Mobile Apps - Memberships

If you have Membership enabled on your site, a mobile app will be automatically available to all your members. By logging in to your membership feed on their phone browsers, your members will be prompted to install your app with a few clicks - an easy installation and no need to go via the app store (it's not available directly in the app store). With your app installed, your supporters will gain instant access to the members' area (and also the rest of your site, including the shop area), and they will receive push notifications about new posts and comment replies all from their phones!

How does it work?

Mobile web apps are apps based on your website. We use your site colors, fonts, favicon, and other settings to generate a beautiful, personalized mobile experience for all your members. Due to their nature, they’re not “regular” apps available in the App Store or Google Play Store but are just as easy to install and provide a range of amazing benefits:

• Instant access to your members' area and the rest of your site from a mobile phone

• Push notifications for new content and comment replies for increased engagement

• Fully branded to you

• No 30% Apple and Google app fee

Mobile web app vs Native mobile app comparison

How can my members install the app?

The installation process is really easy. To install the app, your members need to log in to the members area on their phone browser (iOS & Android). Once there, an app installation banner will automatically appear, and your members just need to follow the instructions.

The exact installation process differs between Android and iOS:

• iOS - on Apple devices, your members need to click the “Share” icon, choose “Add to Home Screen,” and accept the new app install. After that, the app is available under an icon like any other app.

• Android - the installation flow is much more automated on Android devices. After clicking install, the user is taken through a native system process, after which the app is automatically installed on their phone and accessible as any other app icon.

Upon the first app open, your members will be automatically logged in to the Members area and will be presented with a push notification modal they can either accept or decline. And that’s it! Simple as that.

iOS Installation Process

Android Installation Process

How to announce it to your members

We recommend that you announce the mobile app to your members in form of a post to provide them with details on how to install. Example here:

Our own mobile app with push notifications is here!
Available on both iOS & Android
To install it, just log in to the membership from your phone browser and an installation banner will be appear. Easy as that!

Announcement used by sofarsogood.co

Mobile app settings

Mobile apps require no additional setup from your side. If you have Memberships enabled, they’ll be automatically enabled on your website and fully styled based on your site design. However, there are a few mobile app settings you can modify. Let’s go through those.

Your app settings are available under Memberships → Settings → Mobile app:

• App title - your Site Title is the default value used for your app name. You can also set a different name specifically for your app (only impacts your app and not your site) in the Memberships → Settings → Mobile app tab.

• App icon - your site favicon will be the default app icon. To change it, just navigate to Site Design → General → Logo & identity and upload your new graphic into the Favicon field. Read more on updating your favicon here. 

FAQ

• Is there an extra cost related to mobile apps?

  • There’s not! Mobile apps are completely free; there’s no extra cost.

• Does my mobile app support push notifications?

  • Yes! Push notifications for new posts and comment replies on both Android & iOS devices (iOS 16.4 and newer are required). Your members are free to decide whether they want to enable them or not.

  • General push notifications (i.e., new drop announcements) are not yet available. However, this is on our roadmap. 

• What iOS version is required for push notifications to work?

  • Apple has introduced support for web app push notifications with iOS 16.4, which was released at the beginning of 2023.

• Can I disable the app?

  • It is not possible at the moment. If you’d like to disable the app from your site, please reach out to our creator support team.

• Are AirPlay and Chromecast supported?

  • Yes! AirPlay is supported on apps installed on iOS, while Chromecast is available on apps installed on Android devices.

• Can members manage their subscriptions through the mobile app?

  • Yes! Your members can fully manage their subscription through the Billing tab of the app, including upgrading to higher tiers, switching to an annual plan, or canceling their membership.

• Can members purchase products in the mobile app?

  • Yes! Your entire website is accessible through the app, so app users are able to instantly access your shop area and purchase products directly through it. They can even pay with Apple and Google Pay!

• Can I use this mobile app as a site admin?

  • For membership management by you or your team, the Fourthwall for Creators app should be used.
  • If you wish to see your own app and sign in to see the posts and experience it like your supporters, then you can install your own app if you wish. You just can't manage your membership from your app- it must be through the Fourthwall for Creators app.

• Is the app available on tablets?

  • Tablets are not supported at the moment.