How to Safely Install macOS Beta Profile

Part 1: What Should You Do Before Installing a Mac Beta Profile?

Before learning to install macOS developer beta, you need to prepare your Mac for it. There are many things you need to ensure before installing the macOS beta profile. These range from ensuring your MacBook is charged to backing up your data. Some of the essential things you need to check are explained below:

1. Check System Requirements

Apple has strict compatibility rules regarding releasing the latest versions of its operating systems. That's why you should check carefully if the latest available macOS beta profile is compatible with your Mac. If you want to install the latest macOS Ventura 13.3 Beta 2, your device needs to be running on macOS Monterey at the minimum. Here is how you can check your system information:

Step: On your Mac, navigate to the top left corner and click the Apple icon. In the ensuing dropdown menu, tap “About This Mac” to view the details of your Mac.

2. Check Battery & Wi-Fi

Downloading the macOS developer beta profile and later updating requires fast and stable internet. The macOS beta versions, on average, have sizes of around 10GB. Thus, you need to ensure that your Wi-Fi is working properly. Similarly, your MacBook should be adequately charged for the installation process without a hitch. You can check the details regarding Wi-Fi and battery on the top bar near the right corner.

3. Backup Your Mac Data

In general, beta versions are unstable and have a lot of bugs and glitches. If you treat it like an official Apple update and don't take any precautions, your Mac can be at risk. The greatest risk the macOS beta profile poses is that you might have to erase the device if the beta version is highly unstable. Thus, you should always create a backup before installing the macOS developer beta version.

You can back up your Mac data in two ways: on an external storage drive and iCloud. The iCloud backup usually automatically happens if enabled, while you can create a backup on an external storage drive through these steps:

Step 1: Connect the external storage drive to your Mac and tap the "Apple" icon from the top left corner. Here, choose "System Settings," and in the settings, press "General" from the left sidebar.

Step 2: Click “Time Machine” and hit "Add Backup Disk." Now, select your external storage drive and tap "Use Disk" to start the backup process.

4. Join Apple Beta Software Program

To get the latest macOS beta profile, you need to join either Apple Developers Program or Apple Beta Software Program. These are the only two ways to get the latest beta version from an official Apple source. You can join either of these programs through Apple’s official website. The Apple Developers Program is paid program where you need to pay $99 annually.

If you want to get access to the macOS developer profile at the earliest, you need to join this program. You can also join Apple Beta Software Program if you don’t want to pay. It is a free platform where you can register your Apple devices to get the publicly available Apple beta versions.

Part 2: How to Install and Set a Mac Beta Profile?

With all the preparation complete, you are ready to install the macOS beta profile. While this process is simple but you should be careful during installation. Along with risks associated with a beta version, the wrong installation can corrupt the existing system too. Follow these steps to install and set up a Mac beta profile safely:

Step 1: Use Safari on your Mac to visit the Apple Beta Software Program or Apple Developer Program website to download the macOS beta file. Currently, the latest Mac beta macOS is macOS Ventura 13.3 Beta 2.

Step 2: Once the file is downloaded, go to the “Downloads” folder and double-click the downloaded file to open it. Now, double-click the .pkg file inside to run the beta installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Step 3: When the installation is complete, the “Software Update” window from “General” in “System Settings” will launch automatically. It will display the new macOS 13.3 beta update as available. Click “Upgrade Now” to download the update.

Step 4: You can start the installation once the update is downloaded. Press “Continue” in the prompt and “Agree” to Apple’s Terms and Conditions. Now, use the “Install” and “Restart” to complete the installation process.