---
title: "Beta channel"
description: "How to get Volumio versions before their official release by switching your device to the beta channel, and how to go back."
url: https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/195-beta-channel
collection: "Getting started"
updated: 2026-11-13
language: en
---

# Beta channel

How to get Volumio versions before their official release by switching your device to the beta channel, and how to go back.

Your device gets updates from the stable channel: versions that have been fully tested. On the beta channel, you get new versions earlier, before they're released to everyone.

> **Warning:** Beta versions are still being tested and may have bugs. If you rely on your device every day, stay on the stable channel.

## Switch to the beta channel

1.  On a computer on the same network as your device, open a web browser.
    
2.  Type your device's name followed by `.local/dev`, for example `http://motivo.local/dev`. If it doesn't work, use the device's IP address instead, for example `http://192.168.1.20/dev`. To find both, see [Volumio in a browser](https://help.volumio.com/articles/174-volumio-in-a-browser).
    
3.  Under `Update Channel Selection`, choose `Test`.
    
4.  In the app, open your device and go to `Settings` → `System`, then press `Check updates` under `System updates` to [install the beta version](https://help.volumio.com/articles/193-update-your-device).
    

> **Tip:** If you want to stay on the beta channel, choose `Test` again after every update: once an update is installed, the device goes back to the stable channel.

## Go back to the stable channel

After a beta update, your device is already back on the stable channel, and gets the next stable version as usual.

If you chose `Test` but haven't updated yet, go to the same page and choose `Stable` under `Update Channel Selection`.

If you [report a problem](https://help.volumio.com/articles/33-report-a-bug) while you're on a beta version, tell us in your report.

## Related

- [Nova and Volumio 4](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/172-nova-and-volumio-4.md)
- [Volumio app](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/173-volumio-app.md)
- [Volumio in a browser](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/174-volumio-in-a-browser.md)
- [Inputs and outputs](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/175-inputs-and-outputs.md)
- [Power and standby](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/176-power-and-standby.md)