Laptops
Chromebook frozen: hard reset
Chromebook frozen or won't turn on? Charge it, then do a hard reset with Refresh + Power. What a Powerwash erases and when to get help.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 5 min
- Steps
- 7
- Updated
Sounds like this?
- Chromebook screen frozen
- Won't turn on
- Keyboard or trackpad not responding
- Stuck at a black screen
Step by step
- Plug in the charger for at least 30 minutes; a fully drained battery looks like a frozen Chromebook.
- Hold the power button until it turns off, then turn it on.
- Hard reset (restarts the embedded controller): press and hold Refresh (circular arrow) + Power. Release Refresh when it starts up.
- For tablets and some models: hold Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds.
- Some older models have a reset hole on the bottom; check your model's support page.
- If it boots but is unstable, sign in and update: Settings › About ChromeOS › Check for updates.
- As a last step, Powerwash: Settings › Advanced › Reset settings. This erases local files in Downloads.
Related error codes & messages
Quick answers
When should I stop and get professional help with "Chromebook frozen: hard reset"?
Stop and get help if: It shows 'ChromeOS is missing or damaged'. No lights after charging with a known-good charger. It's a school-managed Chromebook. Contact the school's IT. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.
How long does this fix take and how hard is it?
Plan on 5 min. Difficulty: Easy.
Is it safe to try this myself?
Mostly, if you follow these precautions: A hard reset is not a Powerwash (factory reset); it does not erase files. A Powerwash does erase local files.
Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?
ChromeOS is missing or damaged, Chrome OS verification is turned off.
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