Chromebook: How to use your laptop offline
Our devices are constantly online. Fridges, washing machines, and microwaves are connected to the internet. However, the internet isn’t a guaranteed commodity, and devices don’t always have an internet connection. Many devices are useless without an internet connection, but some, like Chromebooks, can do many of the same activities without an internet connection.
We can do several things withour favorite Chromebooks, such as write a document, draft an email, or play a game on an Android app without an internet connection. This guide helps you prepare to use your Chromebook without an internet connection.
They don’t make them better than this
How to disconnect a Chromebook from the internet
Since offline features are limited, Chromebooks are best when used with an internet connection. However, it may make sense to test the offline features before you’re in a situation where you have no internet connection. To test the offline features, manually disconnect from the internet using the following steps:
Select the network name underneath the button to toggle off your Wi-Fi and mobile connections.
This disconnects your Chromebook from all internet connections. Reverse the above steps if you need to turn your connection back on to fix a setting.
How to use Google Drive on a Chromebook while offline
Every Chromebook comes out of the box with access toGoogle Drive, along with its cloud-based productivity apps. Four of Google’s productivity apps work offline without a problem:
These apps automatically sync the documents you made or edited to your Chromebook’s local storage. This means you can access and edit these documents even when disconnected from the internet. These apps function normally when used offline. You’ll see a “Working offline” message next to your document’s title.
Your Chromebook cannot sync these documents with Google Drive while offline. Instead, changes are saved locally on your device. When you reconnect to the internet, the changes upload automatically to Google Drive.
Offline features should be activated by default. To verify they’re turned on, follow these steps:
Offline mode is turned on for all Google Drive productivity apps.
How to use Gmail on a Chromebook while offline
Google created an offline mode for Gmail. You can access your emails when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. This setting is not activated by default, so turn it on while you have an internet connection.
Set up an email to send while you’re off having fun
You’ll have limited functionality when you are offline and use Gmail. You can only view emails you sent and received when you last had an internet connection and can draft emails to be sent out when you reconnect. If you use Gmail tocheck email from other services, you’ll only see emails from a Gmail account when offline.
How to use Google TV on a Chromebook while offline
Google TV has you covered if you need entertainment while on the go. Movies and TV shows you purchase can be downloaded to your device so that you may watch them anytime, anywhere.
How to use Google’s version of Plex
After your download finishes, you’re able to watch your show or movie with or without an internet connection. This method applies to other media streaming apps such as Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube Music, so download your media before you go on a trip.
Even more to do offline
Chromebooks are great devices for getting tasks done, whether you’re researching a project or drafting an email. Even when you don’t have an internet connection, you can still do numerous things on your Chromebook like watch TV or write a paper. You can even playoffline Android gamesusing the Google Play Store.
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