Your app's first impression happens during onboarding. Get it right and users become engaged customers. Get it wrong and they're gone—usually within the first minute.

Most apps lose 75% of users within the first three days. The brutal truth: bad onboarding is almost always to blame. Users don't give apps second chances anymore.

This guide breaks down proven onboarding patterns with real examples. You'll see what works, why it works, and how to apply these patterns to your own app.

What Great Onboarding Actually Does

Before diving into patterns, understand what onboarding needs to accomplish:

1. Communicate value — Why should I use this app?

2. Build momentum — Make progress feel easy and rewarding

3. Collect necessary info — Get what you need without friction

4. Reach the "aha moment" — Get users to the core value as fast as possible

The best onboarding does all four while feeling effortless. Users shouldn't feel like they're going through onboarding—they should feel like they're already using the app.

Pattern 1: The Welcome Tour (3-5 Screens)

The classic approach: a series of screens explaining key features before the user starts.

How It Works

Users swipe through 3-5 screens, each highlighting a major feature or benefit. Usually includes progress dots at the bottom and a "Skip" option.

Why It Works

Sets expectations — Users know what the app does before diving in
Builds anticipation — Good copy creates desire to use features
Low commitment — Easy to skim without friction

Real Examples

Headspace uses calming visuals with benefit-focused copy:

Screen 1: "Find some peace" + meditation illustration
Screen 2: "Build healthy habits" + streak visualization
Screen 3: "Sleep better" + nighttime scene
CTA: "Get Started"

Duolingo focuses on the learning proposition:

Screen 1: "Learn a language for free"
Screen 2: "It's fun and effective"
Screen 3: "Only 5 minutes a day"
CTA: "Get Started"

When to Use

Apps with multiple core features to highlight
Products that need to establish credibility
Consumer apps where building desire drives conversion

When to Skip

If your app has one obvious purpose
If users already understand the value (strong brand)
If you're seeing high skip rates (users aren't reading anyway)

Design Tips

Keep it to 3-5 screens max — More than 5 feels like a slideshow
Lead with benefits, not features — "Save 10 hours per week" beats "Task management tools"
Make skipping obvious — Users who know what they want shouldn't be trapped
Use animation wisely — Subtle motion adds polish; too much slows people down

Prototype your onboarding: Generate onboarding screens in minutes with GenDesigns — describe your app's value prop and get polished welcome tours, personalization flows, and sign-up screens.

Pattern 2: Progressive Disclosure

Instead of upfront explanation, reveal features as users need them.

How It Works

The app starts with minimal UI. As users interact, new features are introduced with contextual tips, spotlights, or coach marks.

Why It Works

Reduces overwhelm — Users only see what's relevant right now
Learning by doing — Better retention than reading about features
Feels like using the app — Not a separate "onboarding" experience

Real Examples

Slack introduces features as you use them:

First message? Tooltip about emoji reactions
First channel? Explanation of notification settings
First week? Suggestion to set up integrations

Figma spotlights tools when you first open a new file:

Hover over an unfamiliar tool? Tooltip with shortcut
First time using prototyping? Quick tutorial appears
Create first frame? Size presets are highlighted

When to Use

Complex apps with many features
Tools where context matters
Products where "empty states" would be confusing

When to Skip

Simple apps with obvious interfaces
When users need to understand the full picture upfront
Time-sensitive flows (e.g., checkout)

Design Tips

Trigger on action, not time — Show tips when users try something, not after 5 seconds
Let users dismiss permanently — "Got it, don't show again" builds trust
Space it out — Don't bombard users with 10 tips in their first session
Keep tooltips short — One sentence per tip

Pattern 3: Single Value Proposition Screen

One screen. One message. One action.

How It Works

Skip the tour entirely. Show a single screen that communicates the app's core value, then immediately move to the core experience.

Why It Works

Respects time — Power users love this
Forces clarity — Makes you nail your value prop
Faster time-to-value — Users start doing, not reading

Real Examples

Robinhood opens with:

Headline: "Investing for everyone"
Subhead: "Commission-free trading"
CTA: "Sign up"
That's it.

Cash App:

Logo
Single line: "The easiest way to send and receive money"
CTA: "Sign up"

When to Use

Strong brand recognition
Single clear use case
Users who already know what they want
B2B tools where users are assigned the software

When to Skip

New product categories that need explanation
Apps with multiple core features
When user education impacts retention

Design Tips

Make the value prop specific — Not "The best app" but "Track expenses in 10 seconds"
Visual hierarchy matters more — One screen means every pixel counts
The CTA should be obvious — Primary action should be unmissable

Pattern 4: Personalization Questions

Ask a few questions, then customize the experience based on answers.

How It Works

Users answer 3-7 questions about their goals, preferences, or situation. The app uses responses to customize the initial experience.

Why It Works

Increases investment — Answering questions makes users feel ownership
Better first experience — Personalized content converts better
Collects useful data — Helps with segmentation and product decisions

Real Examples

Spotify asks during setup:

"Choose 3 or more artists you like"
"Pick some podcasts that interest you"
Then immediately creates personalized playlists

Notion asks:

"What brings you to Notion?"
Options: Team wiki, Project management, Notes, etc.
Customizes templates based on response

MyFitnessPal asks:

What's your goal? (Lose, maintain, gain weight)
How active are you?
What's your target weight?
Creates personalized calorie/macro goals

When to Use

When personalization significantly improves the experience
Products with multiple use cases
Apps where user goals vary widely

When to Skip

If you can infer preferences from behavior
Simple apps that don't need personalization
When you can't actually customize the experience meaningfully

Design Tips

Keep it under 7 questions — Every question is friction
Show why you're asking — "So we can personalize your feed"
Make it feel like progress — Progress bar, step indicators
Allow "Skip" or "Not sure" — Don't force choices

Pattern 5: Account Creation First

Get users signed up before they see the app.

How It Works

Why It Works

Captures intent — Users who sign up are committed
Enables personalization — You can save their data
Simpler architecture — App assumes authenticated state

Real Examples

Banking apps (required for security):

Sign up flow with identity verification
No preview of app until authenticated

Dating apps (Hinge, Bumble):

Profile creation is the first experience
Can't browse until profile is complete

When to Use

Regulated industries requiring authentication
Apps where identity is core to the experience
Subscription apps where conversion is priority

When to Skip

Apps where users want to explore first
Products with significant "aha" moments to show
When signup friction impacts acquisition

Design Tips

Minimize form fields — Email/password, or social login
Show value while signing up — Background imagery, key benefits
Enable social login — Reduces friction significantly
Consider "Continue as guest" — Let hesitant users explore

Pattern 6: Value First, Sign Up Later

Let users experience the app before asking for an account.

How It Works

Users can access core features without signing up. Account creation is prompted when they need to save progress, access advanced features, or after they've experienced value.

Why It Works

Proves value before commitment — Lowers barrier to entry
Higher-quality sign-ups — People who sign up have already experienced value
Respects user autonomy — Choice builds trust

Real Examples

Canva lets you:

Create designs without an account
Only prompts sign up when you try to save or download

Spotify free tier:

Listen to music with ads, no account required
Sign up for personalization, playlists, offline

Calm lets you:

Try one meditation without signing up
Account required for full library

When to Use

Apps where the core value is quickly demonstrable
Consumer apps competing for attention
Products with a clear upgrade path

When to Skip

Apps that require identity by nature
B2B tools with enterprise requirements
When you can't provide value without user data

Design Tips

Identify your "aha moment" — Get users there before asking for sign up
Make the prompt contextual — "Sign up to save this design" not "Create account"
Show what they'll get — "Unlock 5,000 templates" is better than "Make an account"

Pattern 7: Interactive Demo/Tutorial

Teach by doing with a guided hands-on experience.

How It Works

Users complete a mini-task with the app guiding each step. Coach marks, highlights, and instructions show what to do next.

Why It Works

Learning by doing — Better retention than reading
Guaranteed success — User completes a task successfully
Reduces fear — Users know they can't break anything

Real Examples

Asana new project tutorial:

"Let's create your first project"
Walks through adding tasks, assignees, due dates
Ends with a completed sample project

Figma first file experience:

Pre-populated design file with instructions
Guided tasks: "Try moving this shape"
Unlocks tools as you complete steps

Todoist starts with:

Pre-filled task: "Complete this first task"
Checking it off triggers celebration
Next task: "Add your own task"

When to Use

Complex apps with a learning curve
Tools where early success predicts retention
Products where users might feel intimidated

When to Skip

Simple, intuitive interfaces
Apps where exploration is the goal
When you risk being condescending

Design Tips

Start with a quick win — First task should take under 30 seconds
Make skipping easy — Power users shouldn't be forced through it
Use real features, not a sandbox — Tutorial should use actual app functionality
Celebrate completion — Confetti, checkmarks, "Great job!"

Pattern 8: Permission Requests (Done Right)

Ask for permissions with context, at the right moment.

How It Works

Instead of requesting all permissions upfront, ask for each permission right before it's needed, with clear explanation of why.

Why It Works

Context drives acceptance — Users understand why you need it
Higher grant rates — Contextual requests convert better
Builds trust — You only ask for what you actually need

Real Examples

Google Maps asks for location:

Not on first launch
When you tap "Navigate" the first time
"Google Maps needs your location to give directions"

Instagram asks for photos:

Not on first launch
When you tap to create a post
Context is obvious

Uber uses a pre-permission screen:

"Allow location access"
"To show drivers near you and estimate arrival times"
Then triggers the system dialog

When to Use

Any app that needs sensitive permissions
Apps where some features require permissions but core use doesn't

When to Skip

Apps that fundamentally require a permission (camera app needs camera)

Design Tips

Ask just-in-time, not upfront — Wait until the feature is being used
Use pre-permission screens — Explain the benefit before the system dialog
Provide alternatives — "You can also enter your address manually"
Handle denials gracefully — Don't break the app if permissions are denied

Pattern 9: Progress Bar / Checklist

Show users what's done and what's left.

How It Works

A visible progress indicator shows completion status. Could be a bar, checklist, or percentage. Often persists beyond onboarding.

Why It Works

Completion motivation — People want to finish what they started
Sets expectations — Users know how much is left
Celebrates progress — Each step feels like an achievement

Real Examples

LinkedIn profile completion:

"Your profile is 60% complete"
Checklist of remaining items
Persists until 100%

Notion onboarding checklist:

"Getting started" section in sidebar
Tasks: Create a page, Invite a teammate, Install mobile app
Disappears when complete

Superhuman setup:

Multi-step onboarding with clear progress bar
Each section: Inbox training, shortcuts, personalization

When to Use

Multi-step setups that take time
Apps where complete profiles improve experience
B2B tools with implementation phases

When to Skip

Quick onboarding that doesn't need tracking
Apps where "completion" doesn't make sense
When it might create pressure/anxiety

Design Tips

Start with some progress — "Step 1 of 5 complete" feels better than "Step 0 of 5"
Make steps achievable — No step should take more than 2 minutes
Allow pausing and resuming — Users might not finish in one session
Celebrate completion — Make 100% feel rewarding

Pattern 10: Social Proof During Onboarding

Show that others trust and use the app.

How It Works

Integrate testimonials, user counts, ratings, or case studies into the onboarding flow.

Why It Works

Reduces risk perception — "Others like me use this"
Builds credibility — Third-party validation
Creates FOMO — "Join 10 million users"

Real Examples

Coinbase sign-up page:

"Over 100 million people trust Coinbase"
App store rating badge
Security certifications

Calm onboarding:

"50 million people sleep better with Calm"
Press quotes: NYT, Apple App of the Year
Review snippets

Slack landing page:

Customer logos: Spotify, Target, etc.
"Trusted by millions of companies"

When to Use

New brands building credibility — especially startup founders looking to build trust fast
Apps in crowded categories
Products requiring trust (finance, health)

When to Skip

Established brands where it's unnecessary
Apps where the interface speaks for itself
When you don't have impressive numbers yet

Design Tips

Use specific numbers — "127,394 users" is more credible than "100,000+"
Show relevant social proof — B2B? Show company logos. Consumer? Show user counts
Don't overdo it — One or two proof points, not a wall of testimonials
Keep it current — Outdated stats undermine credibility

Pattern 11: Skeleton Screens / Loading States

Make waiting feel shorter with thoughtful loading design. Skeleton screens and other loading patterns are core mobile UI patterns that every app should implement.

How It Works

Instead of spinners, show a skeleton version of the UI that gets progressively filled in as content loads.

Why It Works

Feels faster — Perceived loading time is shorter
Sets expectations — Users see the structure they're waiting for
Reduces bounce — Users are less likely to leave during loading

Real Examples

Facebook/LinkedIn feeds:

Gray boxes in the shape of posts
Gradually fill with actual content
Animation suggests progress

Airbnb search results:

Listing cards appear as skeletons
Images and details load progressively

When to Use

Any initial load that takes more than 200ms
Content-heavy screens
Network-dependent experiences

When to Skip

Instant experiences that don't need loading states
When a simple spinner is genuinely appropriate

Design Tips

Match your actual layout — Skeleton should reflect what's loading
Use subtle animation — Shimmer effect suggests activity
Load priority content first — Show the most important elements first
Consider optimistic UI — Can you show something before the server confirms?

Pattern 12: Empty States That Educate

Turn "nothing here yet" into an invitation to action.

How It Works

When users see an empty section, show helpful content that explains what goes there and how to add things.

Why It Works

Prevents confusion — Users understand what they're looking at
Drives action — Clear CTA to fill the empty state
Teaches the app — Explains features through context

Real Examples

Slack empty channel:

Illustration + "This is the very beginning of #channel-name"
"Add a description, send a message, or mention someone to get started"

Dropbox empty folder:

"This folder is empty"
"Drag files here or click to upload"
Drop zone is clearly indicated

Todoist empty project:

"Plan your day"
Quick-add button prominent
Example tasks shown as suggestions

When to Use

Any screen that can be empty
Features that require user-generated content
New user experiences

Design Tips

Be helpful, not just informative — "No messages" is less helpful than "Send your first message"
Include a CTA — Don't just describe, enable action
Use illustrations thoughtfully — They add personality but shouldn't overshadow the CTA
Write encouraging copy — "Get started" beats "Nothing to show"

Pattern 13: Gamification Elements

Make onboarding rewarding with game-like mechanics.

How It Works

Incorporate points, badges, streaks, levels, or rewards into the onboarding process.

Why It Works

Triggers dopamine — Small rewards create engagement loops
Creates stickiness — Users don't want to break streaks
Makes mundane fun — Data entry becomes achievement unlocking

Real Examples

Duolingo full gamification:

XP for completing lessons
Streaks for daily practice
Leaderboards against friends
Badges for milestones

Forest streak-based:

Growing trees for focused time
Trees die if you leave the app
Garden shows history

Fitbit achievement badges:

Badges for step milestones
Challenges with friends
Weekly progress celebrations

When to Use

Consumer apps targeting habit formation
Apps where regular engagement matters
Younger demographics

When to Skip

Professional/enterprise tools
Apps where gamification feels inappropriate
When it would trivialize the experience

Design Tips

Rewards should feel earned — Easy rewards feel meaningless
Don't gate core functionality — Gamification enhances, not restricts
Let users opt out — Some people hate gamification
Avoid dark patterns — Loss aversion mechanics can feel manipulative

Pattern 14: Contextual Defaults

Pre-fill forms and settings with smart defaults.

How It Works

Use available data (device info, location, time zone, social login) to pre-populate information and settings.

Why It Works

Reduces friction — Less typing = faster completion
Shows intelligence — App feels smart and helpful
Demonstrates personalization — Immediate evidence the app adapts to you

Real Examples

Uber uses:

Current location as pickup point
Recent destinations as suggestions
Saved payment methods

Calendly pre-fills:

Time zone from device
Working hours from calendar analysis
Meeting duration from common patterns

Weather apps automatically:

Detect current location
Show relevant alerts
Display in local units

When to Use

Any form that could be pre-filled
Settings that have obvious defaults
Onboarding flows that collect repetitive info

When to Skip

When assumptions might be wrong (e.g., don't assume gender)
Sensitive information
When user control is the expectation

Design Tips

Make it editable — Pre-filled doesn't mean locked
Be transparent — Show where data came from
Err on the side of caution — Better to ask than assume wrong
Test your assumptions — What seems obvious might not be

Pattern 15: Video Onboarding

Show, don't just tell, with video content.

How It Works

Short videos (15-60 seconds) demonstrate the app's value or explain how to use key features.

Why It Works

High information density — Video communicates faster than text
Shows real usage — Users see the app in action
Professional feeling — Well-produced video builds credibility

Real Examples

Loom uses Loom:

Video explaining how to record
Meta demonstration of the product

Superhuman onboarding videos:

Short clips for each major feature
High production quality
Personalized video from CEO

Figma tutorials:

Feature-specific videos in help menu
Community videos showing techniques

When to Use

Complex products needing explanation
Products where motion/interaction is key
Premium apps where polish matters

When to Skip

Simple apps that don't need explanation
Slow connections or data-conscious users
When text is genuinely more efficient

Design Tips

Keep it under 60 seconds — Attention spans are short
Allow skipping — Some users prefer to explore
Include captions — Many watch without sound
Make it optional — Video should enhance, not gate progress

Measuring Onboarding Success

Great onboarding is measured, not guessed.

Key Metrics

Completion rate: What percentage of users finish onboarding?

Time to completion: How long does onboarding take?

Activation rate: What percentage reach your "aha moment"?

Day 1/7/30 retention: Do onboarded users stick around?

Drop-off points: Where exactly do users abandon?

Tracking Setup

Track each onboarding step:

Step viewed
Step completed
Step skipped
Time spent on step

Look for patterns in drop-off to identify friction points.

Iteration Framework

Identify worst step — Where's the biggest drop-off?
Hypothesize — Why might users leave here?
Test — A/B test a change
Measure — Did completion improve?
Repeat — Move to next worst step

Generating Onboarding Screens with AI

AI design tools can rapidly prototype different onboarding patterns.

Prompt Examples

For welcome tour:

Create 4 onboarding screens for a meditation app.

Screen 1: Welcome with app logo and value proposition
Screen 2: Highlight daily reminders feature
Screen 3: Highlight guided meditations library
Screen 4: Highlight progress tracking with streaks

Style: Calm, minimal, lots of whitespace. Soft purple and blue gradient backgrounds. Include progress dots at bottom and Skip button.

For personalization flow:

Design a personalization questionnaire for a fitness app.

Screens:
1. "What's your main goal?" - Lose weight, Build muscle, Stay active, Improve flexibility
2. "How active are you?" - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
3. "How many days per week?" - 1-2, 3-4, 5+
4. Final screen showing personalized plan summary

Modern fitness aesthetic, dark theme with green accent. Show progress bar.

For empty states:

Create empty state screens for a task management app.

Screens:
1. Empty inbox - encourage adding first task
2. Empty project - explain how projects organize tasks
3. Completed all tasks - celebrate with illustration

Friendly, encouraging copy. Include relevant CTAs. Use subtle illustrations.

Resources

Mobbin - Library of real app onboarding flows
GenDesigns - AI tool for rapid onboarding prototyping
Appcues - Blog on onboarding best practices
Really Good UX - Curated UX patterns including onboarding

Related reading:

12 Mobile UI Patterns Every App Needs in 2026 - Essential UI patterns
How to Design a Mobile App with AI - Complete design guide
E-commerce App Design: Patterns That Convert - Conversion-focused design