Tips for making a PWA feel like a native app?

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Hi everyone,

I’m pretty new to Adalo and this is my first time posting here. I’m working on my first project – a simple PWA that acts as a directory for some cool Android games I enjoy.

I’ve managed to set up the basic database and lists, but my main concern is the user experience. I want my PWA to feel as smooth and responsive as a real native app when someone opens it on their phone. Right now, it feels a bit like a “website-in-a-box” – a little slow on transitions and not very snappy.

I was looking for inspiration and found a site that really nails the clean, fast-loading experience I’m aiming for. For example, the way this site loads and feels on mobile is exactly what I want to achieve: Modhello io

It’s just so simple and fluid.

So, my questions for the experienced Adalo builders here are:

  1. What are the most important things to focus on in the Adalo editor to optimize PWA performance on Android? (e.g., image compression, limiting items in a list, using specific screen transitions?)
  2. Are there any components or maybe custom actions from the marketplace that you recommend for creating that “native feel”?
  3. Are there any common mistakes a beginner like me might make that kill performance?

I’d appreciate any guidance or best practices you could share. Thanks so much!

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Hi Madeline!

On March this year, we’ve got updated a post from an Adalo member which was truly helpful. I place the link here just for you and i hope it make sense to keep you updating your PWA until the point you like.

Regards
Jare Ramirez

1 Like
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Lots of trial and error, focusing on what Adalo actually writes, and thinking outside the box.

Many issues often come from a poor app flow — you want to really think through whether everything is in the right place. Less is more.

Try to avoid too many simultaneous actions, and if there’s no other option, use a component called Auto Trigger.

That’s what comes to mind for now. Over time, you’ll learn how the game works.

Good luck!