How to Update Google Chrome

Why Keeping Chrome Updated is Critical

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world, which also makes it the most frequent target for hackers and malicious software. Every day, security researchers discover new vulnerabilities in how browsers handle code, process images, or manage memory.

When these vulnerabilities are found, Google patches them immediately by releasing a new version of Chrome. If you do not install these updates, your browser remains exposed to known security flaws that malicious websites can actively exploit just by you visiting them.

Beyond security, keeping Chrome updated ensures you have access to the latest performance improvements (reducing how much RAM the browser uses) and new features like the built-in Password Manager or Energy Saver mode.

While Chrome is designed to update itself automatically in the background when you close and reopen the application, many people leave their browsers open for days or weeks at a time. If you never close Chrome, the update cannot install itself.

How to Manually Check for and Install Chrome Updates

You can force Chrome to check for the latest version and install it immediately without losing your current tabs.

1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your Windows PC or Mac.
2. Look at the very top right corner of the window, just to the right of your profile picture. Click the three vertical dots (⋮) to open the main menu.
3. Note: If an update has been pending for a while, these dots will change color. Green means an update has been ready for 2 days, orange means 4 days, and red means an update has been waiting for at least a week.
4. In the dropdown menu, hover your mouse over Help near the bottom.
5. In the sub-menu that appears, click About Google Chrome.

As soon as the “About Chrome” settings page opens, the browser will automatically communicate with Google’s servers and check your current version against the latest release.

• If you are fully updated, you will see a blue checkmark and the message “Chrome is up to date.”
• If an update is available, Chrome will immediately begin downloading it. You will see a percentage indicator showing the download progress.

How to Relaunch Chrome Without Losing Your Tabs

Once the download reaches 100%, the update is still not actually installed. You must restart the browser to apply the new code.

1. A new button labeled Relaunch will appear next to the version number.
2. Click the Relaunch button.

Chrome will immediately close itself. Within a few seconds, it will automatically reopen. Do not worry about losing your work; Chrome will remember and restore all the tabs and windows you had open before the restart.

Pro Tip: If you were in the middle of filling out a web form (like an online purchase or a long survey) or if you had an Incognito window open, you should finish those tasks before clicking Relaunch. While regular tabs are restored, unsaved form data and all Incognito tabs will be lost during the restart.

How to Update Chrome on iPhone or Android

Unlike the desktop version, the mobile version of Google Chrome does not update itself internally. It relies entirely on your phone’s central app store.

On an Android Phone:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap your Profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Tap Manage apps & device.
4. Under the “Updates available” section, tap See details.
5. Scroll through the list to find Chrome. If it is there, tap the Update button next to it.

On an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap your Profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down to the “Upcoming Automatic Updates” section.
4. If Google Chrome is listed, tap the Update button next to it.

To prevent having to do this manually in the future, ensure that automatic app updates are enabled in both your iOS Settings and Google Play Store settings.