A malfunctioning keyboard can easily become a nightmare if you have to submit your research paper or your company balance sheet the day after.
Luckily Chromebook’s keyboard problems usually happen due to software errors and are very easy to solve. This post will show you the 8 definitive fixes to solve all keyboard issues on Chromebook.
So without further ado, let’s jump in.
How to Fix a Not-Working Keyboard on Chromebook
Usually, the Chromebook’s keyboard stops working for software bugs or sudden unresponsiveness in the operating system code. In 9 out of 10 cases, a soft reset or restart fixes this issue. But when your keyboard still doesn’t work, try login in with a guest account.
Here are the 8 definitive solutions to fix your keyboard issue on Chromebook:
1. Restart your Chromebook
When you run your Chromebook for a long time, its processor becomes hot and can’t execute keyboard commands. A simple restart can solve this issue for good.
Follow the steps to reboot the Chromebook:
- Press and hold the power key until full shutdown.
- Wait for Ten seconds.
- Turn on your Chromebook again.
Though restarting your Chromebook is the quickest way to fix the keyboard issue, it didn’t work for me. But when I performed a soft reset, my keyboard problem was gone.
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2. Reset Chromebook
You should perform a soft hardware reset if a simple restart doesn’t solve your keyboard issue. But remember, this soft reset will delete some files from the Downloads folder of your Chromebook. So, move the files you need before performing this fix.
Let’s see the steps to reset your Chromebook:
- Go to the login screen of your Chromebook.
- Hold the Refresh button and keep tapping the Power key.
- Release the keys when your device starts rebooting.
After completing the steps, your keyboard will start working again. Go to the next solution if the issue persists.
3. Login with A Guest Account
Some errors on your Google account can make your keyboard unresponsive. Switching back and forth from the Guest browsing will solve these errors in your account.
Use the steps to log in to your Chromebook with a guest account:
- Restart your PC and go to the login screen.
- Click on the Browse as Guest option from the bottom window.
- Try typing something using your keyboard.
- Go to the Status tray and choose the Exit guest option.
After that, you can use your keyboard without issue on your Chromebook.
If you can’t find Browse as Guest option, navigate to Settings > Security and Privacy > Manage other people and turn on the Guest browsing option.
Note: You may not find the guest account option in your company or school-provided Chromebook. In that case, seek help from the admin.
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4. Update ChromeOS
If the ChromeOS isn’t updated properly, the keyboard driver will incur some errors. And these errors create problems with your keyboard. Manually updating the operating system will solve this.
Let’s see how to update your ChromeOS:
- Open the Status tray and click the cogwheel.
- Go to the About ChromeOS option.
- Click the Check for updates button.
When you tap the Check for updates button, your Chromebook’ll start updating. And after the update completes, the keyboard will start working again.
By reading our article do easily Split Screen on Chromebook.
5. Disable the Function Key
When you enable the function key option, the brightness, screenshot, volume, etc., buttons won’t function as they should. You must disable the function key option using the settings in that situation.
Here are the steps to disable the function key option on Chromebook:
- Open Settings on your Chromebook.
- Navigate to Device > Keyboard.
- Toggle off the Treat top-row keys as function keys slider option.
After completing the steps, you can use those system keys like brightness, screenshot, volume, etc., at ease.
Follow our post to know how to access Microsoft Word on Chromebook.
6. Enable Auto-Repeat
Usually, when you hold a key on your keyboard, the OS will type the character repeatedly. But sometimes, Chrome OS disables this feature on your device, and the keyboard won’t work as it should.
That time you should enable the Auto-Repeat option.
Follow the steps to enable Auto-Repeat:
- Open Settings on your Chromebook.
- Navigate to Device > Keyboard.
- Toggle on the Enable Auto-repeat slider.
After completing the step, you can type the same key multiple times by holding that specific key.
7. Check Special Key Settings
Chrome OS lets you change the functions of the keys like Esc, Backspace, Ctrl, Search, or Alt. But if you unintentionally change their roles, you can’t use those keys properly.
And even many keyboard shortcuts won’t work at that point.
You must scroll back to their default option as a solution.
Follow the steps to check and change Special Key Settings on Chromebook:
- Go to the Status popup menu and tap the Settings icon.
- Navigate to Device > Keyboard.
- Check the Special Key functions and change them to their default settings.
8. Perform a Factory Reset
If any of the above solutions don’t solve your problem, you must factory reset your Chromebook.
Follow these steps to execute a factory reset:
- Turn off your Chromebook and remove all external devices.
- Place a paperclip in the recovery buttonhole.
- Hold the paper clip and connect the charger.
- Turn on the Chromebook and remove the paper clip.
After completing the steps, your keyboard will start working again. If it still doesn’t work, contact your manufacturer and claim the warranty.
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9. Hardware Fix (Bonus)
Usually, Chromebook keyboard issues happen for software reasons. However, you have a hardware problem when some of your keyboard keys work as usual while others don’t.
Luckily 90% of the time, it happens when your keyboard connector has some dust. And cleaning the connector will solve your issue for good.
Note: Before performing these steps, ensure you are comfortable opening your Chromebook’s back cover and detaching or attaching some stuff.
Here’s what to do:
- Detach your Chromebook charger and flip it on a soft surface.
- Unscrew the screws and remove the back cover.
- Disconnect the battery connector and remove the battery.
- Remove the electric tape and detach your keyboard connection from the motherboard softly.
- Clean the connector pins with alcohol and rub them with a cotton cloth.
- Reattach the keyboard connection, battery, and back cover, then turn on the device.
After completing the steps, your keyboard will start working again. However, contact your Chromebook manufacturer if the issue persists.
Conclusion
Although Chromebooks have become increasingly popular due to their lightweight design and easy-to-use interface, many people complained about their keyboard issues.
The problem happens for software reasons, basically, and a soft reset or restart fixes it. Still, perform the rest of the fixes I’ve included in this article until the problem is resolved.
Comment below if you face any other Chromebook problems. And for everything else, stick with 10Scopes.
