a native app. Once installed, FamilyChaos gets its own icon on your home screen or taskbar, opens in a dedicated window without browser chrome, and loads instantly on repeat visits.

PWAs are served directly from the web, so you always have the latest version automatically — no manual updates or app-store approvals required.

FamilyChaos has a built-in install button in the sidebar (desktop) and in the top bar (mobile). Tap or click it and your browser will prompt you to install — this is the most reliable method on any platform, since it works even when the browser's automatic install banner has been suppressed.

Sign in first, then look for the Install app option in the navigation.

Open FamilyChaos in Chrome on your Android device and sign in. Chrome will usually show a banner at the bottom of the screen saying Add FamilyChaos to Home Screen — tap it to install.

If the banner has been dismissed, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome and choose Add to Home Screen. Confirm the prompt and the app icon will appear on your home screen.

Open FamilyChaos in Safari on your iPhone or iPad. Other browsers on iOS (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) do not support PWA installation, so Safari is required.

Tap the Share button (the box with an arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen, then scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen. Tap Add in the top-right corner to confirm. The FamilyChaos icon will appear on your home screen like any other app.

Open FamilyChaos in Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Look for an install icon (a monitor with a down-arrow) in the address bar on the right-hand side. Click it and choose Install to add FamilyChaos as a desktop app.

Alternatively, open the browser menu (three dots) and choose Save and share → Install page as app (Chrome) or Apps → Install this site as an app (Edge).

Once installed, FamilyChaos opens in its own window and appears in your app launcher, Start menu, or Dock.

The installed app behaves exactly like the browser version — all your data stays in sync across every device. You can sign in to as many devices as you like; each one will receive push notifications independently.

FamilyChaos works without an internet connection. Checking off list items, creating notes, and other actions made while offline are queued locally and sync automatically the moment your connection is restored — no manual action needed.

This makes the app reliable at the grocery store, in the car, or anywhere with a spotty signal. The app will not show new content added by other family members until it reconnects.

To remove the app, long-press the icon on your home screen (Android or iOS) and choose Remove or Uninstall. On desktop, right-click the app in your launcher and choose Uninstall, or open the browser menu inside the app and choose Uninstall FamilyChaos. Uninstalling the app does not affect your account or data.