Get Started

Follow these steps to install PhoneGap and get an app running on your mobile device in minutes.

  1. Install our desktop app

    Download and install our new PhoneGap Desktop app, which is currently in beta. If you want more detailed instructions on how to install and use the app, follow the full guide in our documentation.

    Latest Version

    Download for:
    You can also use npm to install the PhoneGap CLI
    npm install -g phonegap

  2. Install our mobile app

    The PhoneGap Developer app is available for multiple platforms, and will get you running your PhoneGap project on your mobile device without code-signing or compiling.

    You will pair this mobile app to the desktop app in step 4 to preview your new app.

    Download for:
    • iOS
      From the App Store
    • Android
      From Google Play
    • Windows
      From The Windows Store

  3. Create your new PhoneGap app

    To begin, open the PhoneGap Desktop app (that you installed in step 1), and create a new project.

    For full details on using our desktop app, go to our docs.
    PhoneGap Desktop: Add/create project menu
    Menu screenshot

  4. Preview your new app on your device

    This is where things get real!

    You’ll need to connect the PhoneGap Developer app you installed in step 2 with the PhoneGap Desktop app you got running in step 3.

    The PhoneGap Desktop app starts a small web server to host your project and once connected to that web server, the PhoneGap Developer app runs your project on your mobile device. Cool, right?

    The instructions to pair the Desktop and Developer apps are in our docs.
    PhoneGap Desktop: Server running
    Server running screenshot
    PhoneGap Developer App: Main screen
    PhoneGap Developer App main screen

  5. Write some code & celebrate the world of possibilities!

    Edit some content or add an alert message to instantly preview your changes. You’ve got a functioning PhoneGap app at this point. If you’d like more help with moving beyond these steps, you’ll find some great articles in our docs.

    Good luck!