Chromebook Keyboard not Working? How to Troubleshoot in Chrome OS

Is your Chromebook keyboard not working all of a sudden? Is this the first time that has happened, or has this been going on for quite a while? Troubleshooting Chromebook issues can be quite daunting at times. Fortunately, we’re here to shed some light.

Is it hardware or software-related? That’s what we’re about to find out. This guide will help you trace the root cause of your issues. If you’re lucky, you won’t have to spend money on getting it fixed. For those not-so-lucky ones, we have provided some alternative options for you. Be sure to check these out.

In this Article

How to Troubleshoot Chromebook Keyboard not Working

It can be frustrating when you’re using a malfunctioning keyboard. Fortunately, we’ve put up a troubleshooting guide to narrow down your issues. Be sure to check out which issue you’re having so you can apply the fix ASAP.

Most of the time, the issues are caused by software instability and a quick reset could fix it. However, there’s also a chance that it could be hardware-related, especially if your Chromebook was recently dropped or if there are signs of physical damage. Either way, we’ll cover all these so you know what to do.

Disclaimer: Before you start troubleshooting, we highly recommend charging your Chromebook or keep the device plugged in to avoid potential issues.

Identify which function keys are malfunctioning or not working

The dedicated Brightness and Volume keys, as well as the Backward/Forward buttons, on your Chromebook, are usually the common ones to report issues. However, 50% of the time, the issue is usually caused by the limitations set by Chrome OS.

Before performing a factory reset, make you have checked the settings listed below:

The brightness is already at the max limit
The minimum/maximum volume has already been reached
Your browser doesn’t have a browsing history

If a factory reset wasn’t able to fix the issue, contact the manufacturer to troubleshoot even further. Check your Chromebook’s make and model to get further assistance.

Troubleshooting other Keyboard issues on Chromebook

There are plenty of reported issues when it comes to keyboard issues with Chrome OS. Fortunately, most Chromebook keyboard not working issues are software-related. The bad news is that the fix is usually resetting your device.

Step 1

Turn off Chromebook and turn it back on after 5 seconds. Wait till it boots up. Check if the keyboard is working properly.

Step 2

Try switching to a Guest Account. Check keyboard functionality. If everything is working fine, then delete your current account and manually add your account back in. Check if it resolves the issue.

For owner account-related concerns: perform a factory reset on your Chromebook.

Step 3

Perform a hard reset on your Chromebook. Learn how to Powerwash a Chromebook with ease. If the problem persists, we highly recommend checking the next option listed below.

Reset Settings when Chromebook keyboard not working — Image Credit

Went to send it to Service Center (for Chromebooks with Warranty)

When it comes to the Chromebook keyboard not working, we’ve gathered the most common issues found on the internet. At the moment, these are the most common hardware issues that should be sent in for warranty claims:

Certain letters or function keys are not working
LED lights are not working (varies by model)
Physical damage present on the keyboard
A single keypress will produce duplicate characters
Ghost-typing (when random keys are being pressed while typing)

Out of Warranty? What to do when Chromebook keyboard not working

Unfortunately, out-of-warranty Chromebooks might cost more to have to be repaired or fixed versus buying something new. If you’re facing this dilemma and you want to shell out as little cash as possible, then check these suggestions:

Use On-Screen Keyboard

Here’s a cheap fix: you can use your on-screen keyboard using Chrome OS’s built-in keyboard app. Here’s how to access it:

Sign in to your Chromebook. Once logged in, head over to the bottom-right and click the time.
Go to Settings and select Advanced and look for Accessibility
Under Accessibility, select Manage Accessibility Features
Look for Keyboard and text input, and select Enable on-screen keyboard.

Buy USB or Wireless Keyboard

If your Chromebook has multiple ports or is Bluetooth-capable, you can either buy a wired keyboard or a wireless one. Regardless of your choice and budget, we’re fairly sure that you can find one below 30 bucks.

Summary

Were you able to fix your keyboard issues with our guide? Tell us about it in the comment section! I hope you were able to narrow down the root cause of your Chromebook keyboard not working.

Having other Chromebook problems? Check out the most common ones and how we fixed them down below.