Introduction

Overview

Stokkd is a Progressive Web App (PWA) — it installs directly from your browser with no app store required, and behaves like a native app once installed. Whether installation is required or simply recommended depends on the device you're using:

Desktop computers (Windows, Mac, Linux): installation is optional but recommended
Mobile phones and tablets (Android, iPhone, iPad): installation is required before you can log in

This article explains why that difference exists and how Stokkd helps you through it.

Why the Requirement Differs by Device

On a desktop, Stokkd works well as a regular browser tab — you already have a full keyboard, a large screen, and reliable window management. Installing still gives you a dedicated app window and faster launching, which is why it's recommended, but it isn't essential.

On a phone or tablet, the experience is different. Counting stock relies on things a plain browser tab handles poorly — staying active during a long count, reacting instantly to barcode scans, and reliably tracking which device is locked to which area. Installing to the home screen gives Stokkd the fullscreen, app-like behaviour it needs to do this reliably, which is why installation is required on mobile and tablet devices.

Why Stokkd Guides You Through It

PWAs are still unfamiliar to many people. Most non-technical users have never been asked to "install" something that isn't from an app store, and the steps for doing so are easy to miss if nobody points them out. Rather than assuming you already know how, Stokkd guides you through it automatically.

The app detects the kind of device you're using. If you open Stokkd on a mobile phone or tablet and it isn't installed yet, you're shown a dedicated installation screen before you can log in. This screen recognises your operating system and walks you through the exact steps for your device — a one-tap Install button on Android/Chrome, or step-by-step Add to Home Screen instructions on iPhone/iPad Safari — rather than showing generic instructions that may not match what's on your screen.

Already installed but seeing this screen anyway? If you're already using the installed app and somehow end up on this screen in a browser tab, it will tell you the app is already installed and ask you to close the tab and use the home screen icon instead.

What Happens If You Don't Install Right Away

On mobile and tablet, you can choose Continue in browser the first time you see the installation screen. This allows up to 24 hours of browser use before you're prompted to install again. After that window — or as soon as you try to use a part of the app that needs the installed experience — you'll be returned to the installation screen. There's no way to permanently skip installation on mobile or tablet; it's required for counting to work reliably.

On desktop, there's no prompt or enforcement at all — you can use Stokkd in the browser indefinitely. Installing is simply offered as a faster, more app-like way to work.

Installing on Your Device

Follow the guide for your specific device:

Installing on Android — Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers
Installing on iOS / iPadOS — Safari (required for Add to Home Screen)

Tips & Best Practices

On mobile or tablet, install as soon as you're prompted — it only takes a few seconds and means you won't be interrupted mid-count later
On desktop, install if you use Stokkd daily — you'll get a dedicated app window instead of a browser tab, and it's easier to pin to your taskbar or dock
Always launch from the installed app icon once installed, rather than opening the website in a browser again