--- title: Best Practices to Build an Offline App (and Why It’s Important) description: "Mobile app developers need to consider connectivity, which is why going \"offline-first\" just may be the solution you need to create a better UX." image: https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/offline-525700_1280.png --- [![MGA Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MGA%20Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px.png?width=217&height=26&name=MGA%20Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px.png "MGA Logo_Horizontal-Color-434px")](https://web3growthassociation.com/) Open Search Events [MGS 22 Las Vegas](https://events.bizzabo.com/358800) [Executive Connect](https://events.bizzabo.com/executiveconnect) [Women Of The Year Awards 2022](https://widgets.mobilegrowthassociation.com/events/mgs-22/page/2031094/women-of-the-year-awards) [See All Events](https://web3growthassociation.com/events) [APPLY TO SPEAK](https://web3growthassociation.com/speaker-application) APPLY TO SPONSOR Webinars & Webcasts [MGA Webinars](https://web3growthassociation.com/webinars) [APPLY TO SPEAK](https://web3growthassociation.com/speaker-application) APPLY TO SPONSOR Podcasts [Fintech Growth Talk](https://web3growthassociation.com/fintech) Channels [User Acquistion](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?ua) [Retention & Engagement](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?re) [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?ai) [Monetization](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?monetization) [LTV](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?ltv) [Mobile Gaming](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media?gaming) [See All Media](https://web3growthassociation.com/all-media) [SUBMIT ARTICLE IDEA](https://share.hsforms.com/1qyaCXBsCRHyus5ftkoqRXw34v9x?__hstc=17895014.67ed4e0440429f7fd858dbdaa6017f42.1596082292944.1610407079532.1610469949158.104&__hssc=17895014.1.1610469949158&__hsfp=555322576) [Industry Jobs](https://careers.mobilegrowthassociation.com) [Join Now](https://web3growthassociation.com/membership) Open Search Close Search [  From P2P Lending to Digital Marketplace Banking: How LendingClub Is Changing the Fintech Landscape](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/fintechlandscape) [Get to Know Turkish Gamers with Mobidictum Business Network's Newest Conference  ](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/get-to-know-turkish-gamers-with-mobidictum-busines-networks-newest-conference) # Best Practices to Build an Offline App (and Why It’s Important) ![](https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/offline-525700_1280.png) [Victor Kananda](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/author/victor-kananda) Posted Apr 29, 2021 [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20Best%20Practices%20to%20Build%20an%20Offline%20App%20(and%20Why%20It’s%20Important)%20&body=Check%20out%20https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/best-practices-to-build-an-offline-app-and-why-its-important&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20Best%20Practices%20to%20Build%20an%20Offline%20App%20(and%20Why%20It’s%20Important)%20&body=Check%20out%20https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/best-practices-to-build-an-offline-app-and-why-its-important&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) [Product and Development](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/tag/product-and-development) [Retention and Engagement](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/tag/retention-and-engagement) Mobile phone technology has continued to improve almost every area of human life around the globe. Currently, this wonder device can support multiple purposes, that the “phone” part of its name tends to be a reductive misnomer.  However, this device is only as good as its speed and internet coverage. Take the internet away, and you remain with a useless plastic slab.  That's where offline apps step in to keep your users' experience uninterrupted. But to gain full advantage of these apps, you need to adopt several practices. Read on: ## **The best offline-first apps practices** For you to reap significant benefits from these apps, be sure to do the following: ### **1. Cache or enable background refresh** Does your app have time-sensitive data (think social platform and news apps)? Background refresh capabilities enhance auto-updates of information in advance, saving the user the headaches that come with spotty internet. Additional caching is beneficial for apps whose data requirements are not that high. With it, your website's assets can be downloaded and stored to the user's local storage temporarily when there's enough internet coverage. That way, they can load the pages quickly even when there's an internet blackout. ### **2. Pin-point the non-negotiables** Which are those features that users can't access without the internet? Think location services. Alert or message your users about these features and their internet demand. That way, they'll understand your product's limitations when offline.  ### **3. Optimize files** Large files need a longer time for the server and user to generate the content and render it, respectively. So optimize your files to the correct resolution size to avoid disruption of services.  Always use PNG, JPEG, and Webp files. BMP and TIFF image files are the most notorious file types, so avoid them. ### **4. Brace yourself for conflicts** Let's face it: merging and overriding all changes (except the last online session of a user) is easier said than done. The best approach here is to let your users know when you're facing unavoidable conflicts.  Then weigh several options regarding handling these conflicts: do you want your users to choose the version to keep? Or will you go ahead and enforce the "last write win" rule? Whatever your decision, be sure you're doing it gracefully.  ### **5. Update carefully** Slow — or too frequent — updates are a sure way of frustrating your users, as more conflicts may crop up. So be sure you're not guessing what and when to update — be strategic.  Avoid uploading anything and everything you can think of to the server. You don't want the uploading time to take centuries. Neither do you want the server to run out of storage.    ## **The benefits of building an offline app** It's a no-brainer that going "offline-first" can help you gain a competitive edge and user loyalty. Here's how: ### **1. Poor connectivity? Don't worry** "Offline-first" apps take internet disruption out of the equation for your users. This keeps your user experience intact, even in areas with limited data connectivity.  ### **2. Roaming costs or data usage? Not today** If your users are ardent tourists or travelers, they can now say goodbye to expensive data networks. Offline apps allow them to temporarily keep enjoying the services as they plan on the best internet service package. Furthermore, offline modes allow your users to save data. ### **3. Quick loading speeds** In today's busy world, your users' attention span is getting shorter. So no one wants an app that takes ages to load — it disrupts their experience. With offline-first apps, the features can load seamlessly and quickly, regardless of internet coverage. After all, some users may fail to recognize the poor network connectivity and blame the app for poor performance. You don't want to take the blame, so go offline-first. ## **The upshot** As mobile phones continue to advance their game, internet connectivity seems to be lagging in many places and circumstances. Here's where offline apps step in to save the situation. Whether your users are ardent tourists, technicians working in remote areas, or people on minimal data plans, you don't have to worry anymore. Are you looking for the latest tips and insights that will help you stay on top of the competition in developing and marketing apps? Mobile Growth Association has your back.  [![MGS OPTIMIZE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5266005/90aff719-793c-411a-a5a7-fe13b0163a72.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5266005/90aff719-793c-411a-a5a7-fe13b0163a72)   #### [![](https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/icon-calendar.svg) Upcoming Events](https://web3growthassociation.com/events) #### [![MGA Podcasts](https://web3growthassociation.com/hubfs/icon-podcasts.png) Podcasts](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts) ##### [![Simplifying Taxes for Freelancers](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image001-2.jpg?width=300&name=image001-2.jpg) Simplifying Taxes for Freelancers Posted Feb 15, 2022](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/simplifying-taxes-for-freelancers) ##### [![Unlocking the Potential of Financial Services with AI](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fintech-Growth-Talk---Kevin-Levitt.jpg?width=300&name=Fintech-Growth-Talk---Kevin-Levitt.jpg) Unlocking the Potential of Financial Services with AI Posted Dec 29, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/unlocking-the-potential-of-financial-services-with-ai) ##### [![AARP: The intersection of Health Tech and Fintech](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image001-1.jpg?width=300&name=image001-1.jpg) AARP: The intersection of Health Tech and Fintech Posted Dec 10, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/aarp-the-intersection-of-health-tech-and-fintech) ##### [![FinTech and mobile strategy insights from Google](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cherlene-Jolly%20V2.jpg?width=300&name=Cherlene-Jolly%20V2.jpg) FinTech and mobile strategy insights from Google Posted Nov 27, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/fintech-and-mobile-strategy-insights-from-google) ##### [![Rebuilding the financial services ecosystem one API at a time](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fintech---Richie-Serna.jpg?width=300&name=Fintech---Richie-Serna.jpg) Rebuilding the financial services ecosystem one API at a time Posted Nov 10, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/rebuilding-the-financial-services-ecosystem-one-api-at-a-time) ### Recommended Articles #### [![Where the action and the money *really* is in mobile gaming apps](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/Podcast%20Images/All/NebojshaMitrikeski_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg?width=300&name=NebojshaMitrikeski_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg) Where the action and the money \*really\* is in ... Posted Sep 28, 2018](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/2018/09/28/where-the-action-and-the-money-really-is-in-mobile-gaming-apps) #### [![How Homesnap attracted 1 million real estate agents – and keeps them coming back](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/Podcast%20Images/All/TimCondon_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg?width=300&name=TimCondon_mediaThumbnail-650x325.jpg) How Homesnap attracted 1 million real estate ... Posted Nov 2, 2018](https://web3growthassociation.com/podcasts/2018/11/02/how-homesnap-attracted-1-million-real-estate-agents-and-keeps-them-coming-back) #### [![Five Tips: Developing Apps for Foldable Displays](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mika-baumeister-vI8_06RmSC0-unsplash%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=mika-baumeister-vI8_06RmSC0-unsplash%20(1).jpg) Five Tips: Developing Apps for Foldable Displays Posted Apr 6, 2021](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/five-tips-developing-apps-for-foldable-displays) #### [![Keeping Up with ASO Updates Impacting App Store Optimization in 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Linda_Harnisch-01-1.png?width=300&name=Linda_Harnisch-01-1.png) Keeping Up with ASO Updates Impacting App Store ... Mobile Gaming Posted Jul 3, 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/2019/07/03/keeping-up-with-aso-updates-impacting-app-store-optimization-in-2019) #### [![Save more than money by automating your media portfolio](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Matt%20Sadofsky.jpg?width=300&name=Matt%20Sadofsky.jpg) Save more than money by automating your media ... Posted Dec 19, 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/videos/save-more-than-money-by-automating-your-media-portfolio) #### [![How marketers can use keyboard apps to power effective UA and build brand](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/Video%20Images/Baidu-650x325.jpg?width=300&name=Baidu-650x325.jpg) How marketers can use keyboard apps to power ... Posted Apr 26, 2019](https://web3growthassociation.com/videos/2019/04/26/how-marketers-can-use-keyboard-apps-to-power-effective-ua-and-build-brand) ### Related Articles #### [Why Incrementality Is Key to Understanding Your Marketing](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/why-incrementality-is-key-to-understanding-your-marketing) #### [Influencer Marketing in 2020: What App Marketers Need to Know](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/influencer-marketing-in-2020-what-app-marketers-need-to-know) #### [Four Tips for Better Cross-Platform Marketing](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/four-tips-for-better-cross-platform-marketing) #### [Using Connection and Conscience to Build a Better Business](https://web3growthassociation.com/blog/using-connection-and-conscience-to-build-a-better-business) Join Our Newsletter Sign-up to get the latest mobile growth news, updates, and trends directly in your inbox twice a month. [![MGA Logo_Vertical-White-400px](https://web3growthassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MGA%20Logo_Vertical-White-400px.png?width=200&height=100&name=MGA%20Logo_Vertical-White-400px.png "MGA Logo_Vertical-White-400px")](https://web3growthassociation.com/) - [Events](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/events) - [Media](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/all-media) - [Company](https://web3growthassociation.com/company) - [Become a Sponsor](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/sponsor-application) - [Apply to Speak](https://www.mobilegrowthsummit.com/speaker-application) - Subscribe to MGA Newsletter - [Advertise With Us](https://share.hsforms.com/1wSm-xNj1TZGNZ0YiR97aGA34v9x) - - - - - © 2020 MOBILE GROWTH ASSOCIATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Contact us at [info@mobilegrowthsummit.com](mailto:info@mobilegrowthsummit.com) [Privacy Policy](https://web3growthassociation.com/privacy-policy) [Terms & Conditions](https://web3growthassociation.com/terms-and-conditions) #### Become a Sponsor The MGS Annual Sponsor Rewards maximizes and drives growth for our Sponsors. We are rewarding our loyal Sponsors in our seventh year of business with a comprehensive range of additional benefits and services. Enter your contact information here and we'll email you a Sponsor Kit so you can drive deal-flow and bottom-line revenue for your company. #### Apply to Speak #### Join our newsletter Sign-up to get the latest mobile growth news, updates, and trends directly in your inbox twice a month.