Offline Mode
Keep users working when the connection drops, with an honest view of what's synced, what's pending and what can't be done offline.
7 states5 edge casesDesktop + Mobile
01The problem
Field workers, travellers and anyone on a bad connection lose work when products assume the network is always there. Supporting offline is not only a technical problem: users need to know which actions will wait, which are impossible right now, and when their changes actually reached everyone else.
02When to use
Use when
- Field and mobile work: inspections, deliveries, site visits
- Note-taking and document editing
- Products used while travelling or in low-connectivity regions
Avoid when
- Actions that need real-time server confirmation, like payments or bookings — block them clearly instead.
- Data that's only meaningful live (stock prices, availability).
03Recommended UX
Statecraft recommendation
Detect connectivity, show a persistent but calm offline indicator, let users keep creating and editing with changes queued locally, and mark each pending item until it syncs.
04Desktop behaviour
On desktop, offline is less common but more surprising. A slim banner and per-item markers keep users informed without blocking work.
Desktop rules
- Banner: “You're offline. Changes will sync when you reconnect.”
- Pending items show a small clock icon and “Not synced yet”.
- Online-only actions disabled with “Available when you're back online”.
- On reconnect, show “Syncing 4 changes…” then “All changes synced”.
05Mobile behaviour
On mobile, offline is routine. The status lives in the header, and a sync screen lists exactly what's waiting.
Mobile rules
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Edge cases covered in this pattern
- Flaky connection
- Conflicting edits
- Logging out offline
- Long offline period
- Online-captive networks