With the release of the iOS 10 public beta, many users are thinking about putting the new operating system on their devices to try out all of the new features. We've already taken a look at whether it's a good idea to install the iOS 10 public beta considering potential bugs and other issues that can interfere with your daily usage, but if you've decided to go ahead with installing it, we've put together this how-to to show you the steps you need to take.


First, you'll need to prepare your iOS device for the update, and the first step is backing things up in case you run into a problem. A full backup to iTunes is recommended, and it should be encrypted if you wish to preserve your Health and Activity data. Archiving the backup is also a good idea to make sure it remains available should you need to roll back from iOS 10.

Next, you'll need to install a profile on your device that will give you access to the beta software. It's accessible through Apple's Beta Software Program website, and once you've registered there you'll need to log in from the device you want to install the profile on.

If you've previously been enrolled in an iOS public beta or developer program, you may already have profiles installed on your device for testing beta software, and these should be removed through the Settings app before trying to install the new iOS 10 profile. It's possible you may also have a previous pending beta update such as a iOS 9.3.3 beta already downloaded to your device but not yet installed, and you'll want to remove that in Settings -> General -> Storage & iCloud Usage -> Manage Storage (Storage section) before proceeding.

Once the profile is installed and your device restarts, head to Software Update in Settings as with any other iOS update, and you should see iOS 10 Public Beta 1 available to install.

As you explore the public beta, you can use the included Feedback app to report bugs to Apple, and make sure to check out our iOS 10 forum to discuss your experiences with others and find answers to your questions.

Related Forum: iOS 10

Top Rated Comments

miknos Avatar
120 months ago
If you don't know how to install a beta, you shouldn't be using it in the first place.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Phogro Avatar
120 months ago
Hopefully this is shortly followed by a how do I downgrade to 9.3 tutorial, because you know those questions are coming. ;)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jacjustjac Avatar
120 months ago
If you don't know how to install a beta, you shouldn't be using it in the first place.
Why shouldn't they? Everybody has to figure it out for the first time. Many educated people (who are aware of the risks) will want to test the beta and will eventually figure it out another way, but this video is very good for them. I think it's about as safe as my non-techie cousin following an iFixit repair guide to replace his 2011 MacBook Pro hard drive. And I think it's awesome watching people experiment with technology the way I used to as a kid (I always say to myself, better late than never). Who are you to judge who gets to play with betas, especially when I know some kids who don't even keep contacts on their phone, they just use FB Messenger. They aren't savvy, they just got bored of their phones standard Messages.app and FBM syncs conversations across all devices, not just Apple. Their playing with the iOS 10 beta might just be what keeps them from switching over to Android.
Bottom line is, many people use their phones just as toys, games, snapchat machines. If they have to restart their phone from scratch, they won't mind. They've all dropped their phones in water and never backed up to iCloud because they had over 5GB. People are so used to losing their photos that they just trust Facebook and Google to keep their stuff safe in the event of a phone meltdown. So if they use the beta, and their crash reports help improve iOS 10, that's better for all of us.
Despite the fact that I've known how to install a beta since iPhoneOS betas existed, I won't. But I encourage as many people (who are informed of the risks, and MacRumors is one of the few sites who have created a clear, concise video explaining exactly that) as possible to use the public beta, because I'm dying for a stable xx.0 iOS release!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Larry The L Avatar
120 months ago
If you don't know how to install a beta, you shouldn't be using it in the first place.
Huh?? That's absurd. Everyone who beta tests has had to start with the first one they tested. And they had to learn how to install it. Please educate us as to how you think a first time beta tester should know how to install the first beta they test since they have never done it before.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
skinned66 Avatar
120 months ago
Deleting the stocks and watch apps felt good.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RedGala Avatar
120 months ago
Thankfully it's been running smoothly. Battery and performance and all.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....