To make a real Android app of a website, paste the site's URL into a URL to APK maker, set the app name and icon, and build: you get an APK that installs like any app and an AAB for Google Play. A Chrome home-screen shortcut or a PWA is quicker but isn't a separate app file you can share or publish.
- Quickest
- Chrome → Add to Home screen
- Installable app file
- URL to APK
- On Google Play
- URL to APK (AAB)
- Coding
- None
Option 1: a home-screen shortcut
In Chrome on Android, open the site → menu (⋮) → Add to Home screen. It's instant, but it's just a link: no APK to share, no Play listing, and it opens with Chrome's look.
Option 2: a PWA (if the site is built as one)
If your site has a web app manifest and service worker, Chrome offers Install app. Nicer than a shortcut, but every visitor has to find and install it from the browser, and you need control of the site's code.
Option 3: a real Android app (APK/AAB)
- Copy your site's URLUse the final https address.
- Open a URL to APK makerWebsite to APK on Android.
- Add name, icon, coloursThe icon is generated in every size Android needs.
- BuildGet a signed APK and an AAB.
- Install, share, publishTap the APK, send it, or upload the AAB to Google Play.
Side by side
| Shortcut | PWA | APK app | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separate app file | No | No | Yes |
| Google Play listing | No | Only via extra tooling | Yes |
| Needs site code changes | No | Yes | No |
| Your splash/offline screen | No | Yes | Yes |
| Works with any site | Yes | Only PWA sites | Yes |
Using a site builder? There are platform-specific recipes for Wix, Blogger, Shopify and more.
Questions people ask
Can I turn someone else's website into an app?
Technically yes, but don't publish it: Google Play rejects apps that show websites you don't own or aren't authorised to use.
How long does it take to make an app of a website?
About five minutes plus build time with a URL to APK maker.