reddit has confirmed that it is testing a feature that prompts mobile users who log out frequently to download the Reddit app to continue using the platform. Affected users see a pop-up message that says “get the app to continue using Reddit” when they visit reddit.com on a mobile browser. This popup cannot be dismissed.
A Reddit spokesperson told Ars Technica: “We recently began testing a small subset of mobile users who log out frequently, prompting them to download the app after visiting the site.”
The test is being implemented in phases. Some mobile users can still access reddit.com normally, while others see the blocking message.
What Reddit says the mobile app logout message should do
Reddit explains that switching from the mobile website to the app will improve the user experience through improved search, a personalized feed, and better visibility of updates from subscribed communities. The company has not revealed what user behaviors trigger the message, how the group of “frequently logged out mobile users” is defined, or how long the test will last.
The test is limited to offline users on mobile devices. Signed in users and desktop users are not affected at this time.
How users are reacting to Reddit’s new mobile app test
The change has received significant criticism on Reddit, especially in communities like r/enshittification and on X. Some users have said they will stop using Reddit altogether if the app becomes the only mobile access option.
Others have raised unrelated issues, such as the platform’s auto-refresh feature, which can cause posts to disappear before users have a chance to see them, as well as reports of duplicate posts appearing in feeds after they have been upvoted.
Why Reddit has business reasons to drive mobile users to its app
Reddit has about 121 million daily active users but continues to face questions about how it makes money since going public. The platform relies heavily on advertising revenue and its app environment collects more direct user tracking and engagement data than the mobile web.
The test follows a broader industry trend in which platforms like X and Instagram have gradually limited functionality on their mobile websites to encourage users to switch to native apps.
Reddit has not confirmed whether this message will be shown to logged in users or whether it will become permanent based on the test results.
