iOS 11.4 is coming down the road with a number of new features — features that need real-world testing before the software officially launches. As such, Apple is letting interested users check out iOS 11.4 and provide feedback before it goes into wide release. In the latest beta version, iOS 11.4 has implemented a security measure that disables an iOS device’s Lightning port after 7 days without use, making it difficult for entities possessing devices like the GreyKey box from unlocking the iPhone without your permission.
If you’re one of those interested users, however, you will have to go through the public beta download and install process. While it’s not complicated, it is different. So, we’re going to walk you through it and give you a place to ask questions if you need extra help.
How to make an archived backup of your iPhone or iPad
Before you begin, make sure you back up your iPhone or iPad. While the beta process is fairly straight forward, any time you make any significant change to your device you risk problems. And with your personal data, it’s always — always! — better to be safe than sorry. Even if you back up every night, you’ll want to make sure it’s absolutely up-to-date.
- Plug iPhone or iPad into your Mac or Windows PC.
- Launch iTunes.
- Click on the iPhone or iPad icon in the menu bar when it appears.
- Make sure backup is set to This Computer. (And enable Encrypted backup — it’s worth it!)
- Click on Back Up Now. (Click on Encrypt Backup and add a password — you want the security.)
- Back up Apps, if asked.
- Press Command, to open Preferences. (Or go to iTunes in the menu bar and click on Preferences.
- Click on the Devices tab.
- Option-click on your Backup and choose Archive.
Archiving will prevent your current backup from being overwritten by an iOS 11.2 backup in the future, should you want to revert for any reason.
How to register your account for the iOS 11.4 public beta
If you’ve already joined an Apple public beta in the past, you shouldn’t need to register again for iOS 11.4; simply sign in with the same Apple ID. If you’ve never joined a public beta before, you’ll start by signing up with your Apple ID.
- Go to beta.apple.com, if you’re not there already.
- Tap the iOS tab, if it’s not highlighted already.
- Tap on Download profile.
- Tap on Install in the upper right corner.
- Enter your Passcode.
- Tap on Install, this time to consent to the beta agreement. (Read it: There are risks to any beta.)
- Tap on Install at the bottom to confirm. (Yes, you need to be really sure.)
- Tap on Restart to reboot your device.
- Launch Settings from your Home screen, tap on General, then tap on Software Update.
- Once the update appears, tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your Passcode.
- Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Tap Agree again to confirm.
- Tap Continue.
- Enter your Apple ID password. iCloud settings will update, so give it a minute.
- Tap Get Started.
- Support to transfer, edit, backup, manage, view iOS & Android mobile data: Music, videos, photos, apps, ebooks, contacts, messages and more.
- Download videos from 100+ video sharing sites up to 4K HD video quality and transfer to iPad/iPhone/iPod/Android.
- Handy toolkit: Audio converter, video converter, ringtone maker, etc.
- Free
Once you’re signed up and signed in, it’s time to start downloading.
How to enroll your iPhone or iPad in the iOS 11.4 public beta
Unlike regular iOS updates, where you just tap and start downloading, Apple is using configuration profiles to validate devices for the iOS 11.4 public beta. Here’s how to install it.
Note: If you’ve been on a previous iOS public beta, you may need to remove the previous beta profile before installing the iOS 11 version. You can do so by going to Settings > General > Profile, selecting the iOS Beta Software Profile, and pressing Delete Profile.
Once your iPhone or iPad has finished rebooting, it should start to download iOS 11.4 automatically. From this point on, the process is the same as any other iOS update.
How to install the iOS 11.4 public beta
To install the iOS 11.4 beta, you’ll need to visit Software Update on your iPhone or iPad.
Your iPhone or iPad will reboot to install iOS 11.4. There will be a couple progress bars going across the screen. Sit tight, and let everything finish.
How to get started with iOS 11.4 public beta
Once your iPhone or iPad reboots, it’ll be running iOS 11.4. There’s a brief bit of setup you’ll need to go through, however, as the system will have changed enough that it’ll need your login to complete the update.
Once that’s done, you’ll be on the Home screen and ready to rock iOS 11.4.
Recommendation: Manage iPhone/iPad/iPod without using iTunes
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