Chromebook Won’t Turn On? Easy Steps to Fix the Problem

Chromebooks are not immune to errors, glitches, and crashes. Sometimes, they slow down and disrupt work. In serious cases, they can fail to turn on. But like other computers, these problems have solutions. 

I’ll show you the reasons your Chromebook won’t turn on and how to resolve the issue.

Why Won’t My Chromebook Turn On?

The problem manifests in the following ways:

• Chromebook won’t turn on, shows no power indicator, and does not charge.
• Chromebook charges, but the power indicators do not turn on.
• Power indicators turn on, but Chromebook fails to load the operating system.
• ChromeOS shows errors and does not load.
• ChromeOS loads, but sign-in operations fail.
• ChromeOS keeps restarting even after users sign in.

In many ways, there are similar issues at play here, like when a Windows computer won’t turn on. Let’s explain why ChromeOS users keep asking, “Why is my Chromebook not turning on?” 

• Discharged or damaged battery

Your Chromebook’s battery might have entered a deep discharge state if it stays uncharged for too long. For example, some people leave their systems running or in sleep mode overnight on battery, which could cause this problem. The battery may also be damaged due to age, power surges, and problematic chargers.

Read this: Laptop Lifespan: Why You Should Definitely Shut Down Your PC Every Night

• Faulty charger 

A faulty charger means your computer may have been running on battery power for a while and is now completely drained. Damaged chargers can also cause people to ask, “Why isn’t my Chromebook turning on?” They may be supplying the wrong power voltage required to charge the battery or start the computer.

• Internal hardware issues

A faulty memory module, CPU, board, or even hard drive could also cause the “Chromebook not turning on” problem. In some cases, these issues may be temporary and can be resolved using routine troubleshooting methods and fixes. However, they may be permanent in extreme situations. Most Windows computers suffer the same problem. For example, faulty memory sticks are among the common reasons a Dell computer won’t turn on.

• Problems with ChromeOS 

Operating system glitches like BSODs and corrupt system files are not exclusive to Windows. ChromeOS also has its fair share of issues, like the “ChromeOS is missing or damaged” that once plagued enterprise Chromebooks. In such cases, your computer’s lights and screen will turn on but remain stuck after showing your manufacturer logo. In other situations, your Chromebook may continually restart even if ChromeOS loads up.

• Internet connection

Some people asking, “Why won’t my Chromebook turn on?” may actually be experiencing blocked access due to a lack of internet connection. While Chromebooks can work offline, one may need to be connected to the internet to log in, especially if it’s a school device or the computer is controlled by another admin. Even if you think you’re connected, your signal may be spotty.

• Overheating 

Overheating is bad for electronic devices. Computers, including Chromebooks, generally have fail-safes against dangerous temperature levels. This could be the reason your Chromebook won’t turn on after shutting down abruptly. While overheating is usually the by-product of running demanding PC games, some Chromebooks, especially lower-end devices, may run hot when handling too many tabs and applications.

How to Fix the “Chromebook Won’t Turn On” Problem

The following solutions will show you how to turn on a Chromebook that won’t turn on.

Fix 1: Look out for basic power issues

Assess your connection area for the following:

• Physical damage to your charger or its cord.
• If the charger is properly connected to the power outlet.
• If the outlet has power.
• If your computer is properly plugged in.

Replace your charger if you find faulty cables or any other physical damage. Try using a different power outlet if you’re unsure about the current one. 

You can also try reseating your computer’s battery if you have an older Chromebook with a detachable battery. One trick that usually works is removing the battery, plugging the system directly, and turning on the computer.

Go to the next step if nothing works.

Fix 2: Force restart your Chromebook

If your system turns on but only shows a blank screen, you may be experiencing a temporary operating system glitch. Press and hold the power button to force it to turn off, and then restart it.

Fix 3: Charge your battery longer

As mentioned, the battery may be in a deep discharge state because it’s been a while since you last charged it. Plug the Chromebook back in and leave it to charge for a couple of hours, then turn it back on.

In deep discharge cases, the battery typically collects trickles of charges until it gets enough power to come back and charge normally. This process could take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Try the next fix if you’re still experiencing the “My Chromebook won’t turn on” problem.

Fix 4: Disconnect USB devices

Internal hardware may be likely culprits, but external devices can also cause as many problems. Disconnect any USB device that is currently hooked up to your Chromebook and try turning it on.

Fix 5: Perform a hard reset

Sometimes, information in the memory prevents ChromeOS from loading. You can clear your system memory by performing a hard reset, also called a hardware refresh. This process also refreshes internal hardware, like the hard drive.

Follow these steps:

1. With the computer turned off, hold down the Refresh key and press the Power button once (continue holding down the Refresh key).
2. Once you see the indications that the Chromebook is turning on, you can release the Refresh button.

Fix 6: Fix your internet connection

If your computer boots up but you can sign in, even as a guest, your internet connection could be the cause of the problem. If you use an organizational device, the login policy could be preventing you from running your Chromebook offline. You can try using another network or contacting your internet service provider (ISP).

In some cases, the issue may be connected to your user account. Consider logging in with a different profile and check if that clears the problem.

Fix 7: Reset ChromeOS

Resetting your system will resolve the “My Chromebook won’t turn on” issue if other methods fail. This process will wipe your local data and set up your device like it’s new.

Follow these steps:

• Press and hold the Esc and Refresh keys, then tap the Power button.
• Let go of the other keys when a message appears on the screen.

• Press Ctrl + D. 
• The system will ask you to press Enter to disable OS verification. Press the key.
• Your computer will now reboot into developer mode with OS verification off. Tap the spacebar button to re-enable it.
• Press the Enter key to confirm.
• Your computer will now reboot and reinstall your operating system.

If you cannot enter developer mode or this method fails to reset your computer, your operating system’s files may be damaged.

Fix 8: Recover ChromeOS

If your computer turns on but refuses to load ChromeOS, even after multiple restarts, the operating system’s files may be corrupt or missing.

Sometimes you may see an error message like “ChromeOS is missing or damaged” or nothing at all.

This process is different from Powerwashing or resetting your computer through the developer mode interface. Instead, it involves using a recovery drive or the Internet. That’s because you require a working installation package.

Follow these steps to recover ChromeOS using an internet connection:

1. Disconnect any USB device connected to the computer.
2. Press and hold the Esc and Refresh keys, then tap the Power button.
3. Let go of the other keys when a message appears on the screen.
4. Select the Recover using internet connection option.
5. Now follow the instructions that pop up.

If you don’t have an internet connection or are using an older ChromeOS version, you must create a recovery drive using a different computer (Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS).

Follow these steps to create drive:

• Launch Google Chrome in the working Windows, macOS, or Chromebook.
• Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension.

• After installing the tool, go to Chrome’s top-right corner, click the Extensions icon, and select the extension.
• Click the Get started button when the mini window opens.

• Enter the model number of the Chromebook that won’t turn on or click Select a model from a list to choose the device.

• Click Continue and insert your USB device.
• Choose the drive in the drop-down menu and select Continue.
• Click Create now.
• Remove the USB when you see a completion message.

Now, return to the recovery page as explained above and choose the Recover using external disk option. In some cases, ChromeOS will automatically detect the drive and start the process if the internet connection feature is unavailable.

You should no longer experience the “My Chromebook won’t turn on” problem.

What if Chromebook Won’t Stay Turned On?

The following fixes are for people asking, “Why is my Chromebook not turning on?” when they can’t keep their computers running for too long.

The good thing is that you can try out more troubleshooting steps with the little time you have with your computer.

Fix 1: Update ChromeOS

You may be experiencing your own version of the “My Chromebook won’t turn on” issue because your operating system is out of date. Just like updating Windows fixes lots of glitches, installing ChromeOS’s latest software components could resolve the problem here. 

To update the OS, click your battery and time display in your screen’s bottom-right corner and select the Settings icon.

Image source: Asus

Go to the bottom of the left pane in the Setting window to select About ChromeOS. Now, click Check for updates and allow the system to find and install updates.

Image source: Asus

Fix 2: Remove heavy extensions and applications

If you started experiencing the problem after installing an extension or program, remove it and check if that ends the issue.

To remove an extension, open Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Extensions > Manage Extensions.

Click Remove under the extension you want to uninstall.

To uninstall an app, click the Launcher icon in your screen’s bottom-left corner, right-click the program, and select Uninstall. Click Uninstall again.

Still asking “Why won’t my Chromebook turn on”? Move on to the next fix.

Fix 3: Keep your Chromebook cool

Heat is generally not a problem for most Chromebooks, especially modern ones. But as mentioned, older and lower-end systems may suffer higher than normal temperatures when running more processes than they can handle.

If you notice your computer heating up more than usual before it turns off, the high temperature is likely the reason you keep asking, “Why is my Chromebook not turning on?” You can take different measures to stop your laptop from overheating.

These measures include running fewer background apps, removing heavy programs and extensions, and placing your computer on a flat surface to help airflow. You can also use cooling pads and clean out your system from time to time to remove air-blocking debris and dust.

Fix 4: Factory reset (Powerwash) your Chromebook

Powerwashing your Chromebook is like resetting a Windows computer. However, ChromeOS does not offer you the option of preserving personal files, as it erases every piece of data on your storage drive. 

So, it’s best that you back up important files you don’t intend to lose. You can back up to an external storage device or a cloud storage service like Google Drive.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign out by clicking the time and selecting Sign out.
2. Once you see the sign-in page, hold the Ctrl + Alt + Shift buttons and tap the R key.
3. You should now see the Reset this Chromebook dialog. Click Restart.
4. Your computer will restart to a similar screen. Here, you’ll have to click Powerwash.
5. Click the Continue button in the Confirm Powerwash pop-up.
6. Your PC will now reboot and confirm that the Powerwash process has started.
7. Follow the subsequent prompts to set up your Chromebook again.

Fix 5: Contact your OEM manufacturer

If none of the methods above resolved the “Chromebook not turning on” problem, ensure you contact your Chromebook manufacturer for expert help. If your computer is still under warranty, you may get a replacement if the issue is hardware-related.

Chromebook Won’t Turn On: Fixed

That’s how to turn on a Chromebook that won’t turn on. Ensure you take preventive measures like preventing deep discharge, avoiding physical impacts with your Chromebook (especially the battery), properly shutting down your computer, and keeping it cool. That way, you get to avoid asking, “Why isn’t my Chromebook turning on?” in the future.

Let us know if any of these fixes helped you resolve the problem.

FAQ