I get it! You are one of those who love to be on the bleeding edge of technology, and testing iOS betas has long been your wont. Whether you are a geek, a tech nerd, or a passionate dev, it feels great to unlock the hidden gems and take them for a long spin.
Irrespective of who you are and how much joy you derive from digging into the pre-released software, the one thing that you must do before installing the beta software is to tick off the prerequisites. Yeah, you got that right! There is a long list of dos and don’ts that you must tick off to ensure you don’t jeopardize your precious data.
✅ Dos Before Installing iOS 26 Beta
1. Back Up Your iPhone or iPad
Remember, creating a full backup of your device is the most important step. If something goes wrong or you decide to downgrade later, having a recent backup will let you restore your data and settings.
2. Free Up Enough Storage Space
Ensure your device has at least 10–15 GB of free space to accommodate the download, installation, and temporary system files that may increase storage usage during and after the update.
3. Use a Secondary Device If Possible
It always pays to have an extra layer of shield to make sure your data doesn’t come under attack, at all hazards.
So, if you have an extra iPhone or iPad, install the beta on that device instead of your primary one. This avoids potential disruption to your daily tasks in case the beta causes issues.
4. Charge Your Device
Make sure your iPhone or iPad is at least 50% charged, or better yet, keep it plugged in during the update process to prevent interruptions.
5. Read the Release Notes
Review Apple’s notes to know what changes to expect, which features are included, and what known bugs or limitations exist in the current beta version.
❌ Don’ts Before Installing iOS 26 Beta
1. Don’t Skip the Backup
Skipping the backup is a risky move. If your device runs into problems during installation or the beta corrupts data, you could lose important files.
2. Don’t Install on a Critical Work Device
Beta software may contain bugs that can affect app compatibility, performance, or battery life. Avoid installing it on devices you rely on daily for work or school.
3. Don’t Expect Full Stability
Keep in mind that the beta may crash unexpectedly, certain apps may not work correctly, and some features may still be incomplete.
4. Don’t Ignore Feedback Options
Apple provides a feedback app with betas. If you encounter issues, report them to help improve future builds.
5. Don’t Forget to Prepare for Downgrade (If Needed)
Know how to revert to the latest public version in case the beta doesn’t meet your expectations.
