How do I update PostSnag to the latest version?

Chrome updates PostSnag automatically in the background if you installed it from the Chrome Web Store, so you don't have to do anything for most updates to reach you. If you want to confirm you're on the newest version right now instead of waiting, you can force a check from chrome://extensions in under a minute.

How automatic updates work

Chrome periodically checks the Web Store for new versions of every extension you have installed, PostSnag included, and installs updates in the background without any action from you. Most of the time, you'll simply be on the latest version without noticing anything happened. This only applies if you installed PostSnag from the Chrome Web Store; a manually loaded build works differently, covered below.

How to force an update check

1. Open a new tab and go to chrome://extensions.

2. Turn on Developer mode using the toggle in the top-right corner. This reveals extra detail, including an Update button, that isn't visible otherwise.

3. Click Update.

[Screenshot: chrome://extensions with the Update button visible after Developer mode is turned on]

Chrome checks every installed extension for a newer version and installs any it finds, including PostSnag. If nothing visibly happens, you're already on the latest version; that's not an error.

After an update, refresh any open Facebook tabs

Chrome updates the extension itself right away, but a Facebook tab you already had open keeps running whichever version of PostSnag was active when that page loaded. Refresh any open facebook.com tabs after an update, or close and reopen them, so the panel picks up the newest version. If capturing ever looks slightly off right after an update, this is usually why, and a simple refresh fixes it.

Why staying current matters

PostSnag's capture engine is built around how Facebook's own page loads and displays posts, and Facebook changes that from time to time. PostSnag ships updates to keep pace with those changes, along with new features and fixes. Running the latest version gives you the most reliable, complete capture, so it's worth confirming you're current if something feels off rather than assuming your setup is the problem.

If you installed manually

A build loaded through Load unpacked, see "How do I install PostSnag manually from a build file? (Advanced)", doesn't auto-update. Chrome has no store version to check a manually loaded folder against. You'll need to go back to postsnag.com/downloads, download the latest build, and repeat the manual install steps yourself whenever you want to update. Installing from the Chrome Web Store is the simplest way to stay current without thinking about it.

Common questions

How do I know what version I'm running?
Open chrome://extensions, find PostSnag, and check the version number listed underneath its name.

Do I lose my captured posts when PostSnag updates?
No. Updates don't affect your account, your dashboard, or anything already captured locally or exported. Everything stays exactly where it was.

I clicked Update and nothing happened. Is something wrong?
No. That means you're already on the latest version. The Update button only installs something if a newer version actually exists.

How often does PostSnag release updates?
There's no fixed schedule. Updates ship as needed to match changes on Facebook's side and to add features, not on a set calendar.

Do I need to sign back in after an update?
No. Your sign-in stays active through an update. If you're ever asked to sign in again unexpectedly, that's unrelated to updating; see "Why was I signed out unexpectedly?" in Troubleshooting.