Chromebook Repair

While Google Chromebooks have been a successful and useful tool to assist in the overall learning experience, there are times where these Chromebooks might be in need of repairs i.e. Broken screens, broken keys, Missing Chrome OS, and more. That is where The Technology Department comes in. It is our job to make sure that any district provided device, including Google Chromebooks, both works and runs as efficiently as possible.

In this section, we thought we could provide some really great insight on what exactly repairing Chromebooks entails for the Technology Department. 

Breaking Down the Keyboard

Chromebook keys consist of three things for it to function: The key itself, the hinge that holds it to the keyboard, and the rubber cup. The rubber cup is molded to the keyboard itself and is what registers inputs when pressed.

Common Ticket Requests: 

What you should know: Keys do not fall off or pop off. They have to be pried/ripped off. In our experience, it has typically been done with fingernails, pencils/pens, etc.

We have also noticed that students often rip or tear the rubber cup from the keyboard, making the key completely unusable. Additionally, the metal brackets that hold the hinges are often bent or broken. This makes repairing the keyboard impossible, requiring us to replace the keyboard entirely.

Left to Right: Key removed, exposing the bracket; Bracket removed; Bracket composed of two parts; rubber cup removed from Chromebook board; Bent bracket connector 

Replacing Individual Keys

If the key is missing or the hinge is broken, we can use parts from damaged Chromebooks we keep as a surplus at the District Office. However, to repair or replace the key, the rubber cup in the center of the keyboard must be intact. If the rubber cup is ripped or missing, we cannot fix the key, and the entire keyboard must be replaced. Attempts to fix the key with super glue or other methods have all failed. 

It actually takes some force and effort to remove a key from a Chromebook. It takes even more effort to remove the rubber cup from the board.

Here’s what goes into replacing a keyboard on a Google Chromebook. 

Replacing the Keyboard

First, we flip over the Chromebook and uncover the hidden screws with a toolkit. We unscrew everything, then flip the Chromebook back over and open it. We use a prying tool to detach the keyboard, which is tightly fastened. Once detached, we remove the two primary ribbon cables connected to the motherboard. These cables send signals to the keyboard and trackpad. Then we attach a new keyboard by reattaching the ribbon cables and snapping the keyboard into place. Finally, we secure the keyboard with the same screws. 

Replacing the Screen

Common Ticket Requests: 


What you should know: Chromebook models have changed over time. The latest 14” HP models are called “G6” and “G7”. What they have changed with these models compared to ones we’ve had in the past, is how you replace the screen. No longer are they held by four screws. They are now held with two very thick adhesive strips, making the removal and installation of a new Chromebook screen that much more time consuming and challenging. 

Here’s what goes into replacing a screen on a Google Chromebook. 

The Cost of Repairs

What you should know: Google Chromebooks are treated just like a textbook or any other type of district property. If a Chromebook gets damaged, whether it's an accident or deliberate, repairing them still comes at a cost. We know that things happen. When it comes to the Technology Department, our job is to simply fix or replace the Chromebook. Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding district property damage and the cost of repairs, we invite you to reach out to your school site administrator and our District Technology Coordinator, Jim Wasielweski.

The money the Technology Department receives for these damages goes to purchasing the necessary parts to fix and replace these Chromebooks.

Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding Google Chromebook repair, the costs of repair, and more, please contact

Jim Wasielewski

Technology Coordinator

jimw@vacavilleusd.org

Reinstalling ChromeOS

Common Ticket Requests: 


What you should know: The "Chrome OS is missing or damaged" error appears when a machine encounters problems loading the operating system. You usually encounter it during startup, but the message can also appear at random while you're using the computer.


What you can do: Restart Chromebook. If ChromeOS doesn’t load on your Chromebook, try restarting the device. For that, press and hold the Power button until the device turns off. Wait for 10-15 seconds. Press the Power again to turn it on. Still having trouble? No worries! Request a Technology Specialist to get this fixed.

How does a Technology Specialist fix this? We have to load ChromeOS back onto the Chromebook by using a USB Flash drive. To get ChromeOS onto a USB flash drive, we use the Chromebook Recovery Utility located in the Google Store on a separate computer.


We select the model number of the Chromebook and it downloads the correct OS for that model onto a USB flash drive. Once completed, we then plug it into the Chromebook in question and have it reload the OS onto it. When that finishes, and we see the “Welcome Screen”, we then re-enroll the unit back into the Vacaville Unified School District Google Console that houses all of our managed Chromebooks. After all that is completed, we’ll return the device back to the classroom for student use.

Chromebook Care

Things to keep in mind while keeping your Chromebooks maintained 

Chromebook Tips & Tricks

Helpful tips and tricks that may help you in the moment if your Chromebook is giving you trouble 

Behind the Scenes

A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring Chromebooks into the classroom