Hardware Issues

1. Open Chrome.
2. In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
3. Select More Tools > Clear browsing data.
4. A new window will open.
5. Set the Time range to All time.
6. Uncheck Browsing history.
7. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
8. Click Clear data.
9. To ensure the changes take effect, sign out of your account and restart the Chromebook.
10. Log back into your account​.

Performance issues with Google Meet, Google Classroom and Zoom can sometimes be affected by the use of Chrome extensions.  It is best to remove any non-school Chrome Extensions (themes, games, emulators, VPNs, Ad Blockers, Google Meet/Zoom) to see if that affects your virtual meeting experience.

To remove Chrome extensions:

• On your computer, open Chrome.
• In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
• Select More Tools > Extensions.
• Click Remove for all non-school extensions.  All YRDSB-managed extensions will not have a Remove button showing.

NOTE:  You can Reset your Browser Settings in Chrome at any time. You might need to do this if apps or extensions you installed changed your settings without your knowledge. For example, if your homepage was changed or every time you open a new tab a website loads. Your saved bookmarks and passwords won’t be cleared or changed.​  

To reset your browser settings:

• ​On your computer, open Chrome.
• In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
• Select Settings.
• In the left-hand pane, expand Advanced. 
• Under Reset Settings, click Restore settings to their original defaults and then Reset Settings.
• If you removed unwanted programs or reset your browser settings, you might need to turn some of your Chrome extensions back on.

You can restore your browser settings in Chrome at any time. You might need to do this if apps or extensions you installed changed your settings without your knowledge. Your saved bookmarks and passwords won't be cleared or changed.

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. At the top right, click More > Settings.
3. At the bottom, click Advanced.

• Chromebook, Linux, and Mac: Under "Reset Settings," click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset Settings.

• Windows: Under "Reset and cleanup,” click Reset Settings > Reset Settings.

These steps won't provide a full reset. For example, some settings like fonts or accessibility won't be deleted.

Restarting a Chromebook

• ​Turn off your Chromebook by pressing one of the power buttons, or by clicking into the menu in the bottom-right corner and selecting the power icon.
• Press and hold down the "refresh" button (which is located just above the 3 and 4 keys) and tap the power button.

Reset a Chrom​ebook

For most Chromebooks, follow the steps below:

• Turn off your Chromebook.
• Press and hold Refresh  + tap Power. When your Chromebook starts up, release Refresh.​

We appreciate you attempting some of the troubleshooting tips we provided to resolve your technology issue. ​Unfortunately, it is likely your device is experiencing an issue that cannot be resolved by you. 

For further assistance, you can do one of the following:

• Contact your teacher or school to report the issue.  They will log a ServiceDesk ticket on your behalf.

Once a ServiceDesk ticket is generated, someone will be in touch with you.  If the issue cannot be resolved with your existing device, a replacement may be arranged.

Note:  A Trackpad may also be called a Touchpad.

If your trackpad/touchpad stops working, try these steps:

1. Make sure there is no dust or dirt on the touchpad.
2. Press the Esc key several times.
3. Drumroll your fingers on the touchpad for ten seconds.

More information about the Chromebook trackpad/touchpad can be found on the Google Chromebook Help web page​.

Performance issues with Google Meet, Google Classroom and Zoom can sometimes be affected by the use of Chrome extensions.  It is best to remove any non-school Chrome Extensions (themes, games, emulators, VPNs, Ad Blockers, Google Meet/Zoom) to see if that affects your virtual meeting experience.

To remove Chrome extensions:

• On your computer, open Chrome.
• In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
• Select More Tools > Extensions.
• Click Remove for all non-school extensions.  All YRDSB-managed extensions will not have a Remove button showing.

NOTE:  You can Reset your Browser Settings in Chrome at any time. You might need to do this if apps or extensions you installed changed your settings without your knowledge. For example, if your homepage was changed or every time you open a new tab a website loads. Your saved bookmarks and passwords won’t be cleared or changed.​  

To reset your browser settings:

• ​On your computer, open Chrome.
• In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
• Select Settings.
• In the left-hand pane, expand Advanced. 
• Under Reset Settings, click Restore settings to their original defaults and then Reset Settings.
• If you removed unwanted programs or reset your browser settings, you might need to turn some of your Chrome extensions back on.

1. Open Chrome.
2. In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
3. Select More Tools > Clear browsing data.
4. A new window will open.
5. Set the Time range to All time.
6. Uncheck Browsing history.
7. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
8. Click Clear data.
9. To ensure the changes take effect, sign out of your account and restart the Chromebook.
10. Log back into your account​.

Connecting an external mouse via the USB port is one option around difficulties with the Chromebook's trackpad.

Restarting a Chromebook

• ​Turn off your Chromebook by pressing one of the power buttons, or by clicking into the menu in the bottom-right corner and selecting the power icon.
• Press and hold down the "refresh" button (which is located just above the 3 and 4 keys) and tap the power button.

Reset a Chrom​ebook

For most Chromebooks, follow the steps below:

• Turn off your Chromebook.
• Press and hold Refresh  + tap Power. When your Chromebook starts up, release Refresh.​

We appreciate you attempting some of the troubleshooting tips we provided to resolve your technology issue. ​Unfortunately, it is likely your device is experiencing an issue that cannot be resolved by you. 

For further assistance, you can do one of the following:

• Contact your teacher or school to report the issue.  They will log a ServiceDesk ticket on your behalf.

Once a ServiceDesk ticket is generated, someone will be in touch with you.  If the issue cannot be resolved with your existing device, a replacement may be arranged.

Connecting an external keyboard via the USB port is an option when the Chromebook's keyboard is not functioning properly.

We appreciate you attempting some of the troubleshooting tips we provided to resolve your technology issue. ​Unfortunately, it is likely your device is experiencing an issue that cannot be resolved by you. 

For further assistance, you can do one of the following:

• Contact your teacher or school to report the issue.  They will log a ServiceDesk ticket on your behalf.

Once a ServiceDesk ticket is generated, someone will be in touch with you.  If the issue cannot be resolved with your existing device, a replacement may be arranged.

You can use different keyboard languages, sometimes called input methods, on your Chromebook to:

• Change your typing language
• Use special characters, like accent marks or currency symbols

Set your keyboard languages

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Settings .
3. On the left panel, select Advanced > Languages and inputs.
4. Under "Languages and inputs," select Inputs.
5. Under "Input methods," select Add input methods.
6. Select the keyboard languages you want to use > Add.
7. "Enabled" is listed under the current keyboard.
8. To set a different keyboard language, use your cursor to point to and select another keyboard.

Switch between keyboard languages

If you add more than one keyboard language, you can switch between languages from the shelf, next to the time.

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Settings.
3. On the left panel, select Advanced > Languages and inputs.
4. Under "Languages and inputs," select Inputs.
5. Turn on "Show input options in the shelf." Your current keyboard language code appears on the shelf, next to the time.
6. Select your keyboard language code.
7. In the "Input methods" box, select the language you want to switch to.

Tip:  You can also switch your language by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Space until the language you want is selected. To switch back, press Ctrl + Space.

We appreciate you attempting some of the troubleshooting tips we provided to resolve your technology issue. ​Unfortunately, it is likely your device is experiencing an issue that cannot be resolved by you. 

For further assistance, you can do one of the following:

• Contact your teacher or school to report the issue.  They will log a ServiceDesk ticket on your behalf.

Once a ServiceDesk ticket is generated, someone will be in touch with you.  If the issue cannot be resolved with your existing device, a replacement may be arranged.

If you encounter debris in the headphone jack of your Chromebook, please inform your teacher and they can log a ticket on your behalf to get the Chromebook's headphone jack cleaned out.

Connect to Bluetooth devices

If your Chromebook works with Bluetooth, it can connect to accessories like:

• Keyboards
• Mice
• Speakers
• Headphones
• Headsets (audio only)

Step 1:  Check if your Chromebook works with Bluetooth

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. If you see Bluetooth, your Chromebook works with Bluetooth.

Step 2:  Pair a Bluetooth accessory

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. If Bluetooth is off, turn on Bluetooth.
4. Select the accessory you want to connect to.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish connecting.
6. To check if your accessory is connected, look under "Paired devices."

Note:  Your phone doesn’t pair to your Chromebook with Bluetooth, but you can connect to your phone's network. 

Turn off Bluetooth

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. Turn off Bluetooth.

Fix Bluetooth problems

If you have trouble using a Bluetooth device with your Chromebook, try these steps:

• Check for system updates. If any updates are available, install them.
• Turn Bluetooth off, then back on.
• Turn your Chromebook off, then back on.

We appreciate you attempting some of the troubleshooting tips we provided to resolve your technology issue. ​Unfortunately, it is likely your device is experiencing an issue that cannot be resolved by you. 

For further assistance, you can do one of the following:

• Contact your teacher or school to report the issue.  They will log a ServiceDesk ticket on your behalf.

Once a ServiceDesk ticket is generated, someone will be in touch with you.  If the issue cannot be resolved with your existing device, a replacement may be arranged.

You can change your microphone, speaker, or other volume through quick settings.

Control your microphone volume
You can adjust how loud or soft your voice sounds to others during a call or meeting.

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Next to the volume slider, select Audio settings.
3. Under “Input,” drag the microphone slider left or right.

TIP:  To mute the volume, select Microphone.

Change your speaker volume
To control how loud or soft others sound to you, adjust your speaker, headphone, or other output volume.

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Drag the volume slider left or right.   TIP:  To mute the volume, select Volume.
3. To find your output settings, select Audio settings.
4. Under “Output,” the device in use will have a green check to the right.

Make sure that the destination output is set to either headphones, if you want to listen through headphones, or speakers, if you want to listen through speakers

Try a different set of headphones or earbuds:  By connecting a different set, you can determine if the problem lies with a pair of broken headphones (or wireless headphones that have run out of battery) as opposed to the problem being the Chromebook.

1. Open Chrome.
2. In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
3. Select More Tools > Clear browsing data.
4. A new window will open.
5. Set the Time range to All time.
6. Uncheck Browsing history.
7. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
8. Click Clear data.
9. To ensure the changes take effect, sign out of your account and restart the Chromebook.
10. Log back into your account​.

Performance issues with Google Meet, Google Classroom and Zoom can sometimes be affected by the use of Chrome extensions.  It is best to remove any non-school Chrome Extensions (themes, games, emulators, VPNs, Ad Blockers, Google Meet/Zoom) to see if that affects your virtual meeting experience.

To remove Chrome extensions:

• On your computer, open Chrome.
• In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
• Select More Tools > Extensions.
• Click Remove for all non-school extensions.  All YRDSB-managed extensions will not have a Remove button showing.

NOTE:  You can Reset your Browser Settings in Chrome at any time. You might need to do this if apps or extensions you installed changed your settings without your knowledge. For example, if your homepage was changed or every time you open a new tab a website loads. Your saved bookmarks and passwords won’t be cleared or changed.​  

To reset your browser settings:

• ​On your computer, open Chrome.
• In the top right corner, click the 3 vertical dots.
• Select Settings.
• In the left-hand pane, expand Advanced. 
• Under Reset Settings, click Restore settings to their original defaults and then Reset Settings.
• If you removed unwanted programs or reset your browser settings, you might need to turn some of your Chrome extensions back on.

Wired Headset

Chromebooks are equipped with a single 3.5mm TRRS plug. This means that headphones and headsets with a 3.5mm plug are compatible. If you wish to use a headset with a built-in microphone, ensure it has a single TRRS plug. The single plug controls the headphones and microphone with a single plug. 

1. Plug the headphone into the Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack on the side of the Chromebook.
2. Click the time in the bottom right corner.
3. Select the Arrow beside the volume control.
4. Under Output, make sure your Headphone is selected.
5. Under Input, make sure the Mic jack is selected.
6. Make sure the Microphone is not muted.

Wireless or Bluetooth Headset​

1. Power on the Bluetooth headset by holding the power button. 
2. Turn Bluetooth off on other devices that are connected to your headset.
3. Click the time in the bottom right corner.
4. Turn Bluetooth on.
5. Start pairing your headset (either long hold the power button on the headset, use the pairing button on the headset, or check the manufacturer instructions).
6. On the Chromebook, select the headset name once it appears.
7. Click the time in the bottom right corner.​
8. Select the Arrow beside the volume control.
9. Under Output, make sure your Bluetooth Headset is selected.
10. Under Input, make sure the Bluetooth Headset is selected.
11. Make sure the Microphone is not muted​.

Is anything plugged into the headphone jack, or is there a Bluetooth audio device connected?

• Unplug the wired headphones.
• Close the lid of the Chromebook and wait 10 seconds.
• Plugin the headphones.
• Open the lid. The Chromebook will re-scan for audio drives and should find your headphones

We appreciate you attempting some of the troubleshooting tips we provided to resolve your technology issue. ​Unfortunately, it is likely your device is experiencing an issue that cannot be resolved by you. 

For further assistance, you can do one of the following:

• Contact your teacher or school to report the issue.  They will log a ServiceDesk ticket on your behalf.

Once a ServiceDesk ticket is generated, someone will be in touch with you.  If the issue cannot be resolved with your existing device, a replacement may be arranged.

You may be able to plug your printer directly into the Chromebook using the USB cable supplied with your printer.

• If your printer is supported, an onscreen notification will appear on your Chromebook.
• Follow the onscreen instructions.

Please note that not all USB printers are compatible with Chromebooks.  You can check your printer's manufacturer's website for additional compatibility information for your printer.

• Set up your printer. Try the Chromebook Simulator to see how you can set up your printer.
• Print a test page.  Try the Chromebook Simulator to see how to print a test page.
• Fix problems setting up a printer. Try the Chromebook Simulator to see how you can fix your printer problems.​
• Check the manufacturer’s website for additional compatibility information for your printer

Connecting an External Keyboard to the Chromebook

• USB Keyboard:  Plug the keyboard directly into a USB slot on the side of the Chromebook
• Bluetooth Keyboard:  Check out Chromebook Help for more information using Bluetooth keyboards​.
• Wireless Keyboard:  Follow your manufacturer’s instructions

1. At the bottom right, select the system time.
2. Click the down-arrow under Keyboard and select your preferred language (i.e. US keyboard, Canadian English keyboard). 

TIP:  Pressing either Control+Space and Control+Shift+Space changes the keyboard layout. It is easy to accidentally hit this keyboard combination.

TIP:  The Canadian English Keyboard might not let you use some special characters. The US English keyboard might work better for you.

Try the Chromebook simulation of changing your Chromebook language.

Check out some of the most popular Chromebook keyboard shortcuts.