General Troubleshooting

Here are solutions to common Chromebook problems and general troubleshooting tips that can help with many issues.

How to Restart Your Chromebook

Normal Restart:

  1. Click the time in the bottom-right corner
  2. Click the power icon
  3. Select "Restart"

Hard Reset (when frozen):

  1. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds
  2. Wait for all lights to turn off
  3. Press the Power button once to turn back on

Hard Reset with Refresh Key:

  1. Press and hold the Refresh key (circular arrow in top row)
  2. While holding Refresh, press the Power button once
  3. Release Refresh when you see the startup screen

Chromebook Running Slow

What to Try:

  1. Close unused tabs and apps
  2. Restart your Chromebook
  3. Clear browsing data: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
  4. Check for updates: Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates
  5. Remove unnecessary Chrome extensions
  6. Check how many tabs and apps you have open - fewer is better

No Sound or Audio Issues

What to Try:

  1. Check the volume level - press the volume up key
  2. Click the time > make sure sound isn't muted (speaker icon shouldn't have an X)
  3. Click the time > click the speaker icon > adjust volume slider
  4. Restart your Chromebook
  5. Check if headphones are plugged in - if so, try unplugging them
  6. Test sound in different apps or YouTube to confirm it's not app-specific
Best First Step: For most issues, restarting your Chromebook is the quickest and easiest first troubleshooting step. It fixes many common problems!

When to Restart

Still Not Working?

If you've tried these steps and your issue isn't resolved, please submit a support ticket using our intake form. Include what problem you're experiencing and what troubleshooting steps you've already tried.

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