android_webview/docs/prerelease.md - chromium/src - Git at Google

 # Try out WebView Beta, Dev, or Canary

 Using a pre-release channel of WebView allows you to test new, upcoming features
 and enhancements to WebView. This is especially useful for Android app
 developers who use WebView in their apps.

 [TOC]

 ## Which channel do I want?

 Like [Chrome](https://www.chromium.org/getting-involved/dev-channel), WebView
 has four release channels:

 - Stable channel
   - Installed and updated by default on every Android device with WebView
   - Fully tested; least likely to crash or have other major bugs
   - Updated every 2-3 weeks with minor releases, and every 6 weeks with major
     releases
 - Beta channel
   - Available on Android 7 (Nougat) and later
   - Tested before release, but not as extensively as stable
   - One major update ahead of stable, minor updates every week
 - Dev channel
   - Publicly available on Android 7 (Nougat) and later
   - Two major updates ahead of stable, representing what is actively being
     developed
   - Updated once per week
   - Minimally tested
 - Canary build
   - Available on Android 7 (Nougat) and later
   - Released daily
   - Includes the latest code changes from the previous day
   - Has not been tested or used

 If you're looking for a specific of version of chromium, the latest versions
 released to each channel can be found on [Chromium
 Dash](https://chromiumdash.appspot.com/releases?platform=Android). WebView and
 Chrome for Android always release together on all OS levels.

 On Android 7 (Nougat) and later, you can install multiple channels at the same
 time. This allows you to play with our latest code, while still keeping a tested
 version of WebView around.

 ## How do I try a pre-release channel? {#switch-channel}

 Steps depend on your version of Android:

 ### Android 10 and later (Q, R, etc.) - Beta channel {#trichrome-beta}

 We offer a new streamlined experience for joining the WebView Beta channel (if
 you want to opt into Dev or Canary, or you are interested in using WebView
 DevTools to try experimental WebView features, [skip to the next
 section](#trichrome-dev)).

 The easiest way to start testing WebView Beta is to opt into the experience on
 the Google Play Store.

 1. [Join the beta tester program on Google Play.][WebView tester program]
 2. On your device, update **Android System WebView** [in the Play
    Store.][WebView PlayStore]
 3. When the Play Store finishes updating, you will be using WebView Beta!

 #### Returning to stable WebView

 1. [Leave the tester program.][WebView tester program]
 2. Uninstall all updates by visiting Settings > Apps > Android System WebView >
    Three dots menu in the top right > Uninstall updates.
 3. [Visit the Play Store page][Webview PlayStore] one more time to install the
    latest updates to WebView stable, which will include important security
    fixes.


 ### Android 10 and later (Q, R, etc.) - Dev and Canary channel {#trichrome-dev}

 Dev and Canary channels must be downloaded and installed as separate apps, but
 only one must be chosen to provide the system's WebView implementation at any
 given time.

 *** note
 WebView pre-release channels are independent of Chrome in Android 10 and later.
 Chrome can no longer be used as a WebView implementation in Android 10 and
 later.
 ***

 1. Download a pre-release channel of WebView from the play store, available here:
    - [WebView Beta](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview.beta)
      may be installed either through this method or through the [streamlined
      approach mentioned above](#trichrome-beta). Installing through this method
      will automatically install WebView DevTools.
    - [WebView Dev](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview.dev)
    - [WebView Canary](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview.canary)
 2. Follow the [steps to enable Android's developer options
    menu](https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options)
 3. Choose Developer Options > WebView implementation (see figure)

    ![The "WebView implementation" menu](/android_webview/docs/images/webview_implementations_menu_10.png)

 4. Choose the channel that you would like to use for WebView
 5. **Bonus:** you'll also now see an icon for your chosen WebView channel in the
    list of apps. You can use this app to report bugs, toggle experimental
    features, and much more! See the [WebView DevTools user guide] for more
    details.

 #### Returning to stable WebView

 1. To return to WebView stable, select "Android System WebView" again in the
    WebView implementation menu

 ### Android 7 through 9 (Nougat/Oreo/Pie)

 Pre-release channels must be downloaded and installed as separate apps, but only
 one must be chosen to provide the system's WebView implementation at any given
 time.

 1. Download a pre-release channel of Chrome from the play store, available here:
    - [Chrome Beta](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chrome.beta)
    - [Chrome Dev](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chrome.dev)
    - [Chrome Canary](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chrome.canary)
 2. Follow the [steps to enable Android's developer options
    menu](https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options)
 3. Choose Developer Options > WebView implementation (see figure)

    ![The "WebView implementation" menu](/android_webview/docs/images/webview_implementations_menu.png)

 4. Choose the Chrome channel that you would like to use for WebView

 #### Returning to stable WebView

 1. To return to WebView stable, select Chrome again in the WebView
    implementation menu

 ### Android Auto and Android TV

 Only one installation of WebView is allowed, but users can opt to receive the
 latest beta updates from the Play Store.

 1. [Join the beta tester program on Google Play.][WebView tester program]
 2. On your device, update **Android System WebView** [in the Play
    Store.][WebView PlayStore]
 3. When the Play Store finishes updating, you will be using WebView Beta!
 4. **Bonus:** you'll also now see the "WebView Beta" icon in your list of apps.
    You can use this app to report bugs, toggle experimental features, and much
    more! See the [WebView DevTools user guide] for more details.

 #### Returning to stable WebView

 1. [Leave the tester program.][WebView tester program]
 2. Uninstall all updates by visiting Settings > Apps > Android System WebView >
    Three dots menu in the top right > Uninstall updates.
 3. [Visit the Play Store page][WebView PlayStore] one more time to install the
    latest updates to WebView stable, which will include important security
    fixes.

 ### Android 5 or 6 (Lollipop/Marshmallow)

 We no longer support devices running Android 5 or 6. Devices on these old OS
 versions can still update to the last supported WebView release but will not be
 able to install further updates.

 ### Android 4.4 (KitKat) or earlier

 WebView does not receive updates on these versions of Android, so the
 pre-release channels of WebView are not available.

 ## Reporting problems with pre-release WebView

 Any WebView-related bugs can be filed
 [here](https://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/entry?template=Webview+Bugs).

 To best enable us to resolve the issue, please ensure you provide all of the
 information requested in the bug report template.

 ## Work profile, multiple users, or Samsung Secure Folder {#multiple-profiles}

 *** aside
 This only applies to Android 8 (Oreo) and above.
 ***

 If your Android device has been configured with a work profile, you'll need to
 install pre-release WebView for both your work profile and regular profile. You
 can only change WebView channel if you've enabled this for all profiles on the
 device. Then you should be able to successfully switch WebView channels
 following the steps above.

 Some devices [may support multiple user
 accounts](https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/2865483?hl=en). Similar to
 work profile, your pre-release WebView channel must be installed and enabled for
 each user account on the device.

 Some Samsung phones support a feature called [Secure
 Folder](https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/what-is/secure-folder/). Under the
 hood, this is implemented by creating a new user profile, similar to work
 profile or multiple users. If you've previously enabled the Secure Folder
 feature, you'll need to add your WebView channel to the folder. Open the folder,
 click "add apps," and select the desired WebView channel. Then you should be
 able to select WebView from the menu above.

 ## Command line tools

 Choosing your WebView implementation on Android 7 (Nougat) or later can also
 be done using adb, instead of the Settings UI:

 ```shell
 adb shell cmd webviewupdate set-webview-implementation <packagename>
 ```

 Package names are as follows:

 |App name                    |Package name                            |
 |---------------------------:|----------------------------------------|
 |Chrome (stable, 7/8/9 only) |com.android.chrome                      |
 |Chrome Beta (7/8/9 only)    |com.chrome.beta                         |
 |Chrome Dev (7/8/9 only)     |com.chrome.dev                          |
 |Chrome Canary (7/8/9 only)  |com.chrome.canary                       |
 |WebView (stable)            |com.google.android.webview              |
 |WebView Beta (10+ only)     |com.google.android.webview.beta         |
 |WebView Dev (10+ only)      |com.google.android.webview.dev          |
 |WebView Canary (10+ only)   |com.google.android.webview.canary       |

 ## See also
 - [WebView channels in detail](/android_webview/docs/channels.md)
 - [Chrome Release
   Channels](https://www.chromium.org/getting-involved/dev-channel)
 - [WebView Release History](https://chromiumdash.appspot.com/releases?platform=Android)

 [WebView DevTools user guide]: https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src/+/HEAD/android_webview/docs/developer-ui.md
 [WebView PlayStore]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview
 [WebView tester program]: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.google.android.webview
	# Try out WebView Beta, Dev, or Canary

	Using a pre-release channel of WebView allows you to test new, upcoming features
	and enhancements to WebView. This is especially useful for Android app
	developers who use WebView in their apps.

	[TOC]

	## Which channel do I want?

	Like [Chrome](https://www.chromium.org/getting-involved/dev-channel), WebView
	has four release channels:

	- Stable channel
	- Installed and updated by default on every Android device with WebView
	- Fully tested; least likely to crash or have other major bugs
	- Updated every 2-3 weeks with minor releases, and every 6 weeks with major
	releases
	- Beta channel
	- Available on Android 7 (Nougat) and later
	- Tested before release, but not as extensively as stable
	- One major update ahead of stable, minor updates every week
	- Dev channel
	- Publicly available on Android 7 (Nougat) and later
	- Two major updates ahead of stable, representing what is actively being
	developed
	- Updated once per week
	- Minimally tested
	- Canary build
	- Available on Android 7 (Nougat) and later
	- Released daily
	- Includes the latest code changes from the previous day
	- Has not been tested or used

	If you're looking for a specific of version of chromium, the latest versions
	released to each channel can be found on [Chromium
	Dash](https://chromiumdash.appspot.com/releases?platform=Android). WebView and
	Chrome for Android always release together on all OS levels.

	On Android 7 (Nougat) and later, you can install multiple channels at the same
	time. This allows you to play with our latest code, while still keeping a tested
	version of WebView around.

	## How do I try a pre-release channel? {#switch-channel}

	Steps depend on your version of Android:

	### Android 10 and later (Q, R, etc.) - Beta channel {#trichrome-beta}

	We offer a new streamlined experience for joining the WebView Beta channel (if
	you want to opt into Dev or Canary, or you are interested in using WebView
	DevTools to try experimental WebView features, [skip to the next
	section](#trichrome-dev)).

	The easiest way to start testing WebView Beta is to opt into the experience on
	the Google Play Store.

	1. [Join the beta tester program on Google Play.][WebView tester program]
	2. On your device, update Android System WebView [in the Play
	Store.][WebView PlayStore]
	3. When the Play Store finishes updating, you will be using WebView Beta!

	#### Returning to stable WebView

	1. [Leave the tester program.][WebView tester program]
	2. Uninstall all updates by visiting Settings > Apps > Android System WebView >
	Three dots menu in the top right > Uninstall updates.
	3. [Visit the Play Store page][Webview PlayStore] one more time to install the
	latest updates to WebView stable, which will include important security
	fixes.


	### Android 10 and later (Q, R, etc.) - Dev and Canary channel {#trichrome-dev}

	Dev and Canary channels must be downloaded and installed as separate apps, but
	only one must be chosen to provide the system's WebView implementation at any
	given time.

	*** note
	WebView pre-release channels are independent of Chrome in Android 10 and later.
	Chrome can no longer be used as a WebView implementation in Android 10 and
	later.
	***

	1. Download a pre-release channel of WebView from the play store, available here:
	- [WebView Beta](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview.beta)
	may be installed either through this method or through the [streamlined
	approach mentioned above](#trichrome-beta). Installing through this method
	will automatically install WebView DevTools.
	- [WebView Dev](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview.dev)
	- [WebView Canary](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview.canary)
	2. Follow the [steps to enable Android's developer options
	menu](https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options)
	3. Choose Developer Options > WebView implementation (see figure)

	![The "WebView implementation" menu](/android_webview/docs/images/webview_implementations_menu_10.png)

	4. Choose the channel that you would like to use for WebView
	5. Bonus: you'll also now see an icon for your chosen WebView channel in the
	list of apps. You can use this app to report bugs, toggle experimental
	features, and much more! See the [WebView DevTools user guide] for more
	details.

	#### Returning to stable WebView

	1. To return to WebView stable, select "Android System WebView" again in the
	WebView implementation menu

	### Android 7 through 9 (Nougat/Oreo/Pie)

	Pre-release channels must be downloaded and installed as separate apps, but only
	one must be chosen to provide the system's WebView implementation at any given
	time.

	1. Download a pre-release channel of Chrome from the play store, available here:
	- [Chrome Beta](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chrome.beta)
	- [Chrome Dev](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chrome.dev)
	- [Chrome Canary](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chrome.canary)
	2. Follow the [steps to enable Android's developer options
	menu](https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options)
	3. Choose Developer Options > WebView implementation (see figure)

	![The "WebView implementation" menu](/android_webview/docs/images/webview_implementations_menu.png)

	4. Choose the Chrome channel that you would like to use for WebView

	#### Returning to stable WebView

	1. To return to WebView stable, select Chrome again in the WebView
	implementation menu

	### Android Auto and Android TV

	Only one installation of WebView is allowed, but users can opt to receive the
	latest beta updates from the Play Store.

	1. [Join the beta tester program on Google Play.][WebView tester program]
	2. On your device, update Android System WebView [in the Play
	Store.][WebView PlayStore]
	3. When the Play Store finishes updating, you will be using WebView Beta!
	4. Bonus: you'll also now see the "WebView Beta" icon in your list of apps.
	You can use this app to report bugs, toggle experimental features, and much
	more! See the [WebView DevTools user guide] for more details.

	#### Returning to stable WebView

	1. [Leave the tester program.][WebView tester program]
	2. Uninstall all updates by visiting Settings > Apps > Android System WebView >
	Three dots menu in the top right > Uninstall updates.
	3. [Visit the Play Store page][WebView PlayStore] one more time to install the
	latest updates to WebView stable, which will include important security
	fixes.

	### Android 5 or 6 (Lollipop/Marshmallow)

	We no longer support devices running Android 5 or 6. Devices on these old OS
	versions can still update to the last supported WebView release but will not be
	able to install further updates.

	### Android 4.4 (KitKat) or earlier

	WebView does not receive updates on these versions of Android, so the
	pre-release channels of WebView are not available.

	## Reporting problems with pre-release WebView

	Any WebView-related bugs can be filed
	[here](https://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/entry?template=Webview+Bugs).

	To best enable us to resolve the issue, please ensure you provide all of the
	information requested in the bug report template.

	## Work profile, multiple users, or Samsung Secure Folder {#multiple-profiles}

	*** aside
	This only applies to Android 8 (Oreo) and above.
	***

	If your Android device has been configured with a work profile, you'll need to
	install pre-release WebView for both your work profile and regular profile. You
	can only change WebView channel if you've enabled this for all profiles on the
	device. Then you should be able to successfully switch WebView channels
	following the steps above.

	Some devices [may support multiple user
	accounts](https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/2865483?hl=en). Similar to
	work profile, your pre-release WebView channel must be installed and enabled for
	each user account on the device.

	Some Samsung phones support a feature called [Secure
	Folder](https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/what-is/secure-folder/). Under the
	hood, this is implemented by creating a new user profile, similar to work
	profile or multiple users. If you've previously enabled the Secure Folder
	feature, you'll need to add your WebView channel to the folder. Open the folder,
	click "add apps," and select the desired WebView channel. Then you should be
	able to select WebView from the menu above.

	## Command line tools

	Choosing your WebView implementation on Android 7 (Nougat) or later can also
	be done using adb, instead of the Settings UI:

	```shell
	adb shell cmd webviewupdate set-webview-implementation <packagename>
	```

	Package names are as follows:

	\|App name \|Package name \|
	\|---------------------------:\|----------------------------------------\|
	\|Chrome (stable, 7/8/9 only) \|com.android.chrome \|
	\|Chrome Beta (7/8/9 only) \|com.chrome.beta \|
	\|Chrome Dev (7/8/9 only) \|com.chrome.dev \|
	\|Chrome Canary (7/8/9 only) \|com.chrome.canary \|
	\|WebView (stable) \|com.google.android.webview \|
	\|WebView Beta (10+ only) \|com.google.android.webview.beta \|
	\|WebView Dev (10+ only) \|com.google.android.webview.dev \|
	\|WebView Canary (10+ only) \|com.google.android.webview.canary \|

	## See also
	- [WebView channels in detail](/android_webview/docs/channels.md)
	- [Chrome Release
	Channels](https://www.chromium.org/getting-involved/dev-channel)
	- [WebView Release History](https://chromiumdash.appspot.com/releases?platform=Android)

	[WebView DevTools user guide]: https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src/+/HEAD/android_webview/docs/developer-ui.md
	[WebView PlayStore]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview
	[WebView tester program]: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.google.android.webview