PWA in Angular

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are changing how we build web applications. They mix the best parts of websites and mobile apps to give users a better experience. With Angular, creating a PWA is much easier because Angular has built-in tools like service workers and PWA configuration support. In this blog, we will explain what a PWA is, why it’s useful, and how you can turn your Angular project into a full-featured PWA.

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that works and feels like a mobile app. It runs in a browser but gives users features like offline access, fast loading, notifications, and installation on the home screen.

Key Features of PWAs:

Fast & Reliable – Loads quickly, even on slow internet.
Offline Support – Works even when there is no internet, using service workers.
Installable – Can be added to a phone’s home screen without using the app store.

Responsive – Looks good on mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.

Secure – Runs over HTTPS to keep user data safe.
Engaging – Sends push notifications and works in the background.

Why Use Angular for PWAs?

Angular offers built-in support for PWAs through the @angular/pwa package. This package makes it easy to add all the main PWA features to your app. Here’s why Angular is a great choice:

Simple Setup: One command (ng add @angular/pwa) adds all the PWA features.
Service Workers: Angular creates service workers to handle caching and offline functionality.
Manifest File: Angular builds a manifest file automatically. This file allows users to install the app on their devices.

Optimized for Performance: Angular apps are optimized to pass Google Lighthouse checks, which are important for measuring speed and usability.

How to Convert an Angular App into a PWA

Let’s walk through each step in detail:

Step 1: Install Angular PWA Package

Open your terminal and go to your Angular project folder. Run this command:

ng add @angular/pwa

This command will:

Generate a service worker file.
Create a manifest.webmanifest file.
Update your angular.json file to include PWA settings.

Step 2: Configure the Manifest File

The manifest.webmanifest file is located in your src/ folder. This file holds important information about your app, like the name, icon, colors, and how it should behave when installed.

Here’s a simple example:

{
  "name": "My Angular PWA",
  "short_name": "AngularPWA",
  "start_url": "/",
  "display": "standalone",
  "background_color": "#ffffff",
  "theme_color": "#1976d2",
  "icons": [
    {
      "src": "assets/icons/icon-192x192.png",
      "sizes": "192x192",
      "type": "image/png"
    },
    {
      "src": "assets/icons/icon-512x512.png",
      "sizes": "512x512",
      "type": "image/png"
    }
  ]
}

Make sure you have the icon files in the correct folder.

Step 3: Enable Service Workers

To make your app work offline, you need to enable the service worker.

1. Open angular.json and check that this line exists:

"serviceWorker": true

2. Build your project for production:

ng build --prod

This command will generate a dist/ folder that contains the PWA-ready version of your app.

Step 4: Test Your PWA Locally

To test the production build, you need to serve it with a simple HTTP server:

npm install -g http-server
http-server -p 8080 -c-1 dist/your-app-name

Then open http://localhost:8080 in your browser. You can now test offline features, install the app to your home screen, and check for push notifications.

Step 5: Deploy Your PWA

To make your PWA live, deploy it on a platform that supports HTTPS:

Firebase Hosting – Easy to use and perfect for Angular projects.
Vercel – Fast and developer-friendly.
Netlify – Great performance and free tier available.

Make sure your app is served over HTTPS. PWAs won’t work without it.

Enhancing Your Angular PWA Further

Now that your Angular PWA is up and running, here’s how you can make it even better:

1. Add Push Notifications

Use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send real-time notifications to users, even when the app is closed.

2. Improve Caching Strategies

Update the service worker logic to cache important resources, API calls, and static content so your app loads faster and works well offline.

3. Add Background Sync

With background sync, you can send data from the user’s device to the server as soon as the device goes online.

4. Measure Performance with Lighthouse

Run Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools to check your PWA’s performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices. Angular apps usually score well, but there’s always room to improve.

PWA in 2025: Why You Shouldn’t Wait Any Longer

Progressive Web Apps have become a must for modern web development. As per the 2025 Web Experience Report:

74% of businesses have already adopted PWAs to boost performance.
Companies using PWAs see 35% higher conversion rates.
62% of mobile users prefer PWAs over native apps because they are faster and work offline.

Your Angular PWA Partner in 2025

At Sparkle Web, we help businesses create fast, modern, and installable Angular PWAs. We handle everything:

Push notification setup using Firebase.
Smart caching strategies to speed up apps.
Lighthouse and Core Web Vitals optimization.

Secure deployment on trusted platforms.

Mobile-friendly, responsive designs.

Our team ensures that your Angular app becomes a Progressive Web App that meets 2025’s performance standards.

Let’s Build Something Progressive Together. Ready to turn your Angular project into a powerful Progressive Web App? Partner with Sparkle Web and give your users a better experience with offline support, fast loading, and installable features. Get in touch with us today and start your journey toward a future-ready web solution.

Contact Us : +91 90331 80795

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How to Create a Progressive Web App (PWA) Using Angular