Mobile and web apps may often serve the same function, but their retention dynamics couldn’t be more different. This article will walk you through 30 powerful stats comparing how mobile and web platforms retain users—side-by-side. You’ll get detailed context behind each number and tactical advice you can act on, whether you’re building a product or scaling one. Let’s jump right in.
1. Mobile apps retain 38% of users after 30 days, while web apps retain only 14%
Why mobile pulls ahead at the 30-day mark
The 30-day retention rate is often the litmus test for whether your product has long-term potential. Mobile apps win this round. They retain nearly 3 times as many users at the 30-day mark. That’s not just a minor edge—it’s a big deal. It means mobile experiences are generally better at making people stick around.
Why is that? One reason is how mobile apps stay in a user’s life. They’re not buried in browser tabs. They’re right there on the home screen. They send reminders. They launch in a single tap. In contrast, web apps require effort. Users have to remember your URL, open their browser, maybe even log in again.
How to improve 30-day retention for both platforms
If you’re working on a mobile app, the key is to double down on re-engagement. Push notifications, well-timed offers, and usage-based nudges can do wonders. Just don’t overdo it—annoying notifications are a sure path to an uninstall.
For web apps, it’s about frictionless access. Use session cookies to keep users logged in. Encourage bookmark saves. If your audience uses Gmail, consider email reminders timed for when users typically log in.
Also, look at behavior during the first week. That early interaction predicts 30-day retention. Are users completing setup? Are they getting early wins? Create a sequence that pushes people toward small victories quickly.
2. Day 1 retention for mobile apps averages 25%, compared to 10% for web apps
The first 24 hours matter more than you think
When someone tries your product, their decision to return often happens in the first 24 hours. Mobile apps retain a quarter of users after Day 1. For web apps, it’s just one in ten. That means most users decide not to come back before they’ve even seen what your product really does.
This isn’t just a stat—it’s a signal. Something in the onboarding, first-run experience, or even the first 60 seconds didn’t land. On mobile, you have the advantage of speed and focus. On web, you often deal with distraction and tab-hopping.
What to do about poor Day 1 retention
Onboarding is your first line of defense. If you don’t have a guided flow, build one. Make it short. Make it focused. Tell users what to do next.
For mobile, consider using in-app tips the moment someone lands. Don’t dump five screens of information—guide them through one key action. Then let them explore.
For web, use inline tooltips or product tours that show up right when users seem stuck. Session replays and heatmaps can help you find out where they give up.
Also, don’t overlook performance. If your app loads slowly—on either platform—many users won’t give you a second shot. A delay of even 3 seconds can cost you the entire first impression.
3. By Day 7, mobile app retention drops to 15%, while web app retention drops to 6%
The Week 1 cliff—and how to avoid it
Week 1 is often where the drop-off really kicks in. Even if you survive Day 1, you might not hold attention through the week. Mobile apps hang on to 15% of users after a week. Web apps? Only 6%.
People are quick to forget tools they don’t love. If your app hasn’t become a habit in 7 days, it probably won’t.
Turning Week 1 into a habit loop
One of the best ways to survive the 7-day cliff is by creating reasons to return. Think about the real-world benefit you’re offering. Does it show up daily? Weekly? Find that rhythm and match your nudges to it.
For mobile, schedule a reminder or summary around that frequency. If your product has a “streak” mechanic or daily task, even better. That sets a natural reason to return.
For web apps, email is your friend. A weekly digest, a usage recap, or even a “here’s what you missed” alert can bring people back. Also, make sure users are aware of new features or unlocked capabilities by Day 5. The more value they see, the more likely they stay.
4. Only 4% of web users return after 30 days, compared to 20% for mobile app users
Long-term retention favors mobile—but it’s not just about the platform
After a full month, just 4% of web users are still around. That’s a sharp drop. Mobile still retains a fifth of users. That’s not amazing—but it’s a huge relative win.
The reason comes down to both convenience and presence. Mobile apps are persistent. They’re always a tap away. Web apps rely on memory.
Fixing long-term drop-off
Ask yourself: why would someone come back in a month? What do they gain by doing so? Many apps don’t offer long-term hooks. They solve a one-time problem and expect that to be enough. It’s not.
Create features that grow with usage. Offer milestones. Surface progress. If your app helps users track something—habits, spending, fitness—remind them where they started.
Mobile notifications can trigger this easily. For web, consider calendar-based emails. Something like “your monthly summary” works well, especially if it’s visual and personalized.
Also, run retention cohorts and identify what your long-term users have in common. Do they come from a certain channel? Use a certain feature? Learn from them.
5. Push notifications boost mobile retention by up to 40%, unavailable natively for web apps
Why mobile push is a secret weapon for retention
Push notifications give mobile apps a huge advantage. You can tap the user’s shoulder at just the right time. If done well, push can lift retention by as much as 40%. That’s massive. It’s one of the key reasons mobile wins the retention game.
Web apps don’t have native access to push unless users grant permissions—and most don’t. Even when enabled, browser push lacks the immediacy and attention that mobile notifications command.
Using push without being pushy
For mobile, don’t send push notifications just because you can. Send them when they help the user. Timing and relevance matter more than frequency. If your app helps with productivity, send nudges when habits typically break. If it’s a finance app, send balance updates or spend alerts in real-time.
Keep messages short and direct. Use personalization if you can. And always give users the option to tailor their notification preferences. If they feel in control, they’re more likely to keep notifications on—and your app installed.
If you’re on web and can’t use push effectively, double down on email and in-app cues. Email open rates are lower than push, but good design and copy can help. And while email isn’t instant, it gives you space to deliver more context, which can deepen engagement.
6. Mobile apps with onboarding flows see 27% higher Day 7 retention than those without
The power of a clear first path
An onboarding flow is like a map. Without it, users wander. Mobile apps with onboarding keep 27% more users after a week. That’s a clear signal that early guidance works. People don’t have time to figure things out. They want wins—fast.
Building onboarding that actually works
Keep your onboarding flow short. Think of it like a tour guide—not a manual. Focus on showing users how to get a result, not every feature. Don’t stack five steps with popups. Let users do something meaningful early on.
Interactive onboarding works better than passive. Let users try things during the tutorial. If they can feel progress within the first session, they’re more likely to return.
Also, revisit your onboarding often. What works at launch might not work after you add features. Use analytics to see where people drop off and patch the gaps.
7. Web apps with personalization features see 12% higher retention than generic counterparts
Making users feel seen drives return visits
Personalization isn’t just about showing a name. It’s about relevance. When web apps tailor the experience—even slightly—retention jumps by 12%. That’s a solid win, especially for a platform that lacks mobile’s built-in re-engagement tools.
How to personalize on the web
Start simple. Let users choose preferences or goals during onboarding. Use that to shape what content or features they see. Show recent activity when they return. Recommend next steps based on their past use.
Also, avoid going too far. Don’t overwhelm users with too many choices up front. Gradual personalization works best. And if your web app supports login, save state across sessions. Nothing drives churn faster than a user logging back in and feeling like they’re starting over.
Web apps can’t nudge users as easily as mobile can, but they can make users feel understood—and that’s powerful.
8. In-app messages increase mobile retention by 25% over apps without messaging
Real-time nudges inside the product drive engagement
In-app messages give you the chance to speak directly to users when it matters most—while they’re using your app. That real-time relevance boosts retention by 25%.
Think of in-app messages as guidance, not interruptions. Done right, they feel helpful, not pushy. They highlight value. They remind users what’s possible.
Crafting messages that don’t get ignored
Trigger messages based on behavior. If a user hasn’t tried a feature, nudge them when they’re most likely to benefit. If they’re stuck or inactive, offer help—right there.
Keep the tone friendly, but clear. Avoid sounding robotic. Test variations. What works for one user type might fall flat for another.
Also, give users a reason to interact. Show benefits, not features. If you want them to try something, explain what’s in it for them. And always make it easy to dismiss the message. If they can’t say no, they’re less likely to say yes next time.
9. Mobile users spend 3x more time per session than web users
More time equals more chances to build habits
When users spend more time in your app, they build familiarity. And with familiarity comes stickiness. Mobile users typically stay 3 times longer per session than web users. That gives you a bigger window to deliver value.
Why the difference? Mobile apps tend to be more focused. They reduce distractions. Web users, by contrast, are often multitasking. They might switch tabs or get interrupted.
How to turn time into value
First, understand what users do during longer sessions. Are they exploring, completing tasks, or just idling? Use that insight to improve your core flows.
If long sessions lead to more success, make those paths smoother. If short sessions cause churn, look at what stops users from going further.
Also, give users reasons to return. Don’t rely only on long sessions. A few short, focused sessions can be just as powerful—if they build toward something meaningful.
And remember, not all time is good time. If users are spending 10 minutes because they’re confused, you’ve got a problem. Always aim for clarity and ease, not just more minutes.
10. Apps with offline functionality retain 16% more users than those without
Always-on access builds trust
Offline mode might not seem like a big feature—until a user needs it. Apps that work without a connection keep 16% more users. That’s because they’re dependable. They don’t break the moment Wi-Fi does.
Offline support shows users you’ve thought about real-life use. It lowers friction. It builds goodwill.
Making offline mode count
You don’t need full offline capability. Just support key flows. Can users take notes, fill forms, or read saved content without a connection? That’s often enough.
Use background sync to push updates when the user reconnects. Let them know what’s saved and what’s pending. Clarity is key.
And don’t hide offline features. Mention them in onboarding or tooltips. When users hit a dead zone and your app still works, that’s a loyalty-building moment.
11. Web apps experience 2x higher bounce rates compared to mobile apps
Why users leave faster on web
Web apps often struggle with bounce rates. Users land, look around briefly, then leave. In fact, web apps see bounce rates nearly twice as high as mobile apps. That’s a serious hurdle for retention.
It’s not just about attention spans—it’s about expectations. On the web, users expect instant clarity. If they don’t immediately see what your app does or how it helps, they’re gone. Mobile apps, by contrast, are often downloaded with intention. There’s more upfront commitment, which gives you a slightly longer leash.
How to lower web bounce rates
First, fix your first impression. What does a new user see in the first five seconds? If it’s confusing, overwhelming, or generic—they’ll leave. Make your value proposition loud and clear.
Next, streamline your homepage or landing flow. Too many options? Cut them. Too much copy? Trim it. Think clarity, not cleverness.
Use behavioral tools like heatmaps and session replays to understand what people see before they bounce. You’ll often find specific drop-off points.
Finally, add soft engagement options. Let visitors try a demo, preview content, or take a simple action without creating an account. That small taste can keep them engaged long enough to convert.
12. Weekly engagement leads to 2.8x better retention on mobile than on web
Why weekly habits matter more on mobile
Mobile apps that can get users to engage weekly see nearly three times better retention compared to their web counterparts. That’s because mobile lends itself to quick, repeated use. People carry their phones everywhere. They check them constantly.
Web usage, on the other hand, is more situational. If your app lives in a browser, it’s often competing with work tasks, distractions, or dozens of open tabs.
How to drive weekly habits
If you want users to come back weekly, give them a reason. Is there new content? A score to check? A streak to keep? Design your product around rhythms—weekly cycles, updates, or goals.
Mobile apps can use push notifications tied to these cycles. For example, fitness apps remind users to log workouts. Finance apps prompt check-ins every Sunday.
For web apps, use well-timed emails. Keep them useful and brief. Subject lines matter. Preview the value clearly and make it easy to jump right into the app.
Don’t forget in-app reminders, either. A message that says “You haven’t logged your week yet” or “Here’s your weekly recap” can be the nudge users need.
13. Mobile apps with gamification features see 35% higher 30-day retention
Why progress and fun matter
Gamification turns ordinary actions into achievements. And it works. Mobile apps using these tactics retain 35% more users over 30 days. That’s because people love to win, track progress, and unlock milestones.
You don’t need to turn your app into a game. You just need to add a layer of motivation.
How to add gamification that works
Start with something simple. Progress bars, streak counters, levels, badges—these are all familiar and effective. The key is to tie them to real actions users already take.
If your app is about learning, reward consistency. If it’s about productivity, track streaks. If it’s about wellness, celebrate check-ins or habits.
But don’t go overboard. Gamification should reinforce your core value, not distract from it. If it feels forced or irrelevant, users will tune it out—or worse, churn.
The real magic is in feedback. Show users their effort matters. Show what they’ve done and what’s next. Progress is addictive when it’s visible and meaningful.
14. Users accessing via mobile app are 3x more likely to become repeat users than web users
The loyalty boost from mobile presence
Mobile users are three times more likely to return after their first session. That’s not just about app quality—it’s about placement. Mobile apps live on the home screen. They’re easy to tap. That constant presence reminds users that your product exists.
Web apps, on the other hand, are often out of sight, out of mind. Unless bookmarked or emailed regularly, they’re easy to forget—even if they’re useful.
How to build repeat behavior from the start
To earn return visits, mobile apps should make a strong case from Day 1. Show users what they gain by coming back. Remind them gently. Encourage daily or weekly actions that create value.
For web apps, find ways to re-enter users’ digital lives. Use Google Calendar invites, browser extensions, or habit-forming tools like “next-step” emails to stay top-of-mind.
And no matter the platform, don’t just rely on reminders. Make users want to come back. That means real utility, progress, or results every time they return.
15. Apps using deep linking improve re-engagement by 2x versus mobile web
The power of landing in the right place
Deep linking lets users jump right into a specific spot in your app—like a saved article, message, or product. Apps that use it see double the re-engagement compared to those that don’t. That’s because users don’t want to hunt. They want to resume.
On mobile web, it’s harder to do this seamlessly. Links often lead to login walls or generic homepages, which kills momentum.
Making deep links work for you
If you’re building a mobile app, deep linking should be part of your growth and retention playbook. Use it in notifications, emails, and ads. Send users exactly where they left off or where they’ll get immediate value.
Set up fallback options too. If a user doesn’t have the app installed, guide them through a smart redirect—maybe to a mobile web version or an app store page.
For web apps, you can simulate deep linking by remembering user context. Use cookies or session storage to keep track of what they last viewed. That way, when they return, they’re not starting from scratch.
Every second saved is a win. Friction kills retention. Deep links remove it.
16. Mobile apps average 11 sessions per user per month, while web apps average 3
More sessions mean more touchpoints—and more chances to retain
Mobile users open apps more than three times as often as web users use web apps in a given month. That frequency matters. It’s hard to build loyalty if people only check in once or twice.
More sessions also give you more data, more chances to build habits, and more moments to demonstrate value.
Encouraging session frequency the right way
To increase session counts, tie actions to daily or weekly needs. Can users log progress, check status, get new tips, or view fresh content? If not, add those opportunities.
Don’t make the mistake of nudging people back without giving them something to do. Every session should feel like a win.
Mobile notifications can highlight updates or personalized triggers. Web apps can use subtle badges, countdowns, or digest emails to remind users why it’s time to return.
Track your frequency and look for drop-offs. If users open the app five times one week, then drop to once, something’s off. Review what changed—and fix it fast.
17. 53% of mobile app users churn within the first month; for web apps it’s 74%
Retention is hard—on both platforms
Even with all the tools mobile apps have, over half of new users disappear within a month. And for web apps, it’s even worse—almost three-quarters leave. That should be a wake-up call. Initial impressions aren’t just important—they’re everything.
Most churn happens early. Users try the product, hit friction, and give up. Or they get value once and don’t see a reason to return.
How to cut your first-month churn
Look at your onboarding. Are you guiding users to the key value fast? Is the experience smooth, responsive, and clear?
Track your most common exit points. Where do people give up? What do they try—and fail—to do?
Also, look beyond the product. Are your marketing promises aligned with your actual value? Misaligned expectations can drive churn even if the app is solid.
You may not retain everyone. But if you focus on getting the right users to the right value quickly, you’ll keep more than most.
18. Apps that load in under 3 seconds retain 2x more users on both platforms
Speed is not optional—it’s critical
People are impatient. If your app takes more than three seconds to load, they’re already frustrated. Apps that stay under that mark retain users at twice the rate. That’s a huge payoff for performance.
Slow apps send the wrong message. They feel clunky, outdated, or unreliable—even if the core product is good.
Optimizing for speed
Use performance tools to test load times across devices and networks. What feels fast on a developer’s laptop may crawl on a user’s phone.
Compress images, reduce third-party scripts, and streamline animations. For web apps, lazy-load content that’s not immediately visible.
If you must load data, show a skeleton screen or placeholder to reduce perceived wait time. Users are more patient if they see something happening.
Speed also affects re-engagement. If users remember your app as slow, they’re less likely to return. Don’t give them a reason to avoid you.
19. Mobile apps with loyalty programs see 25% better 90-day retention
Rewards make users stay longer
People love rewards—even small ones. Mobile apps that offer loyalty perks retain 25% more users after three months. It’s not about bribing users. It’s about giving them a reason to keep coming back.
Loyalty programs also create progress, and progress builds habits.
Designing loyalty that works
Keep it simple. Don’t require users to do complex things. Let them earn points, unlock badges, or get perks based on regular use.
Make the rewards feel personal. Tailor them to usage patterns or goals. For example, if a user logs workouts, reward streaks. If they check budgets weekly, offer monthly bonuses.
Don’t just offer discounts. Offer upgrades, content, or recognition. Sometimes the best loyalty feature is simply showing users how far they’ve come.
Most of all, make rewards visible. Remind users what they’ve earned and what’s next. When users see momentum, they’ll want to keep going.
20. Retention for mobile finance apps is 1.7x higher than for their web counterparts
Trust and ease drive mobile finance retention
People stick with mobile finance apps more than web versions—by a factor of 1.7. That’s significant, especially in a category where trust matters.
Mobile gives users instant access to balances, alerts, and spending tools. The convenience adds up. Web apps feel more formal, less personal.
Lessons for other industries
Even if you’re not in finance, the takeaway is clear: make your app trustworthy, timely, and available when users need it most.
Push alerts for changes, secure logins, and clean interfaces build confidence. Let users complete common actions quickly. The smoother the experience, the better the retention.
If you’re working on a web finance tool, think mobile-first—even if your users access through browsers. Minimize loading times, support password managers, and make dashboards glanceable.
You don’t have to be in finance to learn from it. People return to tools they rely on. Build something users feel is essential.
21. SaaS mobile apps retain 22% more users over 90 days than their web versions
Mobile SaaS makes long-term usage easier
SaaS apps are usually built with web in mind, but the retention data tells a different story. Mobile versions of SaaS tools keep 22% more users over 90 days. That’s a meaningful edge—especially when you’re aiming for long-term value and subscriptions.
Why does mobile perform better? Convenience is a major reason. Users can get things done quickly, on the go. But mobile apps also encourage habit formation in ways web platforms don’t.
How to use this insight if you’re building SaaS
If you have a web-based SaaS app, consider building a lightweight mobile companion. It doesn’t need every feature—just the ones people use daily or weekly.
For example, task managers don’t need full reporting on mobile. They need quick adds, check-offs, and reminders. CRM apps might only need logging, contact access, and notes.
Also, make syncing seamless. If users bounce between web and mobile, everything should be exactly where they left it. Consistency creates confidence, and confidence fuels retention.
22. Average uninstall rate for mobile apps is 28% within the first 7 days
First impressions can make or break you
Nearly a third of mobile users uninstall an app within a week. That’s brutal. It means something about the experience failed to meet expectations—fast.
Maybe it was the onboarding. Maybe it was bugs. Maybe it just felt confusing. But whatever the cause, the user made a decision: “this isn’t worth it.”
Reducing early uninstalls
Focus everything on Day 1. Make your onboarding smooth, helpful, and quick. Lead users to an outcome, not a lecture.
Keep your app fast and crash-free. Performance bugs are one of the top reasons for deletes.
Also, set the right expectations before the install. If your app store listing promises one thing but delivers another, people will churn—and probably leave a bad review on the way out.
Finally, don’t bombard users with permissions. Ask only when you need them, and explain why. When users understand the value, they’re more likely to say yes—and stay.
23. Progressive web apps (PWAs) retain 50% more users than standard web apps
PWAs bridge the gap between mobile and web
Progressive web apps offer the best of both worlds: the reach of the web with the experience of an app. They load fast, work offline, and can even send notifications. That’s why PWAs retain users 50% better than traditional web apps.
Users love smooth experiences. And PWAs feel faster, cleaner, and more interactive than most web products.
When to build a PWA—and how to get it right
If building a native mobile app isn’t feasible, a PWA might be the next best thing. You’ll get mobile-style UX and better retention—without the app store overhead.
Make sure your PWA supports offline access, background syncing, and push notifications. Also, ensure it’s installable from the browser. Let users “add to home screen” and make your icon visible like any app.
The goal? Blend into the user’s mobile behavior. When a PWA feels native, users treat it like a mobile app—and that leads to higher retention.
24. Social login increases Day 1 retention by 17% on mobile and 11% on web
Fewer barriers mean more engagement
Account creation is often a pain point. Asking users to set a password or verify email early on kills momentum. That’s where social login helps. It cuts the steps and keeps users moving. And retention reflects that—Day 1 jumps 17% on mobile and 11% on web when social login is used.
It’s not just about ease. It’s about minimizing the time between interest and outcome.
Best practices for social login
Offer social login, but don’t force it. Give users options—Google, Apple, email. The more flexible you are, the more likely they’ll sign in.
Make social login the default highlight in your UI, but also explain its benefits. Let users know you’re not going to post on their behalf or spam them.
Also, once they’re in, make the experience smooth. Don’t ask for more data immediately. Let them explore first. The more they engage, the more likely they’ll stick.
25. Retention for mobile finance apps is 1.5x that of finance web apps
Trust and quick access are game-changers
Finance is personal. Users want tools that are fast, private, and always available. Mobile finance apps deliver that, and the result is 1.5 times better retention than finance web apps.
The smaller screen doesn’t hinder—it focuses. The real-time alerts and account access create trust and make users feel in control.
Apply the finance app lessons beyond finance
Even if you’re not in the finance space, this stat tells you something important. Instant, real-time access builds loyalty.
Whether you offer dashboards, content, or data tools, give users quick entry points. Show them their most important data first. Avoid clutter.
Push alerts—when done right—can help, too. Alerts about activity, reminders, or updates turn passive apps into active tools.
When your app feels like a partner, not just a product, users will keep it around.
26. Mobile apps using habit loops retain 37% more users after 30 days
Tiny behaviors create long-term results
Habit loops are powerful. When mobile apps build them into the user experience, retention climbs by 37% over 30 days. Why? Because users aren’t just using the app—they’re building a routine.
Habit loops are made up of cues, actions, and rewards. Done well, they create engagement that sticks.
How to build habit loops into your product
First, find the action you want repeated. Then ask—what cue can trigger that action? A reminder? A notification? A daily goal?
Next, make the reward clear. That might be progress, a new feature, a visual result, or a streak count.
Keep the loop short and satisfying. Make users feel progress immediately. And reinforce it consistently—not once, not sometimes, but every time.
Most importantly, don’t fake it. Real habits form around real value. If your app delivers something users care about, a habit loop will help them stay long enough to feel it.
27. Apps with real-time features (chat, alerts) see 22% higher mobile retention than web
Immediate interaction pulls users back
Real-time features—like chat, live updates, and alerts—don’t just boost usage. They raise retention. Apps that include them see 22% higher retention than static tools.
Why? Because real-time creates urgency, relevance, and interaction. Users get feedback. They feel like part of something active.
Adding real-time features to your product
You don’t need full-on live chat. Even something as simple as live notifications, real-time collaboration, or typing indicators can add depth.
For social apps, chat is a must. For productivity tools, real-time status or team visibility matters. For consumer apps, alerts tied to usage patterns or behaviors keep users connected.
Whatever feature you build, make sure it works reliably. Real-time doesn’t help if it’s glitchy. Stability builds trust, and trust fuels return visits.
28. Monthly active users for mobile apps are 3.4x higher than web apps in the same category
Active use isn’t evenly distributed
Across nearly every category, mobile apps lead in monthly active users. The average? Mobile has 3.4 times more monthly engagement than web apps in the same space.
This doesn’t just reflect preference—it reflects behavior. People use phones more often, more casually, and in more contexts. That means mobile apps get more chances to engage and re-engage.
What to learn from this if you’re building for web
Web apps need to fight harder for attention. That means more value in fewer sessions. It means clearer CTAs, better follow-up, and more personalized paths.
But also, consider ways to extend to mobile. Whether that’s a full app, a PWA, or just a tighter mobile web experience—meet users where they are.
Mobile gives you a slot in the user’s routine. And once you’re in, it’s easier to stay.
29. Mobile users open push-enabled apps 88% more frequently than web users return
Push brings users back—again and again
Apps that use push notifications see almost double the frequency of use. That’s huge. It proves that when you can speak to your users directly, and respectfully, you get more chances to win them over.
Web apps can’t do this easily. Even with browser push, the reach and impact just aren’t the same.
How to make push work for you
Use push for relevance, not noise. Remind users of actions they haven’t completed. Nudge them toward results they want. Inform them about updates they care about.
Personalization helps. So does timing. Random push is ignored. Useful push is welcomed.
Also, measure opt-out rates. If people disable your notifications, learn why. Fix it. The goal is to stay helpful, not just present.
30. Onboarding completion correlates with 2.5x higher retention for mobile apps, but only 1.3x for web
Finish the first lap, stay in the race
When users finish onboarding, they’re far more likely to stick. On mobile, retention more than doubles. On web, it still improves, but not as dramatically.
This shows that first experiences matter. A guided start helps users understand your value—and that understanding leads to trust.
Building onboarding that gets completed
Don’t overcomplicate it. Short flows work best. Show, don’t tell. Let users take small actions that produce quick wins.
Use progress indicators. They reduce drop-off. And personalize the flow based on what the user selected or skipped.
Celebrate completion. Whether it’s a message, a result, or just a “you’re done”—give users a moment of success.
A good onboarding isn’t a tour. It’s a welcome.
Conclusion
Mobile apps and web apps play different games when it comes to retention—but the stakes are the same. If users don’t stick, growth stalls. By understanding these side-by-side stats, you can build smarter experiences, design better flows, and ultimately keep more of the people you worked so hard to attract.
