How to Convert Your PrestaShop Store into a Mobile App (Step-By-Step Guide)

The way people shop online has changed dramatically. Today, more than half of global eCommerce traffic comes from mobile devices, and a significant portion of that happens inside mobile apps rather than mobile browsers. Shoppers prefer apps because they’re faster, more personalized, and easier to use than traditional websites.

For PrestaShop merchants, this shift creates both a challenge and an opportunity. If your store only exists as a web experience, you’re likely losing conversions due to slower load times, higher cart abandonment, and limited customer re-engagement options. 

Indeed, the benefits of mobile app for ecommerce are numerous. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through all available options, benefits, costs, and common mistakes, so you can confidently launch your own PrestaShop mobile app.

Understanding Mobile App Options for PrestaShop

Before we understand how to convert prestashop store to mobile app, let’s discuss the types of mobile apps you can build for your PrestaShop store.

Native Application (Android and iOS)

Native apps are developed for Android (Java/Kotlin), iOS (Swift), and more; they are platform-specific. They’re the top performers, run smooth animations, and have full access to your device’s hardware, including the camera, GPS, and biometric sensors.

Best For:

• Large-scale stores with high traffic.
• Aesthetically and performance-demanding brands.
• Businesses with larger budgets and future app plans.

Cons: High PrestaShop app development costs and longer time-to-market.

Hybrid or WebView Apps

>Hybrid apps are built with a single codebase (typically using frameworks like React Native or Flutter) and package your existing PrestaShop shop into a mobile-ready application.

Why They’re Popular:

• Faster and more cost-effective.
• Simple interfacability with PrestaShop.
• Support of push notifications and native functionality.

Best For:

The small-to-medium PrestaShop store owner who wants a lot without spending much.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

PWAs are browser-based apps that function like mobile apps. It can be “installed” from the browser without having to pass through app stores.

Advantages:

• Low cost.
• Quick deployment.
• No app store approval needed.

Limitations:

Limited native feature access and limited push notification support on iOS.

Advantages of Converting Your PrestaShop Store Into A Mobile App

Transforming your PrestaShop store into a mobile app means more than just a smaller version of your site.

Key Benefits Include:

• Better Conversion Rates: Apps generally convert better than mobile sites due to faster load times and a better UX.
• Streamlined Checkout: Stored addresses, payment methods, and one-click checkout reduce friction.
• Push Notifications: Reach customers at their fingertips with abandoned-cart reminders, deals, and order updates.
• Context-Based Shopping: Suggest products based on browsing and purchase behavior.
• Great for Customer Retention: App users are far more likely to return than web-only visitors.
• Offline Navigation: With offline navigation, you can browse cached products when there is no internet.
• App-only Promotions: Drive users to install or make repeat purchases with discounts they can’t resist.

A few merchants see a dramatic increase in engagement and repeat purchase rates after releasing an app.

Steps To Turn Your PrestaShop Store Into A Mobile App

These are the basic steps to transform your PrestaShop store into an Android or PrestaShop iOS app.

Step 1: Selecting The Best PrestaShop Mobile App Builder

Begin with a trusted PrestaShop mobile app module or builder. Look for these essential features:

• Synchronisation of PrestaShop products and categories.
• Real-time cart and order synchronization.
• Push notification support.
• Secure payment gateway integrations.
• Multi-language & multi-store compatibility.
• Support for Android and iOS.

Most PrestaShop modules can transform your current store into a no-code PrestaShop mobile app in just a few clicks, without programming.

Step 2: Add & Configure The Module

Once you’ve chosen a module:

• Log in to your PrestaShop Admin Dashboard.
• Modules > Module Manager > New: Create a new module.
• Upload the ZIP file you received from the app builder.
• Install and enable the module.

Next, Configure:

• API or Web Service access.
• App credentials or API key.
• Store URL and authentication settings.

This relationship ensures immediate synchronisation between the app and your store.

Step 3: Control How Your App Look Like (UI/UX of The App)

Your app should feel like an extension of your brand.

Customize:

• App logo and splash screen.
• Theme and color scheme.
• Fonts and typography.
• Product grid and list layouts.
• Featured products, categories and deals on the home screen.
• Banners, sliders, and promotional blocks.
• Emphasize ease of navigation, few clicks, and fast load times for usability.

Step 4: Turning On Critical E-commerce Functionality

After you have the mobile app for prestashop store, make sure your app has all the must-have shopping features:

• Guest & social login.
• Optimized checkout flow.
• Wishlist and favorites.
• Advanced product search.
• Filters and sorting.

Push Notifications: Abandoned Cart, Promotions, Order Status Updates

Secure Payment Options

Complete synchronization of product orders and inventory in real time.

These are factors that directly affect conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Step 5: Test Your App

Thoroughly test your app before you publish it.

Testing Methods:

• Android: Install and test by APK or internal testing.
• iOS: Test using TestFlight.

What To Test:

• Product browsing and variations.
• Add-to-cart and checkout process.

Payment Gateways

• Order confirmation and emails.
• App performance and load speed.
• Correct any bugs before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Publish To Google Play & App Store

To release your app, you need:

• Google Play Developer account.
• Apple Developer account.
• App name, description, and keywords.
• Screenshots and app icon.
• Privacy policy and store URL.

Adhere to best practices and guidelines for App Store Optimization (ASO) to improve discoverability. At most companies, approval is a matter of days to a week.

Step 7: Spread The News & Sell Your App To Users

After launch, promotion is key.

Effective Strategies:

• Install app banners in your PrestaShop store.
• Show “Install Our App” popups.
• Offer app-only coupons.
• Send email campaigns.
• Promote on social media.
• Use PrestaShop app push notifications wisely.
• The objective is to accelerate installs and drive habitual use.

How Much Does It Cost To Turn A PrestaShop Store Into An App?

Here’s a realistic cost overview:

• PrestaShop Android App: $49–$199 (one-time / annually).
• Google Play Fee: $25 (one-time).
• Apple Developer Fee: $99/year.
• Optional Custom Development: $500–$5,000+

Maintenance & Updates: It Depends On The Provider

It is much more cost-effective than custom native development.

Recommendation:

PWAs are great for startups, but if you care about long-term growth, branding, and engagement, go with a mobile app.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Converting PrestaShop Into An App

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Ignoring UI/UX design.
• Overloading the home screen.
• Not testing checkout thoroughly.
• Skipping push notification strategy (cluster 2).
• Badly optimised images are causing your site to be slow to load.

Conclusion

Mobile apps are no longer a cherry on top; they are now the deciding factor for when to stop cherishing this golden egg for PrestaShop stores. Better conversion, improved retention, and direct communication with your customers will all lead to sales that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.

The good news is that with modern modules and app builders, you can easily turn your PrestaShop store into a mobile app without technical hassle or a hefty investment.

If you’re ambitious about growing your online business, there’s no better time to plan for the future by investing in a PrestaShop mobile app to maximize your store's potential.