Chrome updates itself automatically, but you can check and finish the update right now
Chrome downloads updates in the background while you use it, then installs them the next time you close and reopen the browser. You do not have to do anything — but if you want to see whether an update is waiting or force it to install immediately, you can check in the Chrome menu in under a minute.
On Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iPhone, the process is the same: open Chrome, look for a coloured circle or arrow icon next to your profile picture in the top right corner, and click it. If you see a green checkmark, you are on the latest version. If you see a yellow, orange, or red circle, or an arrow, an update is ready — click the icon and select "Update Google Chrome", then relaunch the browser.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome automatically downloads updates in the background and installs them when you restart the browser, so manual updates are optional.
- To check your version or force an update, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "About Google Chrome", and Chrome will show your current version and download any pending update.
- A coloured circle or arrow icon next to your profile picture signals that an update is waiting — click it and select "Update Google Chrome" to install immediately.
- After updating, close all Chrome windows completely and reopen the browser for the new version to take effect.
- On Android and iPhone, Chrome updates through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, the same way you update any other app.
Where to find the update check on Windows and Mac
Open Chrome and look at the top right corner of the window. You will see a circular profile icon with your initial or picture inside it. Click that icon. A small menu will drop down — at the top, you will see either a green checkmark (meaning you are current), or a coloured circle with an arrow or number inside it (meaning an update is waiting).
If you see a coloured icon, click "Update Google Chrome" in that menu. Chrome will download and prepare the update. When it finishes, you will see a button that says "Relaunch" — click it, and Chrome will close and reopen with the new version installed.
If you do not see the coloured icon, you can also go to the three-dot menu (hamburger menu) in the top right, select "About Google Chrome", and Chrome will automatically check for updates and show you what version you have. This page will also download any pending update and let you relaunch when ready.
Checking your Chrome version number
If you want to know exactly which version of Chrome you are running, click the three-dot menu in the top right and select "About Google Chrome". A new tab will open showing your current version number (for example, "Version 123.0.6312.86") and whether you are up to date.
This page is also where Chrome will automatically download the latest version if one is available. You do not have to do anything — just leave the tab open for a few seconds and Chrome will check. Once the download finishes, you will see a "Relaunch" button. Click it to close Chrome completely and reopen it with the new version.
How to update Chrome on Android and iPhone
On Android, open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right, select "Manage apps and device", and look for Chrome in the list. If an update is waiting, you will see an "Update" button next to it — tap that button and wait for the download to finish.
On iPhone, open the App Store app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, scroll down to find Chrome, and if an update is waiting, tap "Update" next to it. The app will download and install the new version automatically.
After the update finishes on either device, close Chrome completely (swipe it away from your recent apps) and reopen it. The new version will be active.
What happens if you do not manually update
You do not need to do anything. Chrome will update itself automatically — it downloads new versions in the background and installs them the next time you close and reopen the browser. Most people never see the update happen because it occurs while they are not using Chrome.
The only reason to manually check and update is if you want the new version right now rather than waiting until you naturally close the browser. Security updates are included in every Chrome release, so staying current protects you from known vulnerabilities, but the automatic process handles this without any action on your part.
Restarting Chrome after an update
After you click "Relaunch" or "Update", Chrome will close all your open windows and tabs, then reopen with the new version. If you have unsaved work in a web page (like a half-written email or form), Chrome will usually restore your tabs when it reopens, but it is a good idea to save important work before updating.
If Chrome does not relaunch automatically after you click the button, close the browser completely yourself — use the X button to close all windows, or on Mac, use Command+Q. Then open Chrome again. The new version will be active.
Troubleshooting if Chrome will not update
If you see the update button but clicking it does not seem to work, try closing Chrome completely and opening it again. Sometimes the update process stalls if Chrome is running in the background.
On Windows, if an update fails, restart your computer. On Mac, make sure you have enough free disk space — Chrome needs room to download and install the new version. On Android or iPhone, make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough storage space on your device.
If you are on a work or school computer, your IT department may have disabled automatic updates or restricted which versions you can run. Contact them if updates are not appearing or if you see an error message when you try to update.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Chrome release updates?
Chrome releases a new version roughly every four weeks. Security patches and critical fixes may come more frequently. You do not need to track the schedule — Chrome handles updates automatically in the background.
Will updating Chrome delete my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Updates only change the browser software itself. Your bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing history, and extensions all stay exactly as they are. Chrome syncs this information to your Google account, so it is safe across updates.
Can I use Chrome while it is updating?
Chrome downloads updates while you use it, but the installation only happens when you close and reopen the browser. You will not be interrupted while browsing. Once you see the update notification, you can finish what you are doing and update whenever you are ready.
What if I do not want to update Chrome?
Chrome does not give you the option to skip updates — they install automatically for security reasons. If you want to delay an update, simply do not click "Relaunch" and do not close the browser. The update will install the next time you close and reopen Chrome.
How do I know if an update actually installed?
After you relaunch Chrome, go to the three-dot menu and select "About Google Chrome". The version number will have changed, and you will see a green checkmark instead of a coloured update icon. That confirms the new version is running.