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Guide · May 22, 2026

Get Installed Related Apps API helps PWAs detect native companions

Detect companion apps and adjust UX before prompting for install or deep linking.

OpenPWA Editorial1 min read
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Get Installed Related Apps API helps PWAs detect native companions cover

Why this matters

Users often have both a PWA and a native companion app. Without detection, you risk showing redundant install prompts or broken deep links.

The Get Installed Related Apps API gives your web app a reliable way to know what is already installed.

How to use it

  1. Register a verified relationship between your site and the native app package.
  2. Call navigator.getInstalledRelatedApps() in a user gesture context.
  3. Check the returned list for matching id or platform.
const relatedApps = await navigator.getInstalledRelatedApps();
const hasNative = relatedApps.some(app => app.id.includes('com.example.native'));

Decision framework

  • Show "Open in native app" if companion exists.
  • Fall back to PWA install prompt only when no native app is detected.
  • Use the API result to personalize onboarding and avoid double-install friction.

Official sources