- Discord Canary is the Alpha or Development version of Discord.
- It's not so stable and contains unreleased features that you can try out before they make it to the stable version.
- Discord Canary is available for Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux and is installed as a separate app on your device.
If you often find yourself scouring the internet to try out applications, you may have seen “Canary” software versions. For those unaware, huge software firms go slightly ahead by following a multi-version approach by having Beta versions of software. Some firms go even further to have Development AKA Canary version with the sole goal that people would provide feedback on bugs or how to improve the application, or a feature. That’s exactly the reason behind Discord Canary’s existence. Here’s how to download it.
What is Discord Canary?
Discord Canary is a development version, AKA the Alpha version of Discord, that users can download to experience new and upcoming Discord features before they arrive to the stable version. Canary is a tier above Beta, and while it’s mostly usable, users may experience random crashes or bugs here and there.
While, it’s completely safe to use, Discord warns that it’s “the most unstable version” of their platform. It suggests you use this client at your own risk, since the features are untested and may hinder your normal usage.
How to Install Discord Canary
Discord Canary is available across all major platforms where the app is already available, including Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android. Here’s how to install it on all those platforms. If you don’t want to install it, you can always try it out in a browser at canary.discord.com.
On PC
- Head over to the Discord Testing Clients support page.
- If you’re on Windows, click the link beside the Canary 64-bit under “Windows:”, or use this link to download the installer directly.
- If you’re on a Mac, click the link beside Canary under “MacOS:”, or use this link to download the DMG file. Similarly, Linux users can find the relevant link on the same page to get the installer.
- The installer should start downloading. You’ll find that Discord Canary is installed as an independent app alongside the stable Discord app.
- Once installed, open the app and enter your credentials to sign in. You’ll now be able to use Discord Canary and all of its developmental features.
The easiest way to differentiate between the stable and canary releases is by looking at the Discord icon. Canary has a yellow icon, whereas the stable version has the original icon.
On Android
- Considering you’re logged in to your Google account, click this Google Groups link.
- Tap on Join group. Once done, tap the link under “To get alpha builds:” text.
- Now, tap on Become a Tester.
- Head over to the Google Play Store and to the Discord app listing.
- Here, select Update if an update is available and once done, tap on Open.
- The splash screen should pop up first with the yellow logo, and that’s how you know you’re on Canary.
Unfortunately, on iOS, there’s no way to test out the Canary version on iOS. You can only run the Beta version by signing up for Discord TestFlight here.
And that’s how you can install Discord Canary on your PC and Phone. What are your thoughts on Discord as a messaging platform? Let us know in the comments.
