How to Check and Update Google Chrome Browser on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac

Although it is very popular, Google Chrome is prone to bugs and problems. Recently, Chrome was in the news due to serious vulnerabilities in the app. However, a simple update was required to resolve the problem. You can pause updates or just search for the latest. So in this post, we will explain how to update Chrome and why you should keep it up to date.

While Google Chrome, the web browser is preinstalled on most Android phones, you need to install it on other devices where you want to use it. Once installed, the app will receive regular updates from Google.

But how do you get these Chrome updates? Let's see the answer in this article, where we will explain how to update Chrome on Windows, macOS, Android and iPhone.

What does the Chrome browser update mean

Updating the Chrome browser or any other app means installing the updated version of the app. The updated version usually contains new features, security fixes, and bug fixes.

Now updating the app does two things: install the new version and delete the previous version. Both things happen simultaneously and automatically when you update the app. But for that, you don't need to uninstall the Chrome app. Just press the Update button and the rest is done automatically.

Note: A working Internet connection is required to update Chrome.

Why it's important to update Chrome regularly

It is very important to update your default browser regularly. Indeed, its update helps you stay safe from malicious attacks, fixes problems caused by various bugs and introduces interesting new features.

Therefore, you should keep a tab on Chrome updates. And in doing so, you can sometimes come across news regarding a certain version of Chrome. At that point, you may be wondering what is the version number of Chrome on your device? Let's see how to find out which version of Chrome is 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.

Check the version of Chrome on Windows and macOS

Step 1: Open the Google Chrome browser on your computer.

2nd step: Click the three dots icon in the upper right corner and select Help. Then choose About Google Chrome.

Step 3: You can find the version number listed in the About Chrome section.

Check Chrome version on Android

Step 1: Launch the Chrome browser and tap the three dots icon at the top. Tap Settings.

2nd step: Scroll down and tap About Chrome. The version number will be displayed under the application version.

Check the Chrome version on iOS

Step 1: Open Chrome and tap the three dots icon at the bottom. Then tap Settings.

2nd step: Tap Google Chrome. On the next screen you will see the version number.

How to know if my device’s Chrome is up to date and how to update it

Here's how to find out if Chrome requires an update on your device. And if so, the steps are mentioned for computers and cellphones.

1. Update Chrome on Mac and Windows

Typically, Google will automatically update the Chrome browser on your computer. This happens in the background when you close and open the browser. However, when an update is successfully installed, you will not be notified. It is only when new features are applied that you can notice some changes. 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 might be notified of a pending update. This is done by displaying a colored exclamation mark icon in place of the three-dot icon where each color has a different meaning. The green color indicates that the update is pending for two days, the orange means four days and the red refers to a week. Whichever color you get from these three options, click on the icon and hit the Update Chrome button. Then restart Chrome.

Here's how to update Chrome, or you don't know if the latest version is installed.

Step 1: In the Chrome browser, click the three dots icon at the top. Then choose Help, then About Chrome. You can also open chrome: // settings / help.

Yes, these are the same steps we used to check the Chrome version number.

2nd step: If an update is available, you'll notice that it starts to install automatically as soon as you access the About Chrome screen. If no update is available, you will see the text "Google Chrome is up to date".

Stage 3: Once installed, you will be asked to restart the browser by clicking on Relaunch.

2. Update Chrome on Android and iOS

On Android and iOS, when automatic app updates are turned on, the Chrome app automatically updates in the background. And you won't see the Update button for Chrome. However, if automatic updates are turned off, here's how to check and update Chrome.

Update Chrome on Android

There are two methods to do. The first is to use the official Play Store, and the second is to use an APK. Let's check both.

1. Update Chrome from the Play Store

To manually update Chrome, open Google Play Store and tap the three bar icon at the top. Select My apps and games from there.

Your phone will check for available updates. If an update is available, Google Chrome is listed there. Tap the Update button next to it.

Point: You can also search Google Chrome in the Play Store. And then press the Update button.

2. Update Chrome without Play Store

For this, you will need the Google Chrome APK file. Download the APK from a trusted source such as APKMirror.com. Once downloaded, tap on it to install it. You will be asked to allow your phone to install apps from unknown sources. Grant the required authorization.

Download Chrome APK

Use this method of installing apps only when the Chrome app has a problem or if you want to upgrade it without waiting for the official update to reach your device.

Update Chrome on iOS

On iOS 12 and earlier, 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'll find Chrome. Then press 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 photo icon at the top. Scroll down and you will find the pending updates. Search for Chrome. If available, tap Update to install it.

What happens after updating Chrome

When you update Chrome, you may not notice any major changes. Some updates, as mentioned above, only provide bug fixes that take place in the background.

Otherwise, don't worry about your data. Your data saved on Chrome, such as bookmarks, passwords, history, etc. is not deleted. Even your settings remain intact. And if some tabs were open, they will reopen after updating Chrome. Only incognito tabs will not open.

Troubleshooting: what to do if Chrome doesn't update on my device

To get started, restart Chrome. Since Chrome usually updates in the background, it may be useful to restart it. In addition to that, you can try the above mentioned methods to update Chrome. And if that doesn't resolve the issue, check out other fixes for the blocked Chrome download issue. You should also take a look at the solutions provided by Google itself.

Watch out for fake updates

Sometimes you can get fake pop-up messages saying – "Update Chrome", "Urgent Chrome Update", "Pending Chrome Update", etc. Beware of these messages and do not click on them.

You must be wondering how to identify such bogus messages. In most cases, they arrive as pop-ups in the center of the screen. This is not how Chrome notifies you of official updates. You will be notified via a symbol at the top right on Chrome on your PC or Mac. And on mobile phones, you will see the update in the respective app stores on Android and iPhone.

Then: Are you having trouble with the latest Chrome update? Correct it by resetting the Chrome settings. Know what happens when you reset Chrome from the following link.