Chromebook Won't Turn On or Charge: Fixes by Model

If a Chromebook will not turn on or charge, first plug in the original charger and wait 30 minutes, then try a hard reset: turn it off, hold Refresh and tap Power. Tablet-style models use volume up, volume down and power instead. If that fails, test another charger and port, since most dead Chromebooks are charging problems, not failed laptops.

What kind of problem do you have?

Chromebooks are made by Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, Dell, Samsung, Google and others, so button layouts differ. Start by matching your symptom.

• Nothing happens, no lights. Likely charger, port or a deeply drained battery.
• Charging light on, but it will not start. Often a frozen state, which a hard reset can clear.
• Starts, then shuts off quickly. Often the battery or a hot, dirty device.
• Only works plugged in. Likely a worn or failed battery.
• Screen stays black but you hear sounds. A display issue, or brightness is turned down.
• Error screen at startup. A ChromeOS problem needing recovery.

Step 1: Check the charger, cable and port

Most Chromebooks charge over USB-C, and the charger matters more than people expect.

1. Use the original charger if you still have it. If not, use a USB-C charger that supports Power Delivery and provides enough wattage for your model. Chromebooks commonly want a higher wattage than a phone charger gives, and the right figure depends on the model.
2. Try a different USB-C cable. Some cables only carry data or low power.
3. Try each USB-C port on the Chromebook. Many have two, and one may be damaged. Some models charge on only one side, so check your manual.
4. Plug the charger into a wall socket you know works, not a power strip or a USB hub.
5. Look inside the port with a torch for lint, bent contacts or debris. Never poke metal tools into it. Switch the Chromebook off and use a wooden toothpick or a soft brush gently if you must.
6. Leave it charging for at least 30 minutes, without trying to start it, then try again.

Charging lights are not standardised. On many Chromebooks a light near the port shows amber while charging and white or green when full, but your model may differ. Use the manual for your model rather than assuming.

For charging issues across any brand, our laptop charging guide covers more tests.

Step 2: Hard reset the Chromebook

A hard reset restarts the hardware and often fixes a Chromebook that is frozen, will not respond, or will not turn on even though it is charged. It does not normally delete your files in the Downloads folder or your Google account data, although Google advises that it can sometimes erase files stored locally, so back up when you can.

Standard clamshell Chromebooks

1. Turn the Chromebook off. If it will not respond, hold the Power button for about 10 to 30 seconds.
2. Press and hold the Refresh key (the circular arrow in the top row).
3. While holding Refresh, tap the Power button once.
4. When the Chromebook starts, release Refresh.

Chromebook tablets and detachables

Models with no Refresh key, such as tablet-style or detachable Chromebooks, use a different combination. Google's guidance for these is to hold volume up, volume down and Power together for around 10 seconds, then release. On some models it is Power plus volume up. Check the model's support page if the first combination has no effect.

Chromebooks with a reset pinhole

Some devices have a tiny reset hole. Unplug it, insert a straightened paperclip gently, press and hold for a few seconds, then try to start. Do not force it. Only use this if the manufacturer's page for your model describes it.

Step 3: Battery reset (model dependent)

If a hard reset does nothing and the Chromebook still will not turn on, a battery reset can help on some models. The method depends on the device and the manufacturer.

1. Unplug the charger and all accessories.
2. Hold the Power button for 30 seconds. This drains remaining power on many models.
3. Reconnect the charger, wait a few minutes, then try the normal power button.

Some Chromebooks (for example certain Acer, Lenovo or HP models) document a special battery reset or ask you to open the case and disconnect the battery. Do not open the case unless the manufacturer says it is safe and you are confident. Many Chromebooks have sealed cases, and opening them can void any warranty or damage clips and cables.

Fixes by manufacturer and type

The steps above work for most devices, but these notes explain where models commonly differ. Treat them as pointers, not guarantees, and confirm on the maker's support page.

Type or brand	What commonly differs
Acer Chromebooks	Many follow the standard Refresh plus Power reset. Some Acer models document a separate battery or embedded controller reset, and some have a reset pinhole.
ASUS Chromebooks	Standard hard reset on clamshells. Detachable ASUS models use the tablet button combination.
HP Chromebooks	Standard Refresh plus Power on most clamshells. HP lists charger wattage by model, so check the label on the original charger.
Lenovo Chromebooks	Clamshells use the standard method. Detachable models such as the Duet line use the tablet combination, and have a USB-C port that can be sensitive to charger quality.
Dell Chromebooks	Often education models. Standard reset applies, and school-managed devices may be restricted by the administrator.
Samsung Chromebooks	Standard reset on most models. Check the model page for the ports that support charging.
Google Pixelbook and Pixel Slate	Pixelbook can use the standard reset. Pixel Slate, a detachable, uses the tablet combination. Both are older devices and may be past their update support.

The Chromebook's model name is on the bottom of the device or in the Chrome browser at chrome://version when it works. Search the manufacturer's support page with the exact model number.

Step 4: Check for screen and brightness problems

Sometimes the Chromebook is on, but you cannot see it.

1. Press the brightness-up key several times.
2. Press Ctrl plus the full-screen/window-switcher key to toggle display modes if an external monitor is connected.
3. Connect an external monitor over HDMI or USB-C. If it shows a picture, the built-in display or its cable is faulty.
4. Listen for the startup chime or watch for keyboard backlight and Caps Lock lights, where the model has them.

If the external monitor works but the built-in screen does not, see our laptop black screen guide for the next checks. If the display is cracked or damaged, laptop screen repair in Montreal may be an option, although screen replacement on a low-cost Chromebook is sometimes not worth the price.

Step 5: Recovery for a Chromebook that starts but will not load ChromeOS

If you see "ChromeOS is missing or damaged" or "Please insert a recovery USB stick", the hardware is working but the operating system is not. Recovery can fix this, but it erases local data, so files saved only on the device will be lost. Files synced to Google Drive stay safe.

1. On another computer with Chrome, install the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Enter your Chromebook's model number when asked, using the exact text from the error screen or the manufacturer's page.
3. Insert a USB drive or SD card of at least 8 GB (it will be erased) and create the recovery media.
4. On the broken Chromebook, enter recovery mode. On most clamshells, hold Esc and Refresh, then press Power. On tablets and some detachables, the combination differs.
5. Insert the recovery media and follow the on-screen steps.

If your Chromebook is managed by a school or company, recovery may re-enrol it. Ask your administrator before wiping a managed device.

Step 6: Check whether the device is out of support

Chromebooks have an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, after which they no longer receive ChromeOS updates. An expired Chromebook can still turn on, but may show warnings or fail to update. Google publishes AUE dates by model. An older Chromebook that has reached its expiry date may not be worth repairing, because a repair does not extend support. Check the date before spending money.

Step 7: Battery and age

Chromebook batteries wear out like any lithium battery. After several years of daily use, they may last only a short time, or the Chromebook might only run on mains power.

• If the Chromebook works only when plugged in, the battery is probably worn or has failed.
• If the case is bulging, the trackpad is lifting or the base is warping, stop using and charging it. A swollen battery is a safety risk.
• Most Chromebooks have batteries that are replaceable by a technician, but not all are user-friendly. Costs vary, and for a budget model it may exceed the value of the device.

In ChromeOS, you can often check battery health from the Settings and About pages, or from the diagnostics app (search for "Diagnostics" in the launcher), where the model allows.

What remote support can and cannot do

Remote help works when the Chromebook starts and has internet access. A technician can help with sign-in problems, slow performance, policy and update errors, account issues, extension problems and settings. Remote support cannot fix a Chromebook that has no power, a faulty charging port or a failed battery. Those need a physical repair or a replacement. For software issues on a working device, see remote computer repair in the USA or remote computer repair in Canada.

Repair or replace?

Consider these questions before you pay for a repair.

• Is the Chromebook still under warranty? Many have a one year manufacturer warranty, and school or business devices may have longer cover.
• Has it reached its Auto Update Expiration date? If so, a replacement is often better value.
• What is the quote compared with a new or refurbished Chromebook at current prices?
• Is the fault only the charger? A new certified charger is the cheapest fix, so rule it out first.

When to call a professional

• You have tried another charger, another port, a hard reset and a battery reset, and nothing changed.
• The Chromebook was dropped, wet, or has a bent or loose charging port.
• The battery is swollen or the device gets hot.
• Recovery fails or keeps returning the same error.
• The Chromebook is managed by an organisation and you cannot sign in.

If your Chromebook starts but has software or account problems, our team can help remotely. If it has a hardware fault, we will say so honestly and point you to the right next step.

Frequently asked questions

How do I hard reset a Chromebook that won't turn on?

Turn it off, hold the Refresh key and tap Power, then release Refresh when it starts. On tablet or detachable models, hold volume up, volume down and Power together for about 10 seconds. The exact combination can vary by model.

Why is my Chromebook not charging when plugged in?

Typical causes are a faulty cable or charger, a charger with too little wattage, a dirty or damaged port, a frozen state or a worn battery. Try another certified USB-C charger and port first.

Will a hard reset delete my files?

A hard reset is not a factory reset, and usually keeps your account and files. Google notes that files stored locally can sometimes be affected, so keep important files in Google Drive. A recovery or Powerwash does erase local data.

Can I charge a Chromebook with a phone charger?

Sometimes, but it may charge slowly or not at all if the wattage is too low. Use the original charger or a USB-C Power Delivery charger that meets your model's requirement.

Is it worth replacing a Chromebook battery?

It depends on the model, the price of the battery and labour, and the Auto Update Expiration date. For a newer, higher-end model it may be worthwhile. For an older budget Chromebook, replacement is often better value.