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iHatePDF PWA app icon

Install iHatePDF as a PWA

One-tap install on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad. Free, optional signup, no app store. All your PDF tools as a Progressive Web App from ihatepdf.com.

Why install the iHatePDF PWA?

Instant launch

Opens from your home screen in 1 second. No browser tab, no URL typing.

Tiny footprint

Under 5 MB on disk. Native PDF apps are 50 to 200 MB.

Auto-updates

New features ship to you automatically. No store update prompts.

Files stay local

Files processed in-browser never leave your device.

Free, optional signup

No paywalls. Minimal ads. No tracking.

Works everywhere

Same PWA on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, ChromeOS.

How to install the PWA on every device

Chrome, Edge, Brave on Windows or Mac

  1. Open ihatepdf.com in your browser.
  2. Look at the address bar for a small install icon (monitor with down arrow).
  3. Click it and confirm the dialog.
  4. The iHatePDF window opens as its own desktop app, pinned automatically.

Chrome or Samsung Internet on Android

  1. Open ihatepdf.com in your browser.
  2. Tap the menu (three dots) in the top-right.
  3. Tap Install app or Add to Home screen.
  4. Confirm. The icon appears on your home screen.

Safari on iPhone or iPad

  1. Open ihatepdf.com in Safari (must be Safari, Apple requires it for PWA installs).
  2. Tap the Share button at the bottom of Safari (square with up arrow).
  3. Scroll down in the share sheet and tap Add to Home Screen.
  4. Tap Add in the top-right corner. Icon appears on your home screen.

Firefox on Android

  1. Open ihatepdf.com in Firefox.
  2. Tap the menu (three dots).
  3. Tap Install.
  4. Confirm. Firefox Desktop no longer supports PWA install, use Chrome or Edge there.

Frequently asked questions about the PWA

What is a PWA?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that installs like an app on your phone or computer. iHatePDF launches from your home screen, works partially offline, and opens instantly without a browser tab, but it is still our website behind the scenes.

Is the iHatePDF PWA really free?

Yes, 100 percent free forever. No paid tiers, no subscriptions, no premium features locked away. Every PDF tool (merge, split, compress, OCR, edit, convert, sign) is fully available at no cost.

Do I need an account to install the PWA?

No. The PWA installs without signup. All tools work immediately. Optional sign-in saves preferences across devices but is never required.

Does the PWA work offline?

Partially. The interface and core tool screens load offline once you have visited them. Some PDF processing tools need internet, but basic features can work offline.

Is my data safe in the PWA?

Files never leave your device for client-side tools. The PWA uses the same security as the website: HTTPS only, no third-party tracking, no file storage on our servers.

How do I uninstall the PWA?

Windows or Mac: right-click the iHatePDF icon and select Uninstall, or remove it from Chrome Apps. Android: long-press the icon and tap Uninstall. iPhone or iPad: long-press the icon and tap Remove App. Takes 2 seconds.

Does the PWA take up space?

Almost none. The entire PWA is under 5 MB on disk, about the size of one high-resolution photo. Native PDF apps are typically 50 to 200 MB.

What is the difference between the PWA and a native app?

Functionally, almost none. The PWA opens in its own window, has its own icon, and works like a native app. The difference: it auto-updates instantly without you doing anything.