Below you will see some of the most frequent issues consumers have with their hardware that runs Chromebook OS and a few that are less common. You don’t have to go out and buy yourself a new laptop. Keep calm and Chrome on. Chromebook-powered devices, like the Samsung Chromebook 4 are generally less problematic than their counterparts. If it does encounter problems, Chromebook OS has troubleshooting solutions available offline. Chrome, after all, is powered by Google. Most likely, the same search engine that led you here. Let’s start with one of the most straightforward issues to rectify – Unlocking your Chromebook Keyboard when it’s locked.
Chromebook Keyboard Locked: How to Unlock
If none of the keys on your Chromebook keyboard are working, chances the keys are not broken – the keyboard is locked.
1 Chromebook Keyboard Locked: How to Unlock 1.1 Unlock Chromebook Keyboard1.1.1 Why Does My Chromebook Lock My Keyboard?1.1.2 How to Lock My Chromebook Keyboard2 How to Reset Chromebook Keyboard2.1 How to EC Reset Chromebook Keyboard3 How to Restart Chromebook with Keyboard3.1 Restart & Refresh Your Chromebook3.1.1 How to Restart Chromebook with Keyboard 4 Final Words
Your keyboard may seemingly be unresponsive when in fact, it’s only following orders. If you accidentally got your Chromebook keyboard locked, you can easily undo this by unlocking it.
Unlock Chromebook Keyboard
You will have two indications that your keyboard is locked – You can unlock your Chromebook’s keyboard by typing in your user password. That’s all you have to do to gain back control of your device.
Why Does My Chromebook Lock My Keyboard?
Well, it’s for your safety to avoid any accidental key presses. It’s an added layer of security for users to enjoy. It’s also helpful when you have playful kids and curious pets in the range of your device. You won’t have to delete an infinite number of letters or numbers when you get back to your documents after getting coffee. The worst-case scenario would be your documents getting deleted entirely. Trust us. It’s a valuable function to have. You can lock your keyboard in various ways.
How to Lock My Chromebook Keyboard
Here are your options: Suppose anyone gets any ideas of snooping through your files while you go to the bathroom. This will keep your apps running in the background while your display is brought back to the sign-in page. It is useful in using your laptop in public areas outside or inside your home. Not today, mom. This doesn’t only lock your keyboard. It locks your device altogether. Varying from one device to another, locking your device may pause your apps from running in the background. This locks your device by putting it in sleep mode. Upon waking your device, depending on your Accessibility, it may require a Google PIN or your Google Password to unlock. It’s a different story if only a few of your keys are working. It may not be locked at all. You might be experiencing what auto-tuned singers like to call “technical difficulties.” No worries, Mariah Carey, we have the answers written in the section below.
How to Reset Chromebook Keyboard
There are various reasons why some of your keys aren’t registering, one of which might be dirt caught in your hardware. When there’s an obstruction within keys, such as dust or crumbs, some of your keys may not register. Try dusting away at your keyboard first, turning it upside down, and jimmying out any possible debris caught within. If that fixes the issue, you might consider buying a keyboard protector. The Keyboard Cover for Acer CB315 makes a vibrant and functional addition to your Chromebook. It comes in many colors and will protect your keyboard from the next time you decide to have lunch at your desk. If cleaning out your hardware doesn’t rectify the situation, we can try executing an EC Reset your device instead.
How to EC Reset Chromebook Keyboard
Performing an EC (embedded control) Reset on your device will flush out the current powering your device. It’s like rebooting its systems to revitalize power distribution. Follow the steps below to perform it on your device. DO NOT just restart it or set it to sleep. Shut it down. DO NOT tap on it. Press it down entirely until Step 5. DO NOT release it immediately. Press down on it until Step 6. You have a finger pressing down on both the Refresh Key and Power Button by this time. Maintain that position for at least ten seconds. Before the next step, you can now let go of the Refresh Key. You can now let go of the Power Button, too. If you have followed these steps precisely and accordingly, your Chromebook will restart, and all the EC power will be flushed out. If you want to start with the simplest and quickest way out – a simple Restart might do the job.
How to Restart Chromebook with Keyboard
Have you ever called a manufacturer’s hotline and heard the phrase, “have you tried turning it off and on again?” Well, have you? A computer’s R&R stands for Restart & Refresh. Sometimes, we spend too much time at work and look for a bit of R&R to revitalize our minds and bodies. Our computers need that, too, except their R&R doesn’t stand for “rest and relaxation” like ours.
Restart & Refresh Your Chromebook
Restart your device to refresh its internal mechanism. Giving your computer a little R&R might solve a lot of other issues you might be having, like glitching, lagging, and delayed response times.
How to Restart Chromebook with Keyboard
On your keyboard, press down on “CTRL + SHIFT + Q(2x)” This should restart your device without you having to use your mouse. This is especially helpful when your screen is frozen. If your keyboard is the issue, hover your mouse over the Power Options on your screen click the Restart Option. If you are having trouble finding the cursor on your screen, perhaps change it to something larger or a color that stands out more. We have a short guide on how to change your Chromebook Cursor Color.
Final Words
We hope this article helped you resolve any keyboard issues you might be having with your Chromebook. In case you missed it, as we have mentioned above, Chromebook offers offline access to troubleshooting common issues users have encountered with their devices. If you want to check out Chromebook devices that are available on the market today, we found these to be some of the best. The ASUS Chromebook 14inch is an exciting device for professionals and students. Its lightweight and ergonomic design fit most laptop bags, ideal for commuters. It’s also suited for those working and studying online, with its built-in webcam and Google Class-ready software. The HP Chromebook is also a more budget-friendly option for students. Its design is equally ergonomic and provides students with the same perks any Chromebook OS device offers. Its battery life is also competitive with larger devices. It is a suitable inexpensive alternative.
