How do I add BrighterBalance as an app on my Android phone?

How do I add BrighterBalance as an app on my Android phone?

BrighterBalance is a progressive web app, so you add it to your phone directly from the BrighterBalance website. There is nothing to download from the Play Store. Once installed, it opens with one tap, full screen, just like any other app. It takes about 2 minutes.

What you need: an Android phone, the Google Chrome app (it comes on most Android phones), and an internet connection. You do not need to sign in first. You can install right from the sign-in page.

Install BrighterBalance in 6 steps

1. Open Chrome and go to brighterbalance.app/login. You will see the BrighterBalance "Welcome Back" sign-in page.



2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner, next to the web address.


3. Scroll down and tap "Install and create shortcut." It is near the bottom of the menu, just above "Desktop site."



4. A panel slides up from the bottom. Tap "Install" (the top choice). Do not pick "Create shortcut." That option only opens BrighterBalance as a regular Chrome tab.



5. A box appears that says "Install app." Tap "Install" in the bottom-right corner.



6. Wait a few seconds for the "App installed" message. Then go to your home screen or application list and look for the BrighterBalance butterfly icon.




Notes
You're done! Tap the butterfly icon to open BrighterBalance. Sign in the same way you always do: ClassLink, Google, Microsoft, or your email and password.

Can't find the icon? Swipe up on your home screen to open your full list of apps. BrighterBalance will be there. Press and hold it, then drag it onto your home screen.

If your menu looks different

Phones and Chrome versions vary a little. The steps above match the newest version of Chrome. Here is what to look for instead:
  • Chrome menu says "Add to Home screen" or "Install app": that is the same thing on an older Chrome. Tap it, then tap Install.
  • A small install icon appears in the address bar: tap it, then tap Install.
  • You use Samsung Internet (blue-purple globe app): tap the three lines (≡) at the bottom right, tap Add page to, then Home screen, then Add.
  • You opened a link from email or a text and there is no ⋮ menu: you are in a mini-browser inside that app. Tap Open in Chrome first, then start at step 2.
We recommend Chrome for the best experience.

Quick answers

My icon is gray instead of colorful. Is something wrong?
No. Your phone is set to match all app icons to one color theme. BrighterBalance works exactly the same.

I don't see "Install and create shortcut" in the menu.
Scroll all the way down in the menu. Still missing? Update Chrome in the Play Store, then try again.

Will I have to sign in again?
Possibly once. After that, BrighterBalance remembers you like it does in Chrome.

Do I need to update the app?
No. BrighterBalance updates itself every time you open it with an internet connection.

How do I remove it?
Press and hold the butterfly icon, then tap Uninstall (or App info, then Uninstall). Your BrighterBalance account and student data are not affected.

My school phone won't let me install it.
Your district may limit installs on school-managed phones. Ask your school's tech support, or use BrighterBalance in Chrome at brighterbalance.app/login.