As of 2023, Google Chrome requires iOS 14 or later. If you try to download Chrome directly from the App Store on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5, you will see the dreaded error message:
“This application requires iOS 14.0 or later.”
You cannot install the modern Chrome. However, Apple has a legacy system in place that saves the day.
Q: Will YouTube work on Chrome for iOS 9.3.5? A: The YouTube mobile site (m.youtube.com) will work, but slowly. Google has deprecated older API versions. You are better off using the YouTube app’s last compatible version (which is YouTube 15.43.2).
Q: Can I use Chrome to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime? A: No. DRM (Digital Rights Management) on these streaming services requires modern browser components not present in iOS 9.3.5. Use the dedicated Netflix or Prime Video apps instead (last compatible versions).
Q: Will my passwords sync from my Windows Chrome browser? A: Yes. Sign in with the same Google account. However, two-factor authentication (2FA) prompts may not work properly. Use an "App Password" from your Google account settings if you encounter issues.
Q: Why does Chrome keep crashing on launch? A: This is rare, but try: Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings (this won't delete data, only preferences). Or delete Chrome, restart your device, and re-download using the App Store method above.
Apple allows you to download the last known version of an app that worked with your operating system. Here is the step-by-step process:
The App Store will automatically fetch Chrome 70 (or similar—likely version 70.0.3538.75), which is the final build that supported iOS 9.
If you are using an iPhone 4S, iPad 2, iPad 3, or iPad Mini 1 (the devices typically stuck on iOS 9.3.5), you cannot upgrade the operating system further. These devices have hardware limitations that prevent them from running the modern software required for current browsers like Chrome.
Your best course of action is to use Safari, as it is the only modern browser engine that will function reliably and securely on your device, even if it lacks some of the sync features you might enjoy in Chrome.
Installing Google Chrome on iOS 9.3.5 is possible, but since the current version of Chrome requires iOS 17.0 or later, you must use specific workarounds to download the "last compatible version". Method 1: The "Purchased" List (Best for Existing Users)
If you have ever downloaded Chrome on any Apple device using your current Apple ID, it will be in your purchase history. This is the most reliable way to trigger the older version download. Open the App Store on your iOS 9.3.5 device. Tap on the Purchased tab at the bottom of the screen. Search for "Google Chrome" in your list of apps. Tap the Cloud icon next to Chrome.
When the pop-up appears stating, "The current version requires iOS 10.0 or later," tap Download to get the last compatible version. Method 2: Using a Newer Device (For New Users)
If Chrome is not in your purchase history, you cannot download it directly on iOS 9.3.5 because the "Get" button will simply fail.
Find a newer Apple device (running iOS 14 or later) and sign in with the same Apple ID you use on the iOS 9.3.5 device.
Download Google Chrome on that newer device from the official Apple App Store.
Return to your iOS 9.3.5 device. Chrome will now appear in your Purchased list as described in Method 1. Tap the Cloud icon to install the older version. Method 3: Legacy iTunes (PC/Mac Required)
If you don't have a second iOS device, you can use an older version of iTunes that still supports app management.
Download and install iTunes 12.6.5 on your computer. This specific version was released by Apple to allow businesses to continue deploying apps. Google Chrome For Ios 9.3 5 Download-
Sign in with your Apple ID and "buy" (download) Google Chrome within the iTunes App Store.
Once the download starts in iTunes, you can cancel it. Chrome is now "purchased" on your account.
On your iOS 9.3.5 device, go to App Store > Purchased and download the older version. Method 4: Jailbreak & Sideloading (Advanced)
If the official App Store methods fail, advanced users can sideload a decrypted .ipa file. Downloading Chrome and Legacy Apps on IOS 9.3.5
Install iTunes on a computer and Sync iPad. ( I used iTunes 12.6.3 with Windows 7 PC) Install Chrome (or other legacy apps [Drive, Apple Discussions
Google Chrome For iOS 9.3.5 Download: The Ultimate Legacy Guide
Downloading Google Chrome for a device running iOS 9.3.5 (like the iPad 2, iPad 3, or iPad Mini 1) is a common challenge for users trying to breathe new life into older Apple hardware. While Google officially requires iOS 17 and up for the latest version of Chrome, there are still effective workarounds to get the "last compatible version" on your legacy device. 1. The "Purchased Tab" Method (Easiest & Safest)
The most reliable way to download Chrome on iOS 9.3.5 is through your App Store's purchase history. This method works because Apple allows you to download older versions of apps if they are already associated with your Apple ID. Step 1: Open the App Store on your iOS 9.3.5 device.
Step 2: Tap on the Purchased tab at the bottom of the screen. Step 3: Use the search bar to find "Google Chrome." Step 4: Tap the Cloud icon (download button) next to it.
Step 5: A pop-up will appear stating: "Download an older version of this app? The current version requires iOS 10.0 or later..." Tap Download to confirm.
Note: If you have never "purchased" (downloaded) Chrome before, it won't appear in this list. You can fix this by downloading Chrome on a newer Apple device using the same Apple ID first. 2. The iTunes 12.6.3 Workaround
If you don't have a newer iOS device to "purchase" Chrome, you can use an older version of iTunes (v12.6.3) on a PC or Mac. This specific version was the last to include the built-in App Store.
Download and Install iTunes 12.6.3: This version is still available from Apple's support pages. Sign In: Log into your Apple ID within iTunes.
Search & Download: Find Google Chrome in the App Store section and click "Get." This adds it to your "Purchased" history.
Sync or App Store: Now, go back to your iOS 9.3.5 device's App Store and use the Purchased Tab method described above. 3. Alternative Browsers for iOS 9.3.5
Because Chrome on iOS 9.3.5 is no longer updated, it uses an outdated rendering engine (WebKit) that may not load modern websites properly. If Chrome fails to load your favorite sites, consider these alternatives: Downloading Chrome and Legacy Apps on IOS 9.3.5
Install iTunes on a computer and Sync iPad. ( I used iTunes 12.6.3 with Windows 7 PC) Install Chrome (or other legacy apps [Drive, Apple Support Community
Installing Google Chrome on iOS 9.3.5 requires downloading a compatible, older version via the App Store's "Purchased" history, as direct downloads for newer versions are blocked. If Chrome has never been downloaded, it must first be acquired on a newer device using the same Apple ID to add it to the purchase history. For more information, visit Google Support
Install Google Chrome on iPad (How to) | Google Chrome for iPad As of 2023, Google Chrome requires iOS 14 or later
While the current version of Google Chrome requires iOS 17.0 or later, you can still download the last compatible version for iOS 9.3.5 if you have previously downloaded the app on your Apple ID. How to Download Chrome on iOS 9.3.5
If you are using an older device like an iPad 2 or iPad Mini 1, follow these steps to trigger the "legacy" download:
Check the "Purchased" Section: Open the App Store, tap on Purchased (on iPad) or Updates > Purchased (on iPhone).
Search for Chrome: Find Google Chrome in your list of previously downloaded apps.
Download the Older Version: Tap the Cloud icon. A pop-up should appear stating: "The current version requires iOS 17.0 or later, but you can download the last compatible version". Select Download. Troubleshooting and Workarounds
If Chrome has never been downloaded on your Apple ID before, it will not appear in your "Purchased" list, and the App Store will simply say it is "incompatible". You can try these workarounds:
Use a Newer Device First: Log in to your Apple ID on a newer iPhone or iPad that can run the current Chrome version. "Purchase" (download) Chrome there first. It will then show up in the "Purchased" list on your iOS 9.3.5 device.
Use Older iTunes (PC/Mac): Using iTunes version 12.6.3 or older on a computer allows you to access the App Store and "purchase" apps to your account, which then makes them available in your device's history.
Alternative Browsers: If you cannot get Chrome to work, some third-party browsers like Dolphin or iCab Mobile may still have compatible legacy versions available in the App Store.
Note on Security: Using Chrome on iOS 9.3.5 means running a version (likely v61 or older) that has not been updated in years. It will lack modern security patches and may struggle to load many current websites correctly.
Google Chrome for iOS requires iOS 14 or later as of its recent versions. iOS 9.3.5 is an older operating system (released in 2016, supported primarily by devices like the iPhone 4s, iPad 2, iPad 3, and original iPad Mini).
Here’s what you should know:
If you absolutely need Chrome on iOS 9.3.5, your best bet is to see if you can download an old .ipa file (if you have it backed up via iTunes) and sideload it using a tool like Cydia Impactor — but this is technical, risky, and not recommended for regular users.
Recommendation: If possible, upgrade to a newer device or at least to iOS 10 or 11 (if your device supports it). Otherwise, continue using Safari for basic browsing on iOS 9.3.5.
Would you like help finding a workaround to install an older app version via a computer?
You can download an older, compatible version of Google Chrome for iOS 9.3.5, but it requires a specific workaround since the current App Store version requires iOS 17 or later. 🛠️ How to Download Chrome on iOS 9.3.5
If you search for Chrome directly on your old device, you may see a "Requires iOS 17.0 or later" error. Use these steps to get the legacy version: Use a "Purchased" History: Open the App Store on your iOS 9 device. Go to the Purchased tab at the bottom. Find Google Chrome in the list. Tap the Cloud Icon.
When prompted, select Download to get the last compatible version for your OS. Link Your Account First:
If Chrome isn't in your history, you must "purchase" it on a newer device (iPhone/iPad/Mac) using the same Apple ID first. Once it's in your history, it will appear in the "Purchased" tab on your iOS 9 device. Computer Workaround (Advanced): “This application requires iOS 14
Use an older version of iTunes (12.6.3) on a PC to "buy" the app, which then makes it available in your device's purchased history. ⚠️ Important Limitations
Security Risks: These legacy versions are years out of date and do not receive security patches.
Broken Websites: Many modern websites may not load correctly or will crash due to outdated web standards.
No Sync: Newer Google Account security features might prevent you from signing in to sync your bookmarks. 💡 Pro-Tip: Lighten the Load
If Chrome is too slow on your legacy device, try using Safari instead. Since it’s baked into the OS, it often runs slightly smoother on older hardware than third-party browsers. Downloading Chrome and Legacy Apps on IOS 9.3.5
To download Google Chrome on a device running , you must download the last compatible version through your App Store purchase history . The current version of Chrome requires iOS 17.0 or later
, but you can bypass this restriction if the app is already linked to your Apple ID. Method 1: Download via Purchase History (Recommended)
This is the most reliable way to get the last working version for older hardware like the iPad 2 or iPad Mini 1. Open the App Store on your iOS 9.3.5 device. Tap on the tab at the bottom of the screen. Search for Google Chrome in your list of apps. Cloud icon (download button) next to it. A prompt will appear stating:
"The current version requires iOS 17.0 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." to install the older version.
If Chrome is not in your Purchased list, you must first "buy" it (for free) on a newer iOS device or a computer using the same Apple ID
. Once it's in your account history, it will appear on your iOS 9.3.5 device. Method 2: Advanced Workarounds
If the App Store method fails, users often turn to legacy tools, though these are more technical:
Do not use the old Chrome 70 for banking, email, or logging into sensitive accounts. The browser has not received a security update in over 5 years. Use it only for casual reading, YouTube, or basic Google searches.
Published: May 2026 | Reading Time: 6 minutes
In the fast-paced world of mobile technology, software updates often leave older hardware behind. If you are holding onto a classic Apple device—such as the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, or the original iPad—you are likely familiar with the frustrating message: “iOS 9.3.5 is the latest version.”
While Apple has moved on to iOS 16 and beyond, millions of users worldwide still rely on these vintage devices for music, basic communication, and light web browsing. The problem? Safari on iOS 9.3.5 is outdated, slow, and often incompatible with modern websites.
Enter Google Chrome. But can you still get the right version? This guide provides everything you need to know about the Google Chrome for iOS 9.3.5 download, including installation steps, performance tips, security considerations, and the best alternative browsers.
A: Yes, partially. Bookmarks and open tabs sync via your Google account. However, saved credit cards and advanced payment methods will not sync due to outdated encryption.