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Installing Mini Vault on your device

Mini Vault works as a Progressive Web App (PWA). That means you can install it directly from your browser — no app store needed. Once installed, it appears on your home screen just like any other app, loads faster, and even works when you're offline.

How to install Mini Vault on your phone or tablet​

When you visit Mini Vault in your mobile browser, you'll see a prompt at the bottom of the screen inviting you to install the app.

  1. Open Mini Vault at bhmminivault.com in your phone's browser (Chrome, Safari, or Edge).

  2. Look for the Install Mini Vault banner at the bottom of the screen. It says: "Add the app to your home screen for quick access and offline support."

    Install prompt banner at the bottom of the screen — Click Install to add the app

  3. Click Install.

  4. Your browser will ask you to confirm. Click Add to Home Screen (or Install on Chrome).

  5. Mini Vault now appears on your home screen with its own icon.

tip

If you accidentally dismiss the install prompt by tapping Later, don't worry. You can still install manually — see the section below.

How to install Mini Vault on your computer​

On a desktop or laptop, the install option appears in your browser's address bar.

Chrome or Edge​

  1. Open Mini Vault at bhmminivault.com.
  2. Look for the install icon (⊕) in the right side of the address bar.
  3. Click it, then click Install in the popup.
  4. Mini Vault opens in its own window and appears in your taskbar or dock.

Firefox​

Firefox doesn't support PWA installation directly. You can bookmark it instead:

  1. Press Ctrl+D (Windows) or ⌘+D (Mac) to add a bookmark.

How to install manually on iOS (iPhone and iPad)​

Safari on iOS doesn't show the install prompt automatically, but you can add Mini Vault to your home screen using the Share menu.

  1. Open Mini Vault at bhmminivault.com in Safari.
  2. Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen.
  4. You can edit the name if you'd like, then tap Add in the top right.
  5. Mini Vault now appears on your home screen.
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On iOS, Mini Vault must be opened through Safari to install. Chrome and Firefox on iOS don't support adding web apps to the home screen.

Using app shortcuts​

After you install Mini Vault, you can jump directly to your favorite sections using app shortcuts. Long-press (or right-click on desktop) the Mini Vault icon to see these options:

  • Collections — go straight to your collections
  • Supplies — open your supply tracker
  • Community Feed — browse what others are sharing
  • Dashboard — see your overview and stats
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App shortcuts work on Android and desktop (Chrome/Edge). They aren't available on iOS — Apple doesn't support this feature yet.

How to update Mini Vault​

Mini Vault updates automatically in the background. When a new version is ready, you'll see a small notification at the bottom of the screen:

Update available — A new version of Mini Vault is ready.

You have two options:

  1. Click Update now to reload the app with the latest version immediately.
  2. Click Later to keep using the current version. The update will apply the next time you close and reopen the app.
warning

If you're in the middle of filling out a form, click Later first. Updating reloads the page, which may lose any unsaved changes.

Frequently Asked Questions​

I don't see the install prompt. Where is it?

The install prompt only appears once per visit. If you tapped Later previously, it won't show again during that session. You can install manually using your browser's address bar (Chrome/Edge) or the Share menu (Safari on iOS).

Can I uninstall Mini Vault?

Yes. On your phone, long-press the Mini Vault icon and select Uninstall or Remove. On desktop, open Mini Vault, click the three-dot menu in the title bar, and select Uninstall.

Will installing the app use storage on my device?

A small amount — typically less than 50 MB. This includes cached pages and images so the app loads faster and works offline.

Do I need to update the app manually?

No. Mini Vault checks for updates automatically. You'll see a prompt when a new version is ready. Just click Update now when it's convenient.