If you often search for applications online, you may have noticed the “canary” software releases. For those who don’t know, major software companies go a step further and take a multiple release approach by offering beta versions of the software. Some companies even go further and offer development releases (also known as canary releases) with the sole purpose of getting people to provide feedback on bugs or how to improve the application or a feature. This is precisely the reason for the existence of Discord Canary. Here’s how to download it.
What is Discord Canary?
Discord Canary is a development version, also known as the alpha version of Discord, that users can download to try out new and upcoming Discord features before they get to the stable version. Canary is a tier above beta and while it is mostly usable, users may experience random crashes or bugs here and there.
Although it is completely safe to use, Discord warns that it is “the most unstable version” of their platform. It is noted that you use this client at your own risk, as the features are untested and may affect your normal use.
How to install Discord Canary
Discord Canary is available on all major platforms where the app is already available, including Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android. Here’s how to install it on all of those platforms. If you don’t want to install it, you can always try it out in a browser at canary.discord.com.
On the PC
- Go to the Discord Testing Clients support page.
- If you are using Windows, click the link next to the Canary 64-bit under “Windows:”, or use this link to download the installer directly.
- If you are using a Mac, click the link next to canary under “MacOS:”, or use this link to download the DMG file. Likewise, Linux users will find the corresponding link to download the installer on the same page.
- The installer should begin downloading. You will notice that Discord Canary is installed as an independent app alongside the stable Discord app.
- Once installed, open the app and enter your credentials to log in. Now you can use Discord Canary and all its development features.
The easiest way to distinguish between the stable and Canary releases is to look at the Discord icon. Canary has a yellow symbolwhile the stable version has the original icon.
On Android
- Assuming you are signed in to your Google Account, click this Google Groups link.
- Tap Join group. When you are finished, tap the link under the text “How to get Alpha builds:”.
- Now tap Become a tester.
- Visit the Google Play Store and the discord App listing.
- Choose here Update If an update is available and it is ready, tap Open.
- First, the welcome screen with the yellow logo should appear. This is how you know you are on Canary.
Unfortunately, There is no option under iOS to test the Canary release on iOS. You can only run the beta by signing up for Discord TestFlight here.
And that’s how you can install Discord Canary on your PC and phone. What do you think about Discord as a messaging platform? Let us know in the comments.
