[javascript] Javascript for "Add to Home Screen" on iPhone?

Is it possible to use Javascript to emulate the Add to Home Screen option in Mobile Safari's bookmark menu?

Something similar to IE's window.external.AddFavorite(location.href, document.title); possibly?

In 2020, this is still not possible on Mobile Safari.

The next best solution is to show instructions on the steps to adding your page to the homescreen.

Picture is from this great article which covers that an many other tips on how to make your PWA feel iOS native.

There is an open source Javascript library that offers something related : mobile-bookmark-bubble

The Mobile Bookmark Bubble is a JavaScript library that adds a promo bubble to the bottom of your mobile web application, inviting users to bookmark the app to their device's home screen. The library uses HTML5 local storage to track whether the promo has been displayed already, to avoid constantly nagging users.

The current implementation of this library specifically targets Mobile Safari, the web browser used on iPhone and iPad devices.

Until Safari implements Service Worker and follows the direction set by Chrome and Firefox, there is no way to add your app programatically to the home screen, or to have the browser prompt the user

However, there is a small library that prompts the user to do it and even points to the right spot. Works a treat.

https://github.com/cubiq/add-to-homescreen

This is also another good Home Screen script that support iphone/ipad, Mobile Safari, Android, Blackberry touch smartphones and Playbook .

https://github.com/h5bp/mobile-boilerplate/wiki/Mobile-Bookmark-Bubble

In javascript, it is not possible but yes with the help of “Web Clips” we can create a "add to home screen" icon or shortcut in iPhone( by the code file of .mobileconfig)

https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/NetworkingInternet/Conceptual/iPhoneOTAConfiguration/ConfigurationProfileExamples/ConfigurationProfileExamples.html

http://appdistro.cttapp.com/webclip/

after create a mobileconfig file we can pass this url in iphone safari browser install certificate and after done it check your iphone home screen there is a shortcut icon of your Web page or webapp..