Why add games to the home screen
Adding a browser game site to your home screen makes it easier to return later. Instead of opening the browser and typing the address, you can tap an icon like you would with an app.
This is especially useful for arcade sites because you may want quick access to a game list rather than a single game.
On iPhone and iPad
Open the site in Safari, tap the share button, then look for Add to Home Screen. Confirm the name and tap Add. The icon should appear with your other apps.
Safari handles this differently than some other browsers, so use Safari if the option does not appear elsewhere on iOS.
On Android
Open the site in Chrome or another supported browser, open the browser menu, and choose Add to Home screen or Install app if it appears. Confirm the name and add it.
Different Android browsers use slightly different wording, but the idea is the same: the browser creates a shortcut or install-style icon.
What to expect
A home-screen shortcut may open the site in a cleaner app-like window, depending on browser support. It can also make the site easier to find and return to.
It does not mean the game is downloaded from an app store. It is still the browser version of the site.
If something changes
If the site updates but your shortcut opens an old version, refresh the page first. If that does not work, remove the shortcut and add it again.
Browser cache can hold old files. This is normal for web apps and usually clears after updates or a fresh load.
Before you add a game
Open the game page while connected and make sure it loads correctly. Adding a broken or half-loaded page to the home screen only saves the problem in a more convenient place.
If the site has an install prompt, use that when available. If not, the browser menu option can still create a home-screen shortcut on many devices.
What the shortcut does
A home-screen shortcut gives you a faster entry point. Depending on the browser and site setup, it may open with less browser chrome and feel more app-like.
It does not automatically guarantee full offline play. The game still depends on what files were saved and what features need the internet.
Troubleshooting install issues
If the install option does not appear, refresh the page, open the site in a supported browser, and make sure the page is served over HTTPS. Some browsers hide install options when the site does not meet their requirements.
If the icon opens the wrong page, remove it and add the shortcut again from the exact game or page you want.
When to use favorites instead
If you are still testing games, using site favorites may be easier than adding every game to the home screen. Favorites keep your choices inside Free Play Bay without filling your device launcher.
Use home-screen shortcuts for the games you know you return to often.
Keeping shortcuts organized
If you add several games to the home screen, group the ones you actually play and remove shortcuts you no longer use. Too many icons makes the shortcut system less useful.
Use the site favorites list for games you are still testing, and save home-screen space for the games you return to often.
Use this guide with Free Play Bay
This guide is written for the Free Play Bay version of Free Play Bay, so the advice is meant to connect directly with the game page, mobile controls, browser play, and the reward systems available on Free Play Bay.
- Use the guide while playing the game in your browser or installed Free Play Bay app.
- Logged-in players can save progress where supported, including points, achievements, trophies, reviews, favorites, and high-score activity.
- Guest players can still practice the game, but account-based rewards and leaderboard progress require signing in.