How to Install Apple’s iOS 10 and macOS Sierra Public Betas

Apple opened its public beta program for iOS 10 and macOS Sierra this week, which means non-developers can start kicking the tires on the company’s upcoming operating system releases. It isn’t difficult to start using the public betas, but there are a few steps before you’ll be up and running. Read on to learn how to install the iOS 10 and macOS Sierra public betas.

iOS 10 and macOS Sierra are available as public betas

Before You Start

Be sure to back up your important data before installing the beta versions of iOS 10 or macOS Sierra. Both seem fairly reliable despite their prerelease status, but that’s no guarantee something won’t go wrong and your data is lost or corrupted.

If you’re backing up your iOS device through iTunes, connect it to your computer and select it from the device button below the playback controls, then choose Summary. Click Back Up Now to get your backup started. If you backup to iCloud, go to Settings > iCloud > Backup > Back Up Now.

Mac users can start a Time Machine backup by clicking Time Machine in the menu bar and choosing Back Up Now. If you have a favorite backup utility, that’s a great way to make sure your data is safe, too.

Once your data is safely backed up you can sign up to participate in Apple’s iOS and macOS Sierra public beta program at the company’s website. You’ll need your Apple ID to sign in so you can add your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the beta program.

Apple’s iOS and macOS public beta website

iOS 10 Public Beta

• Sign up for the public beta on Apple’s website


• Once you’re signed up and logged in on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, choose iOS


• Scroll down to the Getting Started section and tap enroll your iOS device


• Scroll to the Download Profile section and tap Download profile


• Go to Settings > General > Software Update to start the installation process

macOS Sierra Public Beta

• Sign up for the public beta on Apple’s website


• Once you’re signed up and logged in on your Mac, choose macOS


• Scroll down to the Getting Started section and choose enroll your Mac


• Now scroll down and click Redeem Code


• The public beta will download through the Mac App Store and the installer will walk you through the final installation steps

Once the beta is up and running on your device you’ll see a Feedback app you can use to tell Apple when you find bugs or other problems. It’s a great tool to use because it helps Apple find issues it might otherwise miss, and that means everyone will have a better experience when the official iOS 10 and macOS Sierra versions ship this fall.

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