Precautions

  • Chromebooks should not be placed on soft surfaces or laps during use due to potential overheating.
  • No food or drink should be consumed next to Chromebooks. Cords, cables, and removable storage devices (e.g. thumb drives) must be inserted carefully into the appropriate port on the Chromebooks.
  • Chromebooks should not be used or stored near pets.
  • Chromebooks should not be used with the power cord plugged in when the cord may be a tripping hazard.
  • Heavy objects should never be placed on top of Chromebooks.

Carrying Chromebooks

  • Always close the Chromebook and use two hands to carry it.
  • Never lift a Chromebook by the screen or carry with the screen open.

Opening and Closing Chromebooks

  • Open and close the Chromebook only when it is resting on a flat surface such as a table or desk.
  • Do not attempt to force open the screen beyond its angle – the screen will break.
  • Before closing the screen, make sure there’s nothing on the keyboard to prevent the full closure of the device, such as a pen.
  • Obstacles on the keyboard could cause broken screens or damaged hinges. Close the screen gently.

Screen Care

  • The Chromebook screen can be damaged if subjected to heavy objects, rough treatment, some cleaning solvents, and other liquids.
  • The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure. Do not put pressure on the top of a Chromebook when it is closed.

Chromebook Troubleshooting

Having trouble with your Chromebook? Use these simple steps to fix common problems and make your device work better.

Restart the Chromebook

This truly fixes a multitude of issues. Is the Chromebook running slowly, crashing, or exhibiting other minor glitches? Turn off the Chromebook, let it sit for a minute, then turn it back on again. Voila!

Make sure the Chromebook is charged

If the battery has been completely drained, the Chromebook will not come on, even while it is plugged in. Don’t panic! Give the Chromebook 30 minutes to refuel its battery before attempting to turn on the device. (If the battery isn’t charging, you may also want to make sure that both the outlet itself and the charger are functioning. Try plugging into a different outlet and/or using an alternate charging block and cable.)

Check Wi-Fi connection

Make sure the Chromebook is connected to your preferred WiFi network. Look in the bottom right corner of the screen – is the WiFi icon full or empty? Is there an “X” or an “!” by the icon? The issue may be with the WiFi router, not the Chromebook. Move the Chromebook closer to the router or restart the router entirely. If many devices are attempting to connect to the WiFi at the same time, the WiFi may be overloaded and run sluggishly or not at all. If you do not have reliable WiFi at your house or would like to find a more affordable WiFi option, talk to your Trainer during your class.

Check for system updates

Some errors might be caused by Google’s own software issues. Chromebooks automatically check for updates when connected to WiFi, but you can manually check by clicking on the clock (in the bottom right of your screen) > select Settings > scroll to the bottom and choose “About ChromeOS” > select “Check for updates”.

Hard reset

This will fix hardware issues, such as keyboard, camera, or microphone malfunctions. Shut down the device. Once it is powered off, hold down the refresh button and tap the power button. When the Chromebook starts back up, release the refresh button.

“ChromeOS is missing or damaged” error message

Although this sounds dramatic, it is easily fixed with a Chromebook Recovery. Recovery is a straightforward process, but you may want to call the help desk to complete the steps, as they will have the required resources at the ready. If you’d like to try fixing it on your own, the “Recover your Chromebook” section in the online Chromebook Help page has all the steps.

Remove apps/extensions that you downloaded

If your Chrome browser repeatedly crashes, an app or extension may be to blame. Simply removing these should resolve the problem.

  • In your Chrome browser, click the three dots in the upper right corner
  • Select “Extensions” > “Manage Extensions”
  • Next to the Chrome app or extension, you can click “remove” to permanently delete it, or toggle it off to simply disable it temporarily

“Powerwash” (Factory reset)

This will return the Chromebook to its original factory settings like it is brand new out of the box. You will have to add back any accounts, downloaded items, and saved content. Try a hard reset and disabling apps/extensions before you complete a Powerwash. If that doesn’t work, complete the following steps:

  • Sign out of the Chromebook
  • Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R
  • Select “Restart”
  • In the box that appears, select “Powerwash” > “Continue”
  • Follow the steps that appear, and sign in with your Google account

Chromebook FAQs

How do I store files on the Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop that you use primarily when you are online, so users do not typically save files onto the device. Nearly everything — word processing, spreadsheet-editing, note-taking, etc. — is done on the web via Google’s Chrome browser, and users’ work is mainly saved ‘in the cloud.’ This means that Chromebooks often don’t come with much storage, but it also means you can access your files on other devices if you connect your Google account.

Do I need to purchase or install software?

Chromebooks do not require users to install and update software; the device automatically updates (if that feature is turned on). They also have a great battery life because they don’t need a fast processor or have as many hardware moving parts. You can download apps and products from Google instead of software.

Do I need Internet access to use a Chromebook?

You don’t necessarily need an internet connection to use a Chromebook, but many of its features and apps are designed to work best online. You can use some offline apps, like Google Docs or Google Sheets, if you’ve set them up beforehand. However, for tasks that require web access, like browsing or using cloud-based services, you’ll need to be connected to the internet.

Do I need anti-virus software?

Nope! Chromebooks are widely recognized as being one of the most secure devices due to several built-in security features: Automatic updates: These protect against malware, so make sure you turn them on! Sandboxing: Isolates web pages/apps, containing any threats. Verified Boot: Checks for tampering at startup. Repairs itself if needed. Data encryption: Stores important data in the cloud, using hardware encryption for security. Recovery mode: allows users to easily restore the operating system to a previous state if issues arise.

How to clean/disinfect a Chromebook

Materials

Use bleach-free disinfectant wipes or a solution of 40 percent rubbing alcohol and 60 percent distilled water. Full-strength rubbing alcohol can damage the coating that helps to keep smudges off the screen. A couple of microfiber cloths or any cleaning cloths that are linen free. A can of compressed air is optional if you want to remove any dust that might be hiding in your Chromebook, but this step isn’t necessary for disinfecting.

Warnings

Harsh cleaning supplies like bleach should NEVER be used on your electronics since they can also damage the screen and other parts. Avoid any abrasive cleaning brushes or cleaning pads that might scratch the surfaces of your Chromebook (this includes MagicErasers). NEVER spray any cleaning solution directly onto your Chromebook or any electronics. Always apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and then apply it to the device to avoid any liquid getting into the device and causing damage.

Procedure

  • Step 1 – Power down your Chromebook or unplug the power cord.
  • Step 2 – Disconnect any cables or peripherals that are plugged into your Chromebook. This will allow you to access/clean every part of the device.
  • Step 3 – Use compressed air to remove larger pieces of dirt or dust that might be in your keyboard and ports. When using compressed air, only give it a few short bursts and never turn the can upside down.
  • Step 4 – Use the disinfectant wipe or apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol solution to a cleaning cloth. Wipe down the device, including the screen and around each key of the keyboard. Use a small amount of pressure to remove any fingerprints or smudges on the screen, but not too much since this could damage the display.
  • Step 5 – After everything is dry, you can use a dry microfiber to buff the screen and remove any haze that might be lingering on the display.