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Student Technology FAQ's » Chromebook Issues

Chromebook Issues

Fix Chromebook Issues

If you're having a problem with your Chromebook hardware or operating system, try the steps below. Test your Chromebook after each step to see if the problem is fixed.

 

If you're still having trouble after trying these steps, please visit the Edison High School Library to replace/repair the Chromebook or fill out the form on the bottom of the tech support page.

 

Battery won't charge

 

First, check that:

  • The charger or adapter cables are completely plugged in, both to your Chromebook and the wall.
  • The power outlet is working.

If your Chromebook still won't charge:

  1. Unplug your charger from the wall and your Chromebook.
  2. Plug your charger back in to your Chromebook, then the wall.
  3. Charge the device for at least 30 minutes.
Scroll down to the "chromebook won't turn on or won't charge" section for more tips.
 
Camera doesn't work
 

If your camera isn't working, or if you see a message that says "No camera found":

  1. Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.
  2. Try using the camera in another app. Chromebooks have a built in camera app, access it by selecting apps in the bottom left corner of the screen and navigating to camera. If your camera works, you now know the camera is still functioning and the issue may be something different.
  3. If you're in a Zoom or Google Meet, make sure that you enable access to the camera, and that you turn the camera on in the Zoom or Google Meet app.
Sound doesn't work
  1. Make sure sound isn't muted:
    1. At the bottom right, select the time.
    2. Adjust the volume using the slider.
  2. Change the sound input or output:
    1. At the bottom right, select the time.
    2. Next to the volume slider, select the Right arrow .
    3. Change where sound comes from (output) or where you speak into (input).
  3. Turn your chromebook off, and then log in again.

Fix problems with your keyboard

If the volume or brightness keys don't work, you might be at the upper or lower limit for that setting.

If the backward or forward buttons don't work, check if the same icons in a web browser window are grayed out. For example, if the back button on a web page is gray, the browser isn't aware of a page to move backward to.

 

If you have other problems with your keyboard, try these steps:

  1. Turn off the Chromebook and then turn it back on. 
  2. If the keyboard is still not working, you may need a replacement. Please visit the Edison High School Library or fill out the form on the bottom of our tech support page.
 

Fix touchpad problems

If your touchpad stops working, try these steps:

  • Make sure there is no dust or dirt on the touchpad.
  • Press the Esc key several times.
  • Drumroll your fingers on the touchpad for ten seconds.
  • Turn your Chromebook off, then back on again.
  • If the keyboard is still not working, you may need a replacement. Please visit the Edison High School Library or fill out the form on the bottom of our tech support page.
 
Chromebook crashes or freezes
 

If your Chromebook is crashing or freezing:

  1. Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.
  2. Close all your apps and browser windows.
  3. If a specific tab in your browser causes your Chromebook to crash or freeze, hard refresh the page: Ctrl + Shift + r.
Chromebook won't turn on or won't charge
 

First, check if the battery is charging by plugging your Chromebook into a power outlet. (Usually, you'll see a light turn on.)

 

If your Chromebook is charging, let it charge for at least 30 minutes. 

 

If your Chromebook still isn't charging:

  1. Check if the charger or adapter cables are completely plugged in, both to your Chromebook and the wall.
  2. Make sure that the power outlet is working.
  3. Unplug your charger from the wall and your Chromebook.
  4. Plug your charger back in to your Chromebook, then the wall.
  5. Charge the device for at least 30 minutes.

If these steps don't fix the problem, please visit the Edison High School Library or fill out our tech support request form at the bottom of this page.

 

Computer is slow / Tabs refresh constantly

 

Your Chromebook might be running low on memory. To fix this problem:

  1. Close any browser tabs you're not using.
  2. Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.
  3. Open the Task Manager (press Shift + Esc).
  4. Close any apps or windows you're not using.
  5. Try turning off some of your extensions:
    1. Open Chrome Chrome.
    2. At the top right, click More .
    3. Choose More tools and then Extensions.
    4. Review your list of extensions. Turn off extensions you don't need.
If you're still having trouble after trying these steps, please visit the Edison High School Library to replace/repair the Chromebook or fill out the form on the bottom of the tech support page.