Despite being very popular, Google Chrome is prone to bugs and problems. Recently, Chrome has been in the news for serious vulnerabilities in the app. However, a simple update was required to fix the problem. You can pause updates or search for the latest. In this article, we will tell you how to update Chrome and why you should keep it up to date.
While Google Chrome, the web browser comes pre-installed on most Android phones, you have to install it on other devices wherever you want to use it. Once installed, the app receives regular updates from Google.
But how do I get these Chrome updates? Let’s find the answer in this post where we will tell you how to update Chrome on Windows, macOS, Android and iPhone.
What Does It Mean to Update the Chrome Browser?
Updating the Chrome browser or any other app means installing the updated version of the app. The updated version usually includes new features, security patches and bug fixes.
Now updating the app involves two things – installing the new version and uninstalling the previous version. Both things happen simultaneously and automatically when you update the app. But you don’t have to uninstall the Chrome app for that. You just need to hit the Update button and the rest will happen automatically.
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Why Is It Important to Update Chrome Regularly?
It is very important that you regularly update your default browser. This is because the update helps protect you from malicious attacks, fixes issues caused by various bugs, and introduces new and interesting features.
Therefore, you should follow the Chrome updates. And in doing so, you may occasionally stumble upon news about a particular version of Chrome. Then you may wonder: What is the Chrome version number on your device? Let’s see how to find the version of Chrome installed on your device.
What Version of Chrome Do I Have?
Here’s how to find out the version number of the Chrome browser on computer and mobile devices.
Check Chrome Version on Windows and macOS
Stage 1: Open the Google Chrome browser on your computer.
step 2: Click the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and select Help. Next, select About Google Chrome.
Stage 3: You can find the version number in About Chrome.
Check Chrome Version on Android
Stage 1: Launch the Chrome browser and tap the three-dot icon at the top. Tap on Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap About Chrome. The version number will be displayed under App version.
Check Chrome Version on iOS
Stage 1: Open Chrome and tap the three-dot icon at the bottom. Then tap on Settings.
step 2: Tap Google Chrome. You will see the version number on the next screen.
How Do I Know If The Chrome On My Device Is Up-To-Date And How Do I Update It?
Here’s how to find out if Chrome requires an update on your device. And steps are mentioned for both computers and mobile phones, if any.
Note: Save your work before manually updating your Chrome. Even if Chrome reopens existing tabs
1. Update Chrome on Mac and Windows
Usually, Google automatically updates the Chrome browser on your computer. It happens in the background when you close and open the browser. However, when an update is successfully installed, you will not be notified about it. You may notice some changes only when new features are applied. Otherwise, things will remain unchanged on the front-end while Google continues to push updates.
If you haven’t closed Chrome for a while, you may be warned about a pending update. This is done by displaying a colored exclamation point instead of the three-dot icon, where each color has a different meaning. Green means the update has been pending for two days, orange means four days, and red indicates a week. Whichever color you get from these three options, click the icon and hit the Update Chrome button. Then restart Chrome.
Here’s how to update Chrome or not sure if you have the latest version installed.
Stage 1: In the Chrome browser, click the three-dot icon at the top. Next, select Help and then About Chrome. Alternatively, open chrome://settings/help.
Yes, these are the same steps we use to check Chrome’s version number.
step 2: If an update is available, you will notice that it starts installing automatically as soon as you enter the About Chrome screen. In case there are no updates, you will see the text ‘Google Chrome is up to date’.
Stage 3: Once installed, you will be prompted to restart the browser by clicking Restart.
Note: Even if you can disable automatic updates for Chrome
2. Update Chrome on Android and iOS
On both Android and iOS, when automatic updates are enabled for apps, the Chrome app will automatically update in the background. You will also not see the Update button for Chrome. However, here’s how to check and update Chrome if automatic updates are turned off.
Update Chrome on Android
There are two methods to do. The first involves using the official Play Store, and the second involves using an APK. Let’s check both.
1. Update Chrome from Play Store
To update Chrome manually, open Google Play Store and tap the icon with three bars at the top. Select My apps & games.
Your phone will check for available updates. If an update is available, you will see Google Chrome listed there. Tap the Update button next to it.
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2. Update Chrome without Play Store
You will need the APK file of Google Chrome for this. Download the APK from a trusted source like APKMirror.com. After downloading, tap on it to install. You will be asked to authorize your phone to install apps from unknown sources. Grant the necessary permission.
Only use this app installation method when the Chrome app encounters a problem or you want to upgrade without waiting for the official update to arrive on your device.
Update Chrome on iOS
With iOS 12 and below, open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and tap Updates at the bottom. Search for Google Chrome. If an update is available, you will find Chrome. Then tap the Update button next to it.
On iOS 13 and above, open the App Store and tap the Today tab at the bottom. Then tap on your profile picture icon at the top. Scroll down and you will find pending updates. Search for Chrome. If available, tap on Update to install it.
What Happens After Updating Chrome?
You may not notice a big change when you update Chrome. As mentioned above, some updates only bring bug fixes that happen in the background.
Other than that, don’t worry about your data. Your data saved in Chrome, such as bookmarks, passwords, history and more, will not be deleted. Even your settings are untouched. And if you have some tabs open, they will reopen after updating Chrome. Only Incognito tabs won’t open.
Troubleshooting: What To Do If Chrome Won’t Update On My Device
For starters, restart Chrome. Since Chrome usually updates itself in the background, restarting it can help. In addition, you can try the methods we mentioned above to update Chrome. And if that doesn’t fix it, check other fixes for Chrome download stuck issue. You should also take a look at the solutions Google offers.
Beware of Fake Updates
Sometimes, ‘Update Chrome’, ‘Immediate Chrome update’, ‘Waiting for Chrome update’ etc. You may receive fake pop-up messages such as Beware of such messages and do not click them.
You must be wondering how to identify such fake messages. In most cases, they come as pop-ups in the middle of the screen. This is how Chrome doesn’t notify you about official updates. In Chrome on your PC or Mac, you’ll be notified via a symbol in the top right. And on mobile phones, you will see the update in their respective app stores on Android and iPhone.
Next: Is the latest Chrome update giving you trouble? Fix it by resetting Chrome settings. Find out what happens when you reset Chrome at the next link.