Previously considered glorified browsers, Chromebooks are now feature-rich, useful devices. There are Chromebooks for thebudget-consciousand those who want apremium experience. Chromebooks are great for most people since they’re relatively inexpensive compared to Windows and macOS computers and work without many issues.
If you run into issues on your device, it’s good to know how to fix them. This guide walks you through the common issues found on Chromebooks and teaches you how to get your Chromebook back in tip-top shape.
A ChromeOS is missing or damaged error appears
If you see this message on your Chromebook, there’s an issue with the operating system, and you need to recover your device. To recover a Chromebook:
If you have a Chromebox, power off the device and use a paperclip to press and hold therecovery buttonuntil a message appears on the screen. If you have a ChromeOS tablet, press and hold theVolume up,Volume down, andPowerbuttons for approximately ten seconds.
You now have two options. Recover using the internet or through a flash drive. If you use the internet, tap theRecover using internet connectionoption and follow the instructions.
If you use a flash drive, it takes a little more work.Put ChromeOS on a flash drive, which requires another computer and a flash drive. Then, tap theRecover using external diskoption and follow the on-screen instructions.
My Chromebook crashes and freezes
If your Chromebook crashes and freezes constantly, it can be frustrating. Follow these steps to solve this issue.
These steps should solve your problem and get your Chromebook functioning correctly.
My Chromebook is slow
If your Chromebook slows down and takes a lot of time to load things, check if yourChromebook has an update, as new software might be available and may fix the issue. If you install all available updates and the issue persists,contact your Chromebook manufacturer.
My Chromebook turns off and on again, over and over
If your Chromebook turns off and on again endlessly, also known as a boot loop, it’s best to recover it. To do so, follow the instructions above to remove the old operating system and install a new one. If this doesn’t work, contact your Chromebook manufacturer.
My Chromebook won’t turn on or charge
If your Chromebook doesn’t turn on or charge, it may be an issue with the battery or charger. The first step is to plug your Chromebook’s charger into an outlet and plug in the Chromebook to see if it charges, usually through a light on the side of the device.
Make sure that all cables for the charger are plugged in properly and that the charger connects to your device properly. If the device still doesn’t charge, check the outlet to make sure it works. If your device starts charging, let it charge for at least 30 minutes and then turn it on. If that doesn’t fix the problem, Powerwash your Chromebook. If that doesn’t work, follow the steps above to recover your device. If none of these steps fix your device, contact your Chromebook manufacturer.
Your Chromebook may run into issues when downloading or installing an update. There are a few things to try if you run into these issues.
My Chromebook won’t connect to a Bluetooth device
Bluetooth devices help us listen to media or interact with our devices better. It’s frustrating when you can’t connect your Bluetooth device. If you run into issues with Bluetooth, try these steps to fix it.
If none of these steps work, contact the manufacturer of your Bluetooth device.
My Chromebook’s camera isn’t working
If your Chromebook’s camera doesn’t work or shows ano camera founderror message, it’s time to troubleshoot.
If none of these steps work, your camera might be broken or defective. Contact your Chromebook manufacturer for further troubleshooting and other options.
My Chromebook’s sound isn’t working
Try these fixes if you’re playing a video or music and don’t hear anything.
Keyboards and touchpads are essential for using a Chromebook. When they don’t work, it inhibits your device’s capability. Here’s how to fix them.
Keyboard specific fixes
If your keyboard isn’t working properly, Chromebooks have a built-in diagnostics tool to check if it’s working. Tap theSearchorLauncherkey on your keyboard. Then, typeDiagnosticsand select theDiagnostics app icon(shaped like a zig-zagging line). In the app, selectKeyboardon the left and tap theTestbutton. This determines if there’s an issue with your keyboard.
If your trackpad doesn’t work correctly, Google has suggestions to solve the problem.
If the above items don’t work for your keyboard and touchpad, there are a few more fixes to try.
