There are several reasons why a Chromebook will not turn on. Please try these solutions. If none of them work or instructions say "contact the Helpdesk" please click the following link Contact Technology Department's Helpdesk.


Physical problem with the power adapter (charger) or Chromebook

  1. The metal pin in the power adapter's tip that is plugged into the device is bent.
  2. The power port where the charger is plugged in is either cracked or loose when the charger is plugged in.
  3. There are screws missing from the base, especially in the same corner where the charger is plugged in.
  4. If any of these are true please contact the Helpdesk above for assistance.


Chromebook overheated - Sometimes they get caught between on and off.

  1. What is warm or hot, the Chromebook or the power adapter (charger)?
    1. If it's the charger please unplug and do not use it, and contact the Helpdesk above for assistance.
  2. Hold the Power button down for a FULL 30 SECONDS to turn it off. The screen may flicker.
  3. Unplug the power adapter (charger) and let the Chromebook cool down. This may take some time, perhaps overnight.
  4. Plug the charger back in when the device has cooled down and try to turn it on.


Screen brightness has been turned down

  1. There are two function keys to control the screen brightness:
    1. F6 has a symbol similar to a clock face; it decreases or dims the screen brightness.
    2. F7 has a larger clock face symbol; it turns the screen brighter.
  2. Try to brighten the display by pressing these keys at the same time < FN F7 >.
  3. If the display appears but is still too dark please contact the Helpdesk above for assistance.


Chromebook has gone into a "deep sleep"

  1. Plug the device into a wall outlet with the power adapter (charger).
  2. Press and hold the Power button down for a FULL 30 SECONDS, then let up. The screen may flicker and the power indicator light could flash on then off.
  3. Wait 2-3 seconds then press Power as normal. 
  4. Wait 10 seconds or more for the device to restart. If it doesn't, press Power again.
  5. If that doesn't work repeat these instructions, using < F3 Power > vs just Power. The F3 key does a Refresh of the current window. The symbol is an open circle with an arrow. To release let the F3 button up first, then Power.
  6. If this does not help please contact the Helpdesk above for assistance.


Chromebook only works when plugged in

  1. Plug the device into a wall outlet with the power adapter (charger).
  2. Click where the time is displayed on your task bar, also called the shelf.
  3. If a battery icon is not present you may need a new battery.
    1. Sometimes the battery has been drained and needs time to recharge.
    2. Leave the Chromebook plugged in for several hours or overnight.
  4. If the battery icon is present and ...
    1. ... either no percentage full is listed after it,
    2. ... or a percentage is listed but is not followed by a time estimate until the device will be fully charged:
    3. Refer to Step 3, you may be able to recharge it by leaving it plugged in.


Here is an example showing the situation in 4b: the battery icon is present (in fact looks like it is charging), has a percentage listed of 1%, but no "estimated time until full". When the charger is unplugged the device shuts down.



If your battery is still giving you problems use your power adapter (charger) at all times until you can get your battery replaced. Please contact the Helpdesk above for assistance.