Reddit Tests Forcing Logged-Out Mobile Users Into App With Non-Dismissible Pop-Up

Reddit has confirmed it is testing a feature that prompts frequent logged-out mobile users to download the Reddit app in order to continue using the platform. Affected users see a pop-up message that says "get the app to keep using Reddit" when they visit reddit.com on a mobile browser. This pop-up cannot be dismissed.

A Reddit spokesperson told Ars Technica, "We recently started running a test for a small subset of frequent logged-out mobile users that prompts them to download the app after visiting the site."

The test is being rolled out in phases. Some mobile users can still access reddit.com normally, while others are seeing the blocking prompt.

What Reddit Says the Logged-Out Mobile App Prompt Is Meant to Do

Reddit explains that switching from the mobile website to the app will enhance user experience through improved search, a personalized feed, and better visibility of updates from subscribed communities. The company hasn't disclosed what user behaviors trigger the prompt, how the group of "frequent logged-out mobile users" is defined, or how long the test will last.

The test is limited to logged-out users on mobile devices. Logged-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 entirely if the app becomes the only option for mobile access.

Others have brought up 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 being upvoted.

Why Reddit Has Business Reasons to Push Mobile Users Into Its App

Reddit has around 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 gathers more direct user tracking and engagement data than the mobile web.

The trial follows a broader industry trend where 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 prompt will be shown to logged-in users or if it will become permanent based on the test results.

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