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
123 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
123 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
123 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
123 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
123 months ago
Deleting the stocks and watch apps felt good.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RedGala Avatar
123 months ago
Thankfully it's been running smoothly. Battery and performance and all.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

When Will Apple Release iOS 26.2?

Monday December 1, 2025 4:37 pm PST by
We're getting closer to the launch of the final major iOS update of the year, with Apple set to release iOS 26.2 in December. We've had three betas so far and are expecting a fourth beta or a release candidate this week, so a launch could follow as soon as next week. Past Launch Dates Apple's past iOS x.2 updates from the last few years have all happened right around the middle of the...
maxresdefault

iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Monday December 1, 2025 3:00 am PST by
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that ...
Sad Siri Feature

Apple AI Chief John Giannandrea Retiring After Siri Delays

Monday December 1, 2025 2:16 pm PST by
Apple AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down from his position and retiring in spring 2026, Apple announced today. Giannandrea will serve as an advisor between now and 2026, with former Microsoft AI researcher Amar Subramanya set to take over as vice president of AI. Subramanya will report to Apple engineering chief Craig Federighi, and will lead Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and ...
Netflix Smaller 4

Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

Monday December 1, 2025 4:36 am PST by
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer. The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices...
ios 18 to ios 26 upgrade

Apple Pushes iPhone Users Still on iOS 18 to Upgrade to iOS 26

Tuesday December 2, 2025 11:09 am PST by
Apple is encouraging iPhone users who are still running iOS 18 to upgrade to iOS 26 by making the iOS 26 software upgrade option more prominent. Since iOS 26 launched in September, it has been displayed as an optional upgrade at the bottom of the Software Update interface in the Settings app. iOS 18 has been the default operating system option, and users running iOS 18 have seen iOS 18...
Touchscreen MacBook Feature

Here Are the Four MacBooks Apple Is Expected to Launch Next Year

Monday December 1, 2025 5:00 am PST by
2026 could be a bumper year for Apple's Mac lineup, with the company expected to announce as many as four separate MacBook launches. Rumors suggest Apple will court both ends of the consumer spectrum, with more affordable options for students and feature-rich premium lines for users that seek the highest specifications from a laptop. Below is a breakdown of what we're expecting over the next ...
iphone 17 cyber

iPhone 17 Demand Is Breaking Apple's Sales Records

Tuesday December 2, 2025 9:44 am PST by
Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is selling well enough that Apple is on track to ship more than 247.4 million total iPhones in 2025, according to a new report from IDC. Total 2025 shipments are forecast to grow 6.1 percent year over year due to iPhone 17 demand and increased sales in China, a major market for Apple. Overall worldwide smartphone shipments across Android and iOS are forecast to...
Cyber Week Deals 2025

Best Cyber Week Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Cyber Week is here, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically,...
iOS 26

What to Expect From Apple This December: iOS 26.3 Beta, Replay 2025, and More

Monday December 1, 2025 8:40 am PST by
The calendar has turned to December, and the quieter year-end holiday season is now upon us. Nevertheless, we can still expect a few things from Apple this month. Apple previously announced that iOS 26.2 will be released to the general public in December, and we can expect corresponding updates to be released as well, including iPadOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS...
studio display purple february

M5 iPad Pro Could Hint at New Studio Display Feature

Sunday November 30, 2025 10:30 am PST by
The updated specs of the M5 iPad Pro may point toward a major new feature for Apple's next-generation Studio Display expected in early 2026. Apple's latest iPad Pro debuted last month and contains one display-related change that stands out: it can now drive external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync. The feature should deliver lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual...