Chromebook & Linux

Chromebook won't turn on

A Chromebook that shows no lights and no picture is usually just deeply discharged or stuck, not dead. A long forced restart and a full charge fix most cases.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–60 minutes
DIY cost
$0–$30
Pro cost
$60–$150

Symptoms

  • No lights when plugged in
  • Screen stays black when pressing power
  • Charging light doesn't turn on
  • Was working fine before it was closed or stored

Likely causes

  • CommonBattery fully drainedA battery at 0% can take several minutes on the charger before anything shows on screen.
  • CommonSystem frozen and needs a hard resetChromebooks can lock up like any computer and stop responding to the power button.
  • PossibleFaulty charger or cableA bad cable or adapter won't deliver power even though it looks plugged in.
  • PossibleCharging port damageA loose or bent USB-C port can prevent a reliable charging connection.
  • Less commonFailed battery or motherboardHardware failure after years of use or a drop can stop it powering on entirely.

What to do

  1. Plug the Chromebook into its charger and let it sit for 30–60 minutes before trying anything else.
  2. Look for a small charging light near the port; if it's on, power is reaching the device even if the screen is blank.
  3. Hold the power button down for 10–15 seconds to force a hard reset, then release and press it again normally.
  4. If there's a physical refresh + power reset combo for the model, try it (check the manual for your exact key combo).
  5. Try a different charger and cable if you have access to one, since USB-C chargers are often interchangeable.
  6. Plug into a different wall outlet in case the outlet itself isn't providing power.
  7. If nothing lights up after an hour of charging, the battery or charging circuit likely needs professional repair.

Tools and parts

  • Original or compatible USB-C charger
  • Different outlet or power strip to test
USB-C Chromebook chargerSearch: “65W USB-C laptop charger replacement”

When to call a pro

If it still won't power on after a full charge attempt and hard reset, a computer repair shop can test the battery and charging board.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.