Chromebooks are an excellent choice for those who need a reliable and easy-to-use laptop. However, like any other electronic device, they can run into problems. One of the most frustrating issues is when Chromebooks won’t turn on. But don’t rush to take it to the repair shop. You can try to fix the problem yourself.
There are many reasons why your Chromebook won’t boot up. This may be due to a malfunction in the charger, external or internal hardware problems, and Chrome OS bugs. If you don’t know what is wrong with your device, your best bet is to follow a simple list of troubleshooting steps.
So here’s what you should do.
Check the charger and power connection
The first step in troubleshooting a Chromebook that won’t turn on is to check the charger and power connection. Make sure the charger is plugged in correctly and securely. Also, check the power outlet to ensure that it is working correctly. If the charger is not plugged in correctly or the power outlet is not working, the Chromebook may not receive enough power to turn on.
If the outlet works, but the laptop still doesn’t charge, the problem may be in the charger. Try charging another Chromebook with it. Alternatively, plug another charger into your Chromebook if you have one.
Sometimes the charger input can get dirty from frequent use. You can try cleaning it with something thin, such as a toothpick. However, be careful not to damage its connectors. Also, if your Chromebook uses a USB-C connector, you can blow the dust out of the port and plug it back in. On older versions of the Chromebook, you can also unplug the battery and dust it off.
After that, plug the charger into your Chromebook and leave it for a few hours. Then try to turn it on again.
Perform a hard reset
If the charger and power connection is working correctly, the next step is to perform a hard reset. It is a process that clears the Chromebook’s memory and restores it to its default settings. To perform a hard reset, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the charger and other peripheral devices (such as a mouse or keyboard) from the Chromebook.
- Press and hold the Refresh button (typically located above the 3 and 4 keys) and the Power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- Release the buttons and wait for the Chromebook to turn on.
If the hard reset doesn’t work, move on to the next step.
Perform a powerwash (factory reset)
A powerwash is a process that resets the Chromebook to its factory settings, erasing all data and settings. Before performing a powerwash, ensure you have backed up all critical data. Here’s how it works:
- Press and hold the Esc key and the Refresh button.
- While holding the buttons, press the Power button to turn on the Chromebook.
- Release the buttons when the “Chrome OS is missing or damaged” message appears.
After that, follow the on-screen instructions to perform a powerwash.
Contact support or the repair center
If none of the above methods helped you turn on your Chromebook, the best solution is to contact the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
You can contact the manufacturer or a certified repair center to see if they can diagnose and repair the issue. If your Chromebook is still under warranty, contacting the manufacturer for repair or replacement options is recommended. You may need to pay for repairs if it’s no longer under warranty.
