How to Install and Update the Chrome Beta on iPhone and iPad

I never get tired of Chrome. Although Safari has gained ground on the iPhone and iPad in recent times, Google's flagship browser is just too good to let go. I especially like the way it seamlessly syncs data across all of my devices. And given that I'm moving away from the Apple ecosystem almost all the time, that changes the game.

If you can't get enough Chrome too, you might want to consider giving the beta version of Chrome a serious hit. This is a step ahead of the stable version, and you can try out the latest features of Chrome long before anyone else.

But unlike Windows and macOS, or even Android, installing Chrome Beta for iOS can be a bit complicated. Not hard. If you want to run Chrome Beta on your iPhone or iPad, here's all you need to set it up.

In a word

Always concerned about confidentiality, Apple is quite restrictive as to third parties who let the masses "test" the beta versions of their applications without having control over the whole process. Therefore, you will not find the beta version of Chrome listed in the App Store. Instead, you need to install it via TestFlight.

If you don't already know, TestFlight is a specialized application that handles all questions related to beta versions of applications (invitations, installations, updates, comments, etc.).

That aside, getting your hands on the beta version of Chrome also has a major drawback. Install it and it replaces the stable version of your iPhone or iPad. If you plan to use both the stable and beta versions, you will not be able to do so.

If these two are not problems, it's time to start.

Install TestFlight

As mentioned above, you need to install the TestFlight app to get started. And, it is easy to install. Go to the App Store, search for TestFlight, then tap Install to install it. After that, you're ready to go.

Download TestFlight

Otherwise, use the Download button above if you want to avoid the hassle of searching for the app.

Be invited

Installing a beta app via TestFlight requires an invitation from the app developer. However, you don't have to do anything to get a Chrome Beta invitation because Google is generous enough to distribute them.

Just navigate to the official Google Chrome Beta page using any web browser on your iPhone or iPad, then click the Download Chrome Beta button.

The Chrome Beta invitation should then automatically launch into the TestFlight app.

Accept Chrome Beta

You must accept the Chrome Beta invitation before proceeding. This will allow Google to access all crash logs and usage information related to Chrome Beta. This helps Google to improve the stable version later.

For more details, see the Terms and Conditions of the invitation. If that's okay with you, tap Accept.

Install Chrome Beta

After accepting the Chrome Beta invitation, a pop-up window will prompt you with an Install button. Tap it to start installing Chrome Beta.

If the stable version of the browser is installed, you will be notified of a replacement of your data. But as long as you've signed in to your Google Account and synced your bookmarks, passwords, settings, etc., you don't have to worry about losing them.

But if you haven't synced your data yet, do it now before hitting the Install button. Otherwise, you will lose your data.

Use Chrome Beta

The beta version of Chrome should look like the stable version. Since the beta version is usually only one release cycle before the stable version, don't expect drastic differences in terms of aesthetics. But you should see additional new features and other minor visual changes when new Chrome Beta updates arrive on your iPhone or iPad.

Note: You can launch the beta version of Chrome using the TestFlight app or by tapping the Chrome icon on the home screen.

If you were connected to the stable version, you will be automatically connected to the beta version of Chrome with all your data intact. Synchronizing data with your Google Account will also work as before.

Chrome Beta update

To update the beta version of Chrome, you need to use the TestFlight app. If you have enabled notifications for the TestFlight app, you will receive an alert whenever a new update is available.

But if you've turned off notifications, just launch the TestFlight app, and then tap Install next to Chrome if you see that an update is available. Another way to check for updates faster is to perform a Haptic Touch gesture on the TestFlight app icon, then follow it up by tapping Update All.

Sending comments

TestFlight will automatically collect various data regarding the use of Chrome beta – crash logs, for example. You can also send feedback to Chrome developers. Open the TestFlight app, then tap Send Feedback to submit a report with or without screenshots.

Chrome Beta removal

If you want to revert to the stable version of Chrome for iOS, just search for it in the App Store, then tap Install. This will automatically overwrite the beta version. You can also choose to permanently delete the app.

However, it is best to deactivate the beta version beforehand, which will then stop all notifications related to the beta version of Chrome on your iPhone or iPad. To do this, open the TestFlight app, select Google Chrome, and then tap Stop Test.

Beta tester

If you hate having to wait weeks to get your hands on features like dark mode or the ability to switch search engines, you should install Chrome Beta. And it's also pretty stable for the most part. I would say the strange crash or bug is well worth what you get in return.

Then: Are you looking for a way to block annoying ads in Chrome for iOS? Here's the best way to do it.