Browser and PWA

Relay runs on a server and opens in a browser on desktop or mobile. Open the full URL of a Relay server you host or have access to, including https:// for a remote server. See Installation to run your own server.

An installed Progressive Web App (PWA) opens the same web client. It does not install or deploy a Relay server. The current 0.11.5 release has no separate desktop packages; use Relay in a browser or as a PWA.

Install the PWA

Open your Relay server URL, not this documentation site. Installation needs a browser that supports PWAs and a secure context, normally HTTPS for a remote server. If installation is unavailable, you can still use Relay in the browser.

Desktop browsers

1. Open your Relay server URL in a browser that supports PWA installation.
2. Choose the browser's Install app action. If Relay offers Settings > General > Native app > Add Relay to Home screen, you can use that action instead.
3. Confirm the installation and open Relay from your desktop or application launcher.

iPhone and iPad

1. Open the server URL in Safari.
2. Tap Share.
3. Tap Add to Home Screen.
4. Confirm the app name and tap Add.

Android

1. Open the server URL in a browser that supports PWA installation.
2. Use the install prompt, or choose Install app or Add to Home screen from the browser menu.
3. Confirm the installation.

Browser integration

On supported browsers, Settings > General > Native app can also offer Open irc:// URLs with Relay. This registers the web client for IRC links; it does not install a separate desktop program. The option is hidden when the server locks network configuration.