FixChromebook

Chromebook won't turn on: what to try

A Chromebook with no sign of life: check the charger, then try a hardware reset and recovery in order.

  • Updated
  • 12 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Chromebook

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Nothing happens when you press the power button on your Chromebook, or the screen stays black. Start with the charger, the most common cause, and move step by step to a hardware reset and recovery.

Before you start

A Chromebook that looks dead is often out of battery or not receiving power. These checks need no tools. Allow about an hour in total, because charging takes time. Your files are safe through every fix on this page except the last one, recovery, which erases the Chromebook.

If the Chromebook belongs to a school or workplace, tell the person who manages it before you try the later fixes.

Fixes to try, in orderA top-to-bottom flow chart with 9 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Fixes to try, in orderNoNoNo1Check the charger, cableand outlet2Charge for at least 30minutes3Does it start now?Yes: You are done4Reconnect the charger inthe right order5Works now?Yes: You are done6Do a hard reset7Works now?Yes: You are done8Recover ChromeOS witha USB driveStill dead? Use the maker'ssupport page for yourmodel.
Stop as soon as the Chromebook starts.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Check the charger, cable and outlet
  2. Step 2: Charge for at least 30 minutes
  3. Question 3: Does it start now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  4. Step 4: Reconnect the charger in the right order
  5. Question 5: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  6. Step 6: Do a hard reset
  7. Question 7: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  8. Step 8: Recover ChromeOS with a USB drive
  9. If nothing worked: Still dead? Use the maker's support page for your model.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Check the power supply

This takes about 5 minutes.

  1. Plug the charger into a wall outlet you know works, for example by testing a lamp in it. Avoid extension strips and adapters for now.
  2. Push the charger cable firmly into the Chromebook. Many models charge through a USB-C port, and models with a port on each side usually charge from either one.
  3. Look for a charging light on the Chromebook, usually near the charging port. Light behavior varies by model, so check your manual if you see none.
  4. If you have another charger made for your model, try it. A phone charger may not supply enough power.
Ports on a typical laptopThe side of a closed laptop with seven ports, left to right: a round power socket, an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, a round audio jack and an SD card slot. It has 2 numbered markers, explained in the list under the picture.12Ports on a typical laptop
  1. USB-C port: many Chromebooks charge here
  2. Power or charging port on models that have one
Positions differ between models; many Chromebooks charge through a USB-C port.
Text version of this diagram

The side of a closed laptop with seven ports, left to right: a round power socket, an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, a round audio jack and an SD card slot.

  1. USB-C port: many Chromebooks charge here
  2. Power or charging port on models that have one

Fix 2: Charge for at least 30 minutes

  1. Leave the charger connected and the Chromebook alone for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Press the Power button.
  3. If the screen lights up and the Chromebook starts, you are done. A battery that was fully drained can need that long to recover.

If a charging light came on but the Chromebook still does not start after 30 minutes, go to Fix 4.

Fix 3: Reconnect the charger in the right order

Google advises this order.

  1. Unplug the charger from the wall outlet and from the Chromebook.
  2. Plug the charger into the Chromebook first.
  3. Plug the other end into the wall outlet.
  4. Charge for at least 30 minutes, then press Power again.

Fix 4: Do a hard reset

A hard reset restarts the Chromebook's hardware. It is different from a Powerwash, which erases your data. Google says a hard reset can also delete some files in the Downloads folder, so try it only after the steps above.

  1. Make sure the Chromebook is off.
  2. Press and hold the Refresh key, then tap the Power button.
  3. When the Chromebook starts, release Refresh.

If that does nothing, press and hold Back, Refresh and Power together for at least 10 seconds. On a tablet-style Chromebook, hold Volume Up and Power for at least 10 seconds, then release.

Some models reset differently

A few models need the battery disconnected or a small reset hole pressed. Do not open the case yourself. Check your model's page on the manufacturer's website.

Fix 5: Recover ChromeOS

If the Chromebook still will not start, or shows a message that ChromeOS is missing or damaged, recovery may be needed. It reinstalls ChromeOS from a USB drive or SD card made on another computer with the Chromebook Recovery Utility, which is Google's own Chrome extension. If the Chromebook does start but will not charge, Google also suggests running the Diagnostics app on the battery.

Recovery erases the Chromebook

Recovery wipes everything stored on the Chromebook, including the Downloads folder. Files saved in Google Drive stay in your account. Continue only after the earlier fixes failed, and follow Google's recovery help page for your model. On a school or work Chromebook, ask the administrator first.

If it still does not work

If the Chromebook shows no light at all, even after charging with a different charger, the battery, charging port or main board may have failed. Use the support page on the manufacturer's website for your model, and ask about repair if it is under warranty. Your files in Google Drive are unaffected by a hardware fault.

If it does start but runs badly, see Chromebook slow or frozen. If the battery problem is on a Windows laptop instead, see laptop battery won't charge.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Chromebook not turn on even though it is charging?

A deeply drained battery can need more than 30 minutes before it has enough charge to start. Leave it plugged in longer, then try the hard reset.

Will a hard reset delete my files?

It does not erase your account or settings, but Google notes that some files in the Downloads folder may be deleted. Files in Google Drive are not affected.

Is a hard reset the same as a Powerwash?

No. A hard reset restarts the hardware. A Powerwash is a factory reset that erases local data.

Can I use a phone charger?

Only if it supplies enough power for your Chromebook. Use the charger that came with it, or one the maker lists for your model.

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