Keeping your Chrome browser updated is probably the most important thing of all. This is one of the many things that provide a smooth performance of the Chrome browser. It also helps you to keep your information and passwords safe.
Normally, Chrome updates itself in the background, irrespective of your device. But in case it does not, you can update it manually. Today, we are going to talk about how to update Google Chrome on different devices and the latest version that is available for Chrome.
Why Update the Chrome Browser?
Google Chrome is the most popular web browser of all-time. Whenever someone asks to “open your browser,” we prefer to open Chrome more than any other browser.
Using Chrome has many advantages; it’s fast, reliable, secure, and includes some great features. Since millions of users use Chrome every day, it’s important to keep the browser always updated to eliminate security-related issues.
Many people don’t know how to update Google Chrome because there is no direct button or option that helps you do that. You will have to search for the same in the settings menu to find the Update Chrome option. Since, by default, Chrome is always set to update itself, many users don’t even bother checking for its latest version.
However, in some cases, you might have to update Chrome manually. That is what we’re going to detail in this article. But before that, here’s a detailed explanation on why you must update Google Chrome:
1. Keeps you Secure
Google Chrome ensures your safety by releasing a new update every now and then and installs the update automatically. This ensures that you always have the latest security features and resolves newfound security issues.
2. Latest Google Features
With each update, you can expect a new Google tool on your browser, for example, one-click translation, password check-ups, and tab groups. Chrome will bring more tools like these to make the user experience better with the subsequent updates.
3. Improved Performance and Speed
Updates make things better and faster. After updating your Chrome browser, you can browse faster with more efficiency and reliability than you do previously.
Chrome Versions Release Dates for Different Platforms
Earlier this year, Chrome released the Chrome 88 version to add new capabilities to its password manager system. The new updates of the Chrome browser are released for every operating system, and the releases typically contain the same functions and features.
Even if the versions for different platforms are released on different dates, they carry the same features and functions.
Chrome for Android or Windows sometimes release their updates on different dates. For example, if a new update ruled out today on Android, it may not come around in Windows this week. After the week, you will find a new update option for your Chrome. But sometimes, your Chrome says that it is running an outdated version even when you have the latest version running.
Why is My Google Chrome Out of Date?
If you are using Chrome OS, sometimes you may find a warning on your homepage saying that the version of the Chrome browser you are running is out of date. However, the last time you checked, your Chrome browser was running the latest version. This happens due to one of the following two reasons:
- Since Chrome OS is based on Chrome’s underlying technology, the version number of Chrome OS and Chrome browser are identical. For example, Chrome OS v78 looks almost like Chrome Browser v78.
- Chrome OS needs the new release of the Chrome browser to be finalized before Chrome OS. For example, Chrome OS v79 is not ready to finalize if the Chrome Browser v79 is not finalized yet.
Hence, there is always confusion between the two versions of Chromes. The time for finalizing both Chromes will take a few days at a minimum. During that time, you may have the latest version of Chrome OS when no new updates are available. But at the same time, maybe the Chrome Browser has released a new update.
So, these two updates will sometimes take time to merge, and this thing is quite common for Chromebook users. Since there is nothing you cannot do to fix it, you will only have to wait.
How to Update Chrome on macOS and Windows?
You can update Chrome on your Mac and Windows computer, and it always works. Updating Google Chrome on Mac and Windows is as easy as updating it on any other device such as Android and iOS. So, let’s check out the steps below:
- Step 1: Open Google Chrome on your Mac.
- Step 2: From the top-right corner, click on the Kebab menu.
- Step 3: Click on the Update Google Chrome button. If the button is not there, it means that you are running the latest version of Google Chrome.
- Step 4: Click on the relaunch button to update Google Chrome.
- Step 5: Or you can go to About Google Chrome from Help under the Kebab menu to let Chrome find its updates automatically.
- Step 6: Google Chrome will update itself automatically if there is a new version available. Once the update is done, you can relaunch Chrome to let the update work.
How to Update Chrome on Android?
Now that you saw how easy it is to update Google Chrome on Windows computers and Mac, it is time to explain how to do the same on Android and iOS devices, which is also equally easy. To update Chrome on your Android phone, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android mobile.
- Step 2: Click on burger Menu bar from the top-left corner.
- Step 3: Go to My apps & games.
- Step 4: Click on Updates and find Google Chrome. When you find the browser, there should be an Update button next to it. Now tap on it to start updating Chrome.
These steps will help you update Chrome on Android. To update Chrome on iOS, continue reading the section below.
How to Update Google Chrome on iPhone and iPad?
Like Android users can update Google Chrome, just like any other Android app, from Play Store, you can do the same from App Store in iOS. Simply follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Open App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Step 2: Click on Updates.
- Step 3: Search for Google Chrome, and when you find it, the Update button should be next to it. Click on it. The Update button will be replaced by Open if the browser is already updated.
Applying a Pending Update on Google Chrome Browser
As said previously, Google Chrome can update itself in the background with no manual effort. Whenever Google releases an update, the web browser will download and install the same on its own.
But if you have not closed your browser after the latest update has been released, there will be a Pending Update situation. If the update is pending, you will see the light yellow color in the icon.
In general, there are 3 colors for the update situation: green, yellow, and red.
- The green color refers that the update is about 2-3 days new,
- The yellow color refers that the update is four days old, and finally,
- The red color means the update is more than four days old.
You can simply close the Chrome browser and reopen it to apply the update.
What is Chrome 88 Update?
Chrome 88 is the latest Chrome update that rolled out in January 2021. It added abilities to Chrome’s password manager. It also streamlined permission requests from the websites that ask for microphone permission.
Chrome 88 has shown some vulnerabilities in the beginning as per the search giant. They said that Chrome 88 has some critical bugs, and to fix that, they put some time into fixing them.
Users now can download the Chrome 88 version on their Mac and Windows as well as Linux computers directly from Help>About Google Chrome>. For Android and iOS, you can download the same update from the Play Store and App Store, respectively.
Conclusion
Whenever the developer releases a new update, you will find it within a few days. You must install the updates whenever available to keep your Chrome safe and secure. In case you need any help in the process, feel free to ask for help in the comments box below.