Any software is updated from time to time. The application for the Viber messenger was no exception. It can be updated using functions built into the program itself. It doesn’t matter whether you use a computer or a smartphone on Android or iOS.
New versions usually fix errors and bugs that were present in older versions. However, there are risks that the new update will bring new bugs and problems. If you want to minimize such risks, then it is best to install an already stable version that has received an additional update. Such versions are usually designated as 1.01, 1.12, etc.
How to check the current version of Viber
Information about the latest version of Viber.
You can update Viber on your phone or computer completely free of charge. However, before doing this, you need to understand whether this is necessary.
Often, the program automatically reminds you that updates are available, but due to a poor Internet connection or an accidental reset, notifications may not arrive.
To check the current version:
1. Open the application.
2. Select Advanced.
3. Open the “Information, questions, answers” section.
Data about the messenger in the Market.
To understand whether you need to install updates or not, go to the Market (Android, iPhone) - “My applications, games.” If Viber requires updates, it will appear in the appropriate section.
When you enable automatic installation of programs (if you have access to Wi-Fi), the smartphone will perform the operation independently.
Why do you need to regularly update Viber to the latest version?
It would seem that the application already has everything. Messages are sent, calls are free, video calls work great. So why do these developers keep adding things and forcing users to download endless updates? There are several reasons for this.
New features
The world does not stand still. You can’t even imagine how fast progress is moving now. Smartphone applications are constantly acquiring new features that successfully replace the previous ones. Because of this, opportunities that seemed like an unprecedented achievement just yesterday no longer look so impressive today.
And, of course, messengers must also keep up with the times, constantly adding new features. What happens if you update Viber to the latest version now? You will immediately receive a more beautiful design and fresh features that will significantly simplify your life.
Application quality and speed
Updates are necessary for the stable operation of the application. You didn’t think that developers only add beautiful design and functions to the new version? In fact, every update is packed with a lot of necessary things that you don't even notice.
They remain invisible to the average user, but this significantly affects the performance and security of the messenger. With each version, the level of security and privacy becomes higher, and the operation of the application improves.
Otherwise there will be errors
If you do not update Viber on time, then from time to time you will notice strange things while working with the application. For example, some messages will not display correctly or not at all. This happens when your interlocutor used a function that was added in the new version. But you don’t have it installed.
For example, what if this person already has the ability to forward messages, but you don’t? They will not display correctly. This significantly affects the comfort of using the application.
And is there any other reason to install the update? After all, this is done in literally five minutes. But in the end, you get new features, more stable operation of the application and do not stay away from the latest features that developers offer you. Therefore, it is necessary to update regularly. Preferably, as soon as a new version of the application is released. This guarantees you that there will be no glitches or errors in the messenger.
Updating Viber on a computer
It is easier to reinstall the program on your computer, since operations are often carried out automatically. However, there are exceptions when the download must be done manually.
With Windows operating system
Windows is the most common OS, which has many emulators, programs, drivers and more. Therefore, downloading updates is easier here.
As mentioned, Windows laptops provide automatic updates. For example, on Asus computers it is enough to open Viber for the application to start automatically downloading the new code.
If there is no automatic installation of the new code, then:
- Visit the manufacturer's official website.
- Select another version of the application, download.
- Open the resulting file, install, following the instructions in the pop-up window.
- Confirm your login using SMS or scanning the QR code.
Detailed instructions can be seen in the video:
Autoload
Installation of programs can occur in the background. For this:
- Open your operating system settings.
- Select: “System Configuration” – Startup.”
- Find the messenger in the search bar and add it, confirming the command of the same name.
Official site
It is easier and more reliable to download applications from the official website of the developers. For this:
- Enter the name Viber in the Google search bar.
- Follow the first link (the URL bar contains only the name of the application without additional words).
- Select the type of program that suits your device (Android, Windows Microsoft, Apple, Linux).
- Confirm the "Install"/"Download" command.
Here you can also see reviews of each version of the messenger, learning about the problems and advantages.
Installing Viber from the official website.
Windows Store
Updates here are available only to registered users.
The process itself goes like this:
- Open the Windows Store application.
- Go to “Downloads and Updates”.
- If there is Viber in the section, we confirm the download process.
With MACos
Installing Viber on MACos.
The download is very specific, as you need to find a file of a specific resolution. It is published on the official website and other portals.
After downloading, open the document, start the installation, confirming the permissions that will appear in the pop-up windows.
You cannot cancel the download. This may cause the device to malfunction.
With Linux
Before installing, go to your computer’s “Settings” to find out which version of Linux is Ubuntu or Fedora. After that:
- Open the official website of the creators.
- Select a variation and confirm the download.
- Once downloaded, open the file by running the installation.
- Grant the permissions that the program asks for.
Detailed instructions can be seen in the video:
Disable automatic Viber updates
The messenger in question has one drawback - frequent automatic updates, which are not always installed correctly. Therefore, some users want to disable this process. However, this cannot be done through the settings menu; additional manipulations will have to be carried out. Let's take a look at three of the most powerful methods. For maximum effect, it is best to use them all at once.
Method 1: Changing Registry Settings
If your old version of Viber has not yet been updated automatically, you can manually change the registry settings to disable the corresponding file upload feature. This is done like this:
- Hold down the Win + R key combination, open Run, type regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareViberViberWixKeyPath
- In the folder, find files of type REG_DWORD with the names updater.exe and ViberUpdater.cmd.
- Double-click the left mouse button on each parameter and change their value from one to zero.
After completing these steps, it is recommended to restart your computer and restart Viber to ensure that the method is effective.
Method 2: Disable system permissions
The operating system has permissions that determine the level of access to various folders and documents. If all basic permissions are set, the messenger can install new files without problems, resulting in the version being updated. You can prohibit it as follows:
- Right-click the Viber icon and select File Location.
- Go to the directory with the name of the messenger, right-click it and select "Properties".
- On the Security tab, select the System user group and click Advanced.
- Make sure your choice is confirmed, then go to Edit.
- Check the “Create file/write data” and “Write attributes” checkboxes.
Don't forget to save your changes before exiting. The program currently does not have write access, so the data will not be installed, however, parameters may reset or fail periodically, and therefore we do not guarantee 100% effectiveness of this method.
Method 3: Changing the contents of the hosts file
By changing the contents of the hosts file in the Windows operating system, you can block the address. If you do this to the Viber update address, it will not be able to access the internet and will not be able to download the new build. The entire manipulation takes place in just a few steps:
- To access the hosts directory, go to the following path: C:WindowsSystem32driversetc
- Open the file using Notepad and enter the following address at the bottom of the free line: 127.0.0.1 update.viber.com
- Save your changes before exiting.
Now all you have to do is restart your computer and Viber automatic updates should stop permanently.
If you need to resume automatic downloading of a new build, simply undo all changes made in each method. Restore all previous values and wait for the data to load.
As you can see, updating Viber itself does not cause any difficulties, but more difficulties arise when the constant downloading of new files interferes with the normal functioning of the computer, and the messenger developers have not yet come up with a built-in solution to disable this process.
How to update Viber on your phone
When trying to install a new application format, pay attention to the operating system of the device. This is needed for further step-by-step instructions.
You can check this in “Settings” – “About phone”. For example, Samsung (Galaxy model range), Lenovo, Meizu, Prestigio, Xiaomi produce phones and tablets only based on Android. Sony and Nokia (Lumiya model range) – Android and Windows. Apple - iOS only. Wilfox is an Android combined with Cyanogen OS.
Install the messenger on your tablet the same way as on your smartphone.
From Android
To update Viber on Android, you need to:
- Open Google Play.
- Go to the “My Applications” – “Installed” section.
- Having found Viber, click on the “Update” command.
If the application is not in the list, then you do not need to update it. In the same way, you can update the messenger on Nokia.
Viber installation data in the Market.
From iOS
When working with iPhone/iPad, follow the operating procedure:
- Open the AppStore.
- Go to "Updates".
- Confirm the "Update" command.
If the list does not contain the name of the widget, it means that the latest version is installed on the device.
Detailed instructions can be seen in the video:
With Windows
Nokia Lumiya runs on Windows, so updates are specific.
To complete them, you need:
1. On the OS start page, launch the store.
2. By clicking the three dots in the right corner, select “Downloads”.
3. Make sure that Viber is in the list of required applications.
4. Confirm the "Update" function.
If the application is not in the list, the version on the phone is the latest.
Automatic update is activated like this:
1. On the OS start page, launch the store.
2. By clicking the three dots in the right corner, confirm the “Update applications automatically” command.
Description
Smartphones are full-fledged portable communicators that work with a number of world-famous communication applications. But with the improvement of functionality, the requirements have also increased. If earlier you could buy a phone and not worry about any intervention in the settings, now you need to keep all the software up to date. An update is something that every Android smartphone user faces. Let's try to understand the process using the example of the popular Viber messenger. How to update Viber on Android and what it will give you, read on.
Update using APK file
Viber update from APK file.
Less common are installations using ARK - a special file permission for working on Android.
The advantage of these documents is that they allow you to receive new products even before the official release. Also useful for people who do not have access to the Google Play Store (for example, accidentally deleted).
Viber.ARK is posted on official and pirated sites, so you need to be careful. Otherwise, you can get viruses along with the program.
The installation goes like this:
1. Download the ARK file.
2. In the settings of your smartphone or tablet, go to the “Security” section.
3. Confirm the "Unsafe Sources" feature.
4. Open the previously downloaded file.
5. Grant the permissions that the program asks for.
6. In a few minutes the application will appear in the menu of your phone or tablet.
After installation is complete, the function of point 3 should be disabled.
In this case, registration is carried out only using messages (there is no call function to confirm login).
Strengths and weaknesses of the Viber messenger
Viber is a relatively new communication application, but it has managed to take a stable position among its competitors. Most likely, all thanks to:
- simple registration;
- automatic addition of contacts;
- free communication (both calls and SMS within the application are not charged);
- entertainment content to diversify correspondence (emoticons, stickers, adding photos and videos);
- synchronization between devices where you are logged into your account; It is worth noting that messages are not stored on servers, so if you have already corresponded, for example, on a smartphone, and then decide to install the desktop version of the program, only those messages that you write after connecting the devices with your account will be synchronized);
- high level of confidentiality.
Of course, privacy has both pros and cons. For the fact that no one will read your messages, you “pay” in that when you remove the program from the device, all correspondence will be lost. They are stored on the smartphone itself, securely encrypted there and not transferred to servers for storage. So this option can be attributed to both pros and cons.
The list of disadvantages also includes the need for a constant stable Internet connection. If it is not there, you will not receive any messages, much less calls. Yes, and this cannot be called a minus, rather, a feature of the functionality. So, apart from these two controversial points, we can say with confidence that Viber is an almost ideal program for communication. But it was not always so.
Why doesn't auto update work?
There is no auto-update in roaming mode.
Automatic download may not work in two cases:
1. The device is roaming. Then, in addition to downloading files, a number of other actions are limited.
2. Auto-update is prohibited. You can check it on the Google Play page in the Viber application section.
3. No Internet connection.
You can fix the problems in the first case:
– by visiting the “Mobile networks” section (“Settings”);
– by activating the “Data roaming” function. However, an additional fee will be charged for this according to the tariff of the cellular operator.
In the second case:
– open Google Play;
– in the “My applications and games” tab, click “Viber”;
– in the upper right corner, click the three horizontal dots;
– activate the “Auto-update” function.
In the third, turn off the connection for a couple of seconds.
Possible problems and their solutions
When updating the messenger, other problems may arise that an ordinary user may not be able to cope with. What concerns them:
- correspondence and media files are not saved;
- after the release of a new version, you cannot find it in the store or it is unavailable;
- synchronization with your other devices has stopped;
- you updated Viber, but it started working with errors;
- after the update, it is impossible to access the application with your data;
- The “Automatic update” function does not work;
- Viber settings have returned to factory settings.
The most effective method, which in most cases helps solve one or more of the above problems, is to reinstall Viber and first clear the cache files. Therefore, completely uninstall Viber from your phone, go to settings, clear all history and residual files from the application, restart your device and only then download and install the new version again. This will help you fix errors in the messenger.
Viber freezes after update
Viber on Android can be installed for free. Updates appear at least once a month and are installed automatically. If the messenger is out of date, you can check and install a new build yourself.
What should I do if the messenger crashes after installing a new build? In this case, it is recommended to restart your mobile device. If restarting does not help, delete the old version of Viber and install a new one through the Play Store or the official website.
You can update Viber on your Android phone for free in minutes. After installing a new Viber, updated features often appear, service improves, and bugs are fixed. If there are important innovations, a training window will appear on the screen.
Updating messenger on iPhone
Instructions on how to update the Viber version on an iOS phone:
- Open the App Store.
- In the “Updates” section, find Viber. If there are updates available for it, you will see an “Update” button. Click on it.
- After a few seconds, the new version will download and the application will be ready to use.
To resume automatic installation of new versions of the program, go to the iPhone settings, at the very bottom of the list, the “Viber” button, then “Content update”.
Video from our website:
