Chrome checks for updates automatically, but you can force a check right now

Google Chrome updates itself in the background without asking you. When you close and reopen the browser, it installs any waiting updates. But if you want to see whether an update is available right now — or force one to install when ready — you can check manually in about 30 seconds.

The process is the same on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, and Android. On iPhone and iPad, Chrome updates only through the App Store, so you check there instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome automatically downloads and installs updates when you close and reopen the browser, so you do not need to do anything manually.
  • To check for updates right now, open Chrome's menu (three dots in the top right), select "About Chrome", and the browser will show whether an update is available or already installed.
  • If an update is waiting, Chrome will tell you to relaunch the browser to finish installing it.
  • On iPhone and iPad, Chrome updates only through the App Store, not through Chrome itself.
  • Keeping Chrome current protects you against security vulnerabilities that older versions leave open.

How to manually check for updates on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Open Chrome and look for the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window. Click them to open the menu. Near the top of that menu, you will see "About Chrome" — click it.

A new tab will open showing your Chrome version number. Chrome will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, you will see a button that says "Relaunch" or "Update". Click it to install the update and restart the browser. If Chrome is already up to date, the page will say "Chrome is up to date" with a checkmark.

The whole process takes less than a minute. You do not need to restart your computer — only the browser needs to relaunch.

How to check for updates on Android

On Android phones and tablets, open Chrome and tap the three dots in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings". Then tap "About Chrome".

Chrome will check for updates automatically. If one is available, you will see a button to update. Tap it, and the Google Play Store will open. Tap "Update" in the Play Store, and Chrome will update like any other Android app. You do not need to do anything else — the update will finish in the background.

How to update Chrome on iPhone and iPad

Chrome on iPhone and iPad does not check for updates within the app itself. Instead, you update it through the App Store, just like any other iOS app.

Open the App Store and tap the account icon in the bottom right. Scroll down to "Available Updates" and look for Chrome. If an update is listed, tap "Update" next to it. The App Store will read and install the new version. You can also turn on automatic updates in the App Store settings so Chrome updates without you checking.

What happens when Chrome finds an update

When Chrome detects an update is available, it downloads it silently in the background. You will not see a notification or pop-up while you are working. The next time you close Chrome completely and reopen it, the update installs automatically.

If you check manually using the "About Chrome" page and an update is waiting, Chrome will ask you to relaunch the browser. You can do this right away or wait until you are ready to close Chrome anyway. Relaunch means closing all your tabs and windows, so Chrome will ask you to confirm first.

Why Chrome updates matter for security

Chrome updates include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers can exploit. Running an outdated version of Chrome leaves those vulnerabilities open. Google releases updates frequently — sometimes multiple times per month — specifically to close security holes as soon as they are discovered.

Because Chrome updates automatically, most people stay protected without doing anything. But if you disable automatic updates or use a very old device that no longer receives updates, you become a target. Checking for updates manually ensures you are not running a version with known security problems.

How to turn off automatic updates (not recommended)

Chrome is designed to update automatically, and there is no official setting to disable this completely. On Windows and Mac, your system administrator can control Chrome updates through group policy or configuration profiles, but this is a workplace setting, not something individual users can change.

On Android and iPhone, you can disable automatic app updates in your device settings, which will stop Chrome from updating automatically. But this leaves you vulnerable to security problems. If you do this, you must remember to check for updates manually every few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chrome update while I am using it?

No. Chrome downloads updates in the background, but it only installs them when you close and reopen the browser. You will not experience interruptions while working.

What if I see "Relaunch" but I have unsaved work?

Chrome will warn you before relaunching and give you a chance to save your work. You can also wait and relaunch later when you are ready. The update will not install until you click "Relaunch" or close Chrome yourself.

Why does Chrome keep asking me to relaunch?

This means an update has been downloaded and is waiting to install. Click "Relaunch" to finish the installation. If you keep closing the notification without relaunching, the update will eventually install the next time you close Chrome anyway.

Can I check what version of Chrome I am running without updating?

Yes. Go to the three-dot menu, click "About Chrome", and you will see your version number at the top of the page. Chrome will check for updates automatically, but you can close the tab without clicking "Relaunch" if you do not want to update right now.

What if my device is too old to receive Chrome updates?

Very old devices eventually stop receiving Chrome updates when the operating system becomes too outdated. If this happens, the "About Chrome" page will tell you that your device will no longer receive updates. At that point, consider upgrading your device or switching to a browser that still supports your operating system.