Chromebook Troubleshooting

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Take a screenshot: Ctrl + Show Windows

  • Take a partial screenshot: Shift + Ctrl + Show windows , then click and drag.

  • Open a new window: Ctrl + n

  • Open a new tab: Ctrl + t

  • Close the current window: Shift + Ctrl + w

  • Reopen the last tab or window you closed: Shift + Ctrl + t

  • Select everything on the page: Ctrl + a

  • Copy selected content to the clipboard: Ctrl + c

  • Paste content from the clipboard: Ctrl + v

  • Undo your last action: Ctrl + z

  • Redo your last action: Shift + Ctrl + z

My screen is sideways!

Press and hold Ctrl + Shift + ↻ (Refresh).

My sound isn't working.

Check to make sure that your volume is turned up and isn't muted. If you're using headphones, make sure they're plugged all the way in.

If all else fails, restart your Chromebook.

My Chromebook won't turn on or isn't charging.

  • 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:

      • Check if the charger or adapter cables are completely plugged in, both to your Chromebook and the wall.

  • Make sure that the power outlet is working, try another outlet if needed.

  • Unplug your charger from the wall and your Chromebook.

  • Plug your charger back in to your Chromebook, then the wall.

  • Try using a friend’s charger; maybe the charger is broken!

I can't login!

  • Check to make sure caps lock isn’t on.


  • Double check to make sure you typed your username and password correctly.


  • If all else fails, restart your computer.

I can't connect to the internet!

  • Make sure you don’t have airplane mode on.


  • Re-authenticate (Log in again)


  • Restart your Chromebook.

My screen has a grey box in the left corner.

You may have turned on sticky keys. Go to your Accessibility Settings and turn it off.

My keyboard is typing different letters than what I'm hitting.

You most likely have changed your keyboard to a different country's layout! Click on your settings in the lower, right hand corner of the screen, and check to make sure your keyboard is in American English.

The colors on my Chromebook are inverted or highlighted weird!

Ctrl + "Search" (the magnifying glass) + H

My Chromebook is really slow and things aren't loading.

Press the power button and select shut down. If it continues to act like this after restarting, bring it in for a full reset.