How To Fix a Chromebook that Won't Turn On or is Frozen
Common Cause
Simply pushing the power button, or rebooting, does not remove the trickle charge that keeps the embedded controller (EC) running. A hard reset drops all power to the EC, so when the power comes back on it goes through a re-initialization. Since the EC controls the keyboard, touchpad, battery, and all other onboard peripherals, performing this it can potentially fix a wide range of problems.
Often times the Chromebook is actually powered on but the screen doesn't come on. To fix that please follow the instructions below.
Verify you are using a working power outlet & charger. Also, please make sure all connections are secure.
Make sure your Chromebook has a charge. If it does you should see a white light on the edge of the Chromebook (image 1).
This light will be amber colored if the device is plugged in to its charger.
Turn off your Chromebook completely (don't just close the lid). You can tell if its turned off by looking at the edge of the Chromebook to make sure the light has turned off (image 2).
Next, hold down the Refresh keyboard icon key (Image 3) and then press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds (Image 4).
Release the Refresh key and then the Power button and your Chromebook should restart. If it doesn't start, press Power again.
If this doesn’t work please plug the Chromebook in and repeat the process. If you still have issues please reach out to your building’s IT department as something else might be going on.
If your Chromebook is frozen please follow the instructions below
If your Chromebook is powered on and the screen is working, but is frozen, you may need to perform what is known a a 'hard reset.'
If you can, click on the time (located at the bottom right-hand side of the screen).
If you are unable to do this please follow the steps at the top of this website.
- Then click on 'Shut Down.'
- After the Chromebook has shut down try and turn it back on by holding the power button on the edge of the Chromebook.
