Installing Scoutworks on Your Phone

Scoutworks as a phone app#

Scoutworks is a Progressive Web App (PWA), which means you can install it directly onto your phone's home screen — no app store required. Once installed, it looks and feels like a native app, with its own icon and a full-screen experience without the browser toolbar getting in the way.

This is especially useful for features you will use on the go, like taking attendance at the Scout hall or checking event details when you are out and about.

Installing on iPhone (iOS)#

Safari is required for installing PWAs on iPhone. Other browsers like Chrome on iOS do not support the install feature.

1. Open Safari and go to your Scoutworks URL
2. Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing upward) at the bottom of the screen
3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen
4. Give the app a name (or keep the default "Scoutworks") and tap Add

We've added this handy in app guide for iOS users.

The Scoutworks icon will appear on your home screen. Tap it to open Scoutworks in its own window, just like any other app.

Installing on Android#

On Android, Chrome will often show an install banner automatically when you visit Scoutworks. If you see a banner at the bottom or top of the screen saying "Add Scoutworks to Home screen", tap Install and you are done.

If the banner does not appear:

1. Open Chrome and go to your Scoutworks URL
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
3. Tap Install app (or "Add to Home screen" on some devices)
4. Confirm by tapping Install

The app will be added to your home screen and will also appear in your app drawer.

Installing from within Scoutworks#

If the install prompt is available, you can also install Scoutworks from inside the app itself:

1. Click your avatar in the top corner to open the user menu
2. Select Install App

This option only appears when your browser supports the PWA install prompt and Scoutworks has not already been installed.

What works offline#

Once installed, Scoutworks supports key features even when you do not have a signal — perfect for Scout halls with patchy reception or campsites with no connectivity. You can:

• View your member list
• Browse previously loaded information

We're adding more offline functionality regularly!

Keeping the app up to date#

Because Scoutworks is a web app, updates happen automatically. Every time you open the app with an internet connection, it checks for the latest version and updates itself in the background. There is nothing to download or approve — you always have the most recent version.