What should I check when my Chromebook will not turn on?
Quick answer
Check that the charger is fully connected and the outlet works. Reconnect the charger, look for a charging indicator, and leave the Chromebook charging for at least 30 minutes before trying again. If it still will not start after other troubleshooting, a hardware reset may be an option, but the procedure depends on the device and might delete files in Downloads. Contact the manufacturer if the checks do not help. [S1] [S2]
The question, the details, the next step.
My Chromebook looks completely dead. What should I check first?
Start with the power path rather than assuming the Chromebook itself has failed. Check that the charger is fully connected and that the outlet works. Reconnect the charger, then look for a charging indicator on the Chromebook. Google’s general Chromebook guidance recommends charging for at least 30 minutes before trying again. [S1]
Keep track of what you observe: whether an indicator appears, whether the screen shows anything, and how long it has been charging. These observations can help describe what is happening, but they do not identify the cause. Avoid opening the device or trying model-specific button combinations based on guesswork.
The charging light is on, but the screen stays black. What next?
Leave it connected to the charger for at least 30 minutes, then try turning it on normally. Google’s guidance includes this wait when a Chromebook charges but will not start. [S1]
If there is still no startup, note whether the indicator remains on and whether anything changes on screen when you press the power button. A black screen alone is not enough to identify the cause. If you are unsure whether the Chromebook has started, or it behaves differently from what you expect, stop and ask the manufacturer for model-specific guidance.
It still will not start after charging. Is a hardware reset the same as a factory reset?
No. Google describes a hardware reset as restarting Chromebook hardware such as the keyboard and touchpad, and recommends trying it only after other troubleshooting has failed. It might delete some files in Downloads. [S2] If files there matter to you, take that possibility into account before proceeding.
The procedure depends on the device. For most Chromebooks, Google’s documented sequence is: turn the Chromebook off, hold Refresh, tap Power, and release Refresh when it starts. Tablets and some other models have different procedures, so check the instructions for your specific device type before proceeding. [S2] Do not use the separate blank-screen verification-bypass sequence as a restart: Google says it erases user data and changes firmware security. [S2]
What should I tell support if those checks do not work?
Contact the Chromebook manufacturer if the listed steps do not resolve the problem. [S1] Share a concise record of what happened, without guessing at the cause. For example:
“Chromebook model: [model, if known]. Charger connected and reconnected: [yes/no]. Outlet checked: [yes/no]. Charging indicator: [on/off/not sure]. Charging time: [duration]. Tried starting it after charging: [what happened]. Hardware reset: [not tried/tried using instructions for my device type].”
Include only details you can verify. If you do not know the model, say so; do not try a different device’s reset sequence just to complete the record. The general guidance does not establish what is wrong with a particular Chromebook or provide diagnostics for every model. Manufacturer support can advise on the next model-specific step.
A practical checklist
Confirm the charger is fully connected and check that the outlet works.
Reconnect the charger and look for a charging indicator.
Leave it charging for at least 30 minutes before trying to start it again. [S1]
If considering a hardware reset, check the instructions for your device type and note that files in Downloads might be deleted. [S2]
If the checks do not resolve the issue, contact the Chromebook manufacturer with your observations. [S1]
A few more useful answers
What if there is no charging indicator?
Check that the charger is fully connected, confirm the outlet works, reconnect the charger, and allow at least 30 minutes of charging. If it still will not charge after troubleshooting, Google’s guidance recommends a hardware reset; follow the procedure for your device type and be aware it might delete some files in Downloads. Contact the manufacturer if the steps do not resolve the problem. [S1] [S2]
Will a hardware reset erase everything on my Chromebook?
Google says a hardware reset might delete some files in Downloads. The guidance does not say that it erases everything, so do not assume either that all data will be removed or that your files are unaffected. [S2]
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Fix hardware and system problems on a Chromebook support.google.com · Checked
- [S2] Reset your Chromebook hardware support.google.com · Checked