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Edward Smith/EMPICS Entertainment

Apps taking up too much space? Here's how you can create a web shortcut instead

So long as there’s a browser equivalent of said app available, that is.

WHEN YOU THINK of smartphones, the first thing that usually comes to mind are apps. It’s understandable since they’re front and centre of the experience, but sometimes you may find it easier to just check the browser version instead.

If you find yourself visiting a site often, or you’re not a fan of the app experience, the next best thing is to create a web shortcut instead.

Think of it as a bookmark for a favourite site that you can access directly on your phone, but appears alongside your regular apps, which is handy for those with limited space on their phones.

The obvious caveat is that for any of these shortcuts, there needs to be a browser equivalent and you need a web connection to use them. Otherwise, you’re good to go.

iPhone (Safari)

When you’re on the web page you want saved, tap the share icon at the bottom of the page and choose ‘Add to home screen.’

iPhone add to home screen TheJournal.ie TheJournal.ie

Android (Chrome)

At the top-right hand corner, hit settings (the three dots) and scroll down until you see ‘Add to Home Screen.’

Android add to home screen TheJournal.ie TheJournal.ie

Windows Phone (Internet Explorer)

Tapping settings in your browser (noticing a pattern here?) will bring up the option ‘add to tile screen’ near the bottom.

WP add to home screen TheJournal.ie TheJournal.ie

When to opt for the app version

That said, not all experiences should be replaced by this method as there are a number of instances where using the app is better.

For example, if you visit a particular site often, then having the app will mean less data in the long-run is used since it doesn’t have to load up the template again and again.

Also, apps allow for greater functionality so by opting for the web version, you will be sacrificing elements like pull to refresh, swipe gestures and other features as a result.

Read: What backlash? WhatsApp is still going strong as it crosses 600 million mark >

Read: What happens when a robot doesn’t know something? It just goes on the internet >

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6 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John003
    Favourite John003
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:08 PM

    Nice to live long but only in good health…..People are living now typically into their 90′s but often the last decade is in bad heath and house bound….

    138
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    Mute Niccolo Saccho
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    Jan 30th 2018, 6:09 PM

    @John003:
    Bad diet and too much alcohol.
    No moderation in things anymore.

    25
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    Mute kevinhunt101
    Favourite kevinhunt101
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    Jan 30th 2018, 6:20 PM

    @Niccolo Saccho: or just dementia quite often. Most older people have eaten quite healthy as the range of crap around today simply didn’t exist back when they were younger. Convenience food etc didn’t exist. You just eat your meat veg and potatoes

    58
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    Mute Jim
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    Jan 30th 2018, 6:38 PM

    Isn’t it crazy to think that the entire world’s population has been replaced since he was born. Imagine knowing that there isn’t a single person still living on this planet, who was around when you were born.
    And as for the experiences he has had, the things he has lived through, and seen from 1900s til now. What a guy! RIP.

    79
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    Mute Philip Mckenna
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:36 PM

    Apparently his mother and father are heartbroken.

    70
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    Mute The Dublinist
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    Jan 30th 2018, 4:50 PM

    If only we could all live that long…..

    45
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    Mute Gillian Scully
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:01 PM

    @The Dublinist: Only if you are fit and have your own mind. Dreadful otherwise.

    123
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    Mute Peadar Ó Gréacháin
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:05 PM

    @The Dublinist: I don’t think I could handle your comments for that length of time…..

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    Mute The Dublinist
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:47 PM

    @Peadar Ó Gréacháin: Thanks very much.

    9
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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Jan 30th 2018, 6:53 PM

    @The Dublinist: the government wouldn’t want the pension bill

    5
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    Mute Maggie O'Connor
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:14 PM

    He had a good innings all the same.. (never understood that comment)

    27
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    Mute Paul J. Redmond
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    Jan 30th 2018, 8:07 PM

    @Maggie O’Connor: Cricket!!

    13
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    Mute Paul J. Redmond
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    Jan 30th 2018, 8:07 PM

    @Maggie O’Connor: Still cricket…

    6
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    Mute Fabio Dillon
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    Jan 30th 2018, 6:24 PM

    The Spanish would do anything for a day off. The most work shy Western Europeans.

    21
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    Mute Daffy the Bear
    Favourite Daffy the Bear
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    Jan 30th 2018, 7:08 PM

    @Fabio Dillon: and the longest living; there may be something in that too..

    39
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    Mute John's Voyage
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    Jan 30th 2018, 7:29 PM

    @Fabio Dillon: Only fools and horses work.

    17
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    Mute Philip Farrelly
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    Jan 30th 2018, 4:52 PM

    Man not well

    17
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    Mute Maggie O'Connor
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:15 PM

    @Philip Farrelly: he’s not not well he’s dead.

    34
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    Mute mark kelly
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    Jan 30th 2018, 5:54 PM

    Now that was witty Phil..

    9
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    Mute Pauliebhoy
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    Jan 30th 2018, 6:19 PM

    Was it Billy Connolly who said something along the lines of, “They say jogging every day adds an extra 10 years to your life, what they don’t say is the extra 10 years come when you’re stuck in a bed and pi**ing yourself”?

    16
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    Mute Tony Hickey
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    Jan 30th 2018, 9:07 PM

    Every oldest person must be cursed with bad luck – they never hold the title for long

    10
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    Mute Billy Walsh
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    Jan 30th 2018, 7:33 PM

    Was his passing sudden?

    1
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