Chromebook Keyboard Not Working? 10 Fixes to Try

Before throwing it at the wall

Your Chromebook’s keyboard may fail to register keyboard input if it’s dirty or water-damaged. Problems with your Chromebook’s operating system can also cause occasional keyboard failures.

This article covers different fixes that may help get your Chromebook keyboard working correctly again. Some troubleshooting solutions in this tutorial require an external keyboard. So, connect an external keyboard to yourChromebookif you have one. That’ll help you run troubleshooting fixes that may require keyboard shortcuts or keypresses.

You could also activate and use your Chromebook’s on-screen keyboard while you try to fix problems with the physical keyboard.

1. Reboot Your Chromebook

Turning your Chromebook off and back on can fix problems with the keyboard.

If you use an external keyboard, press thePower+Refreshbuttons simultaneously to reboot your Chromebook. Alternatively, hold theCtrl+Shift+Q+Qkeys (press theQkey twice).

2. Use Another Account

Problems with your Chromebook user account can cause keyboard issues. Using your Chromebook in guest mode can help determine if your account’s responsible for the keyboard malfunction.

Note:You may not find the “Browse as Guest” option on your work or school Chromebook. If you can’t switch to another account, report the keyboard malfunction to your device administrator.

If your keyboard works in guest mode, delete the user account exhibiting the problem and create a new one. Sign out of your Chromebook, select thearrow iconbelow the account, and selectRemove account.

3. Update Your Chromebook

Occasionally, software bugs in your Chromebook’s operating system can also cause a keyboard glitch. Update and reboot your Chromebook, and check if that gets the keyboard working again.

4. Enable Auto-Repeat

When typing, your Chromebook should enter a character multiple times when you hold its corresponding key. Turn on the “Enable auto-repeat” feature if your Chromebook doesn’t repeat characters.

5. Disable Function Keys

Your keyboard’s top-row keys (brightness, volume, screenshot, etc.) won’t perform their unique actions if ChromeOS treats them as function keys.

6. Change Keyboard Input Method

Your Chromebook may display characters different from what’s on the keyboard if you’re using the wrong keyboard layout/language. If your Chromebook types wrong letters, switch the input method in the keyboard settings menu and try again.

7. Review the Functions of Special Keys

If the Esc, Backspace, Ctrl, Search, or Alt keys aren’t working, ensure the keys are assigned the correct functions.

Go toSettings>Device>Keyboardand review the functions of the special keys.

8. Fix Stuck or Jammed Keys

Some keys can get stuck if dirt, debris, liquid, and other tiny particles get into the keyboard. These particles may cause yourdevice to repeat keyboard inputwhen you press a key once. Sometimes, your Chromebook won’t detect input from stuck keys.

Shut down your Chromebook, turn the keyboard face down, and gently pat the back of the keyboard. Afterward, run your fingers across the keyboard to release the stuck/jammed keys.

You can also clean your keyboard with compressed air. Turn off your Chromebook, hold it at a 75-degree angle, and use compressed to spray the keyboard or affected keys. Rotate your Chromebook and respray the keyboard at a different angle.

If you spilled water on the keyboard, refer to our tutorial onfixing a water-damaged keyboard. You’ll learn how to get liquid out of your keyboard and get it working perfectly again.

9. Reset Your Chromebook Hardware

Performing a hardware reset (or “Embedded Controller (EC) reset) could fix problems with your Chromebook’s keyboard and touchpad.

Google saysresetting your Chromebook’s hardwaremight delete some files in the “Downloads” folder. However, it doesn’t specify the exact files that might be affected.

Note:Unplug external devices and accessories (mouse, monitor, USB drive, etc.) from your Chromebook before resetting its hardware.

If your 2-in-1 Chromebook doubles as a tablet, detach the keyboard and follow the steps below to reset its hardware.

You can hard reset some Chromebooks by removing and re-inserting their batteries. If your Chromebook battery’s detachable, shut it down, and remove the battery. Reconnect the battery and turn on your Chromebook.

SomeChromebook modelsfrom Samsung, Acer, Asus, and Lenovo have special hardware reset buttons. You’ll typically find the button hidden in a hole on the bottom of such Chromebook models.

Contact your Chromebook manufacturer or refer to its instruction manual to get help locating the hardware reset button.

10. Factory Reset Your Chromebook

Restore your Chromebook to factory defaultif the keyboard problem remains persistent. A factory reset will uninstall and delete everything on your Chromebook—apps, local files, browser extensions, etc. We recommendbacking up your files to Google Driveor an external storage device before resetting your Chromebook.

Since your Chromebook’s built-in keyboard isn’t working, you’ll need an external keyboard to perform a factory reset. Plug a USB keyboard into your Chromebook and follow the steps below.

Use an On-Screen Keyboard

Your keyboard’s likely damaged if the issue persists after trying these fixes. Contact your Chromebook manufacturer or visit a nearby computer technician to have your device checked for hardware damage.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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Chromebook Keyboard Not Working? 10 Fixes to Try#

1. Reboot Your Chromebook#

2. Use Another Account#

3. Update Your Chromebook#

4. Enable Auto-Repeat#

5. Disable Function Keys#

6. Change Keyboard Input Method#

7. Review the Functions of Special Keys#

8. Fix Stuck or Jammed Keys#

9. Reset Your Chromebook Hardware#

10. Factory Reset Your Chromebook#

Use an On-Screen Keyboard#

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