Your Chromebook may be turned on, but the screen is completely dark. Consequently, the backlight on your Chromebook is probably the problem. This can be the result of issues with the battery or charging, issues with the hardware, or issues with Chrome OS.
If your Chromebook’s screen is entirely black, we’ve collected a list of troubleshooting solutions you may attempt.
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In This Article
How to fix your Chromebook backlight not working issue
1. Increase the Screen Brightness
You may have accidentally changed the screen brightness settings to the lowest, which is causing your Chromebook’s screen to have backlighting difficulties. Keep pushing the Screen brightness up button until the display turns on if your Chromebook is turned on but the screen is still dark.
If the backlight isn’t functioning despite adjusting the brightness, restart your Chromebook.
2. Force Your Chromebook to Restart
Refreshing the operating system on your Chromebook can resolve any short-term system hiccups that are causing the backlight problem.
The display and keyboard light will not turn off unless you press and hold the Power button for 6 to 10 seconds.
The power button may be either above the keyboard or on the side of your Chromebook, depending on the model. Press the Power button once more to restart your Chromebook after a little delay.
3. Allow your Chromebook to cool
An overheated Chromebook can have issues starting up. Your gadget may overheat if you use it for a long time or in a warm area. Allow your Chromebook to cool for around 20 to 30 minutes before turning it on if the bottom of the device feels even slightly warm.
To prevent future occurrences of this issue, go to our lesson on preventing computer overheating if your Chromebook manages to boot beyond the blank screen.
4. Unplug any extra USB devices
Your Chromebook’s starting process might be impacted and other performance issues can be brought on by issues with connected external devices. The screen could go black, for example, if your Chromebook is connected to a faulty SD card, particularly if Developer Mode is enabled.
Close your Chromebook and unplug or detach any external devices or accessories (mouse, USB sticks, keyboard, SD card, etc.). Power it back on after waiting a couple of minutes.
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5. Allow the battery to die
This problem may be resolved by completely draining the battery in your Chromebook. Keep the gadget switched on (with a black screen) until the battery is completely depleted. Check to see whether the Chromebook now boots through the black screen after charging it for at least 30 minutes.
6. Properly Charge Your Chromebook
If your Chromebook’s battery is dead or too low to start ChromeOS, it might get stuck on a black screen. Make sure the AC adapter for your Chromebook is properly connected to the charging port on your device and inserted into a power socket.
Verify if the power socket is turned on as one last thing. Make sure the charging indicator light on your Chromebook turns on when you connect the charger. Turn on the Chromebook after charging it for at least 30 minutes.
Ensure that you are charging your Chromebook using the original charger that came with it. Your Chromebook could not charge if you use counterfeit or phoney charging accessories. Even worse, they could harm the battery, charging port, and other physical elements of your Chromebook.
For information on how to charge a device, see the user handbook or manual on your specific device, or go online to the manufacturer’s website.
7. Use another Charger
If you’re using a faulty charger, your Chromebook’s battery may not be able to maintain a charge. Try charging your Chromebook with a different charger to make sure your charging accessories are functioning properly.
But first, confirm that the charger is appropriate for your gadget. Verify the device’s power and voltage ratings to make sure they adhere to the manufacturer’s charging requirements. As previously indicated, using fake, inferior, or unsuitable charging accessories might harm your Chromebook.
There may be an issue with your Chromebook’s charging port, hard drive, or motherboard if the charger(s) charges other devices but not yours. In such a situation, resetting the hardware could be beneficial.
8. Reset the Hardware on Your Chromebook
Your Chromebook may encounter backlight issues or not turn on at all due to hardware issues. Google thankfully offers a means to update hardware parts that freeze or stop working. “Hard Reset” is the name of the procedure.
Note: As a last option, Google advises a hardware reset for resolving Chromebook difficulties. This is because the procedure may destroy certain files from the “Download” folder on your Chromebook.
Turn off your Chromebook and give it a moment to fully shut down.
Tap the Power button while continuing to keep the Refresh key down.
Hold the Refresh button down until Chrome OS launches. When the keyboard or screen on your Chromebook lights up, release the Refresh button.
If your Chromebook has a detachable keyboard and is a tablet or 2-in-1 device, press and hold the Volume Up and Power keys at the same time for at least 10 seconds.
Depending on the manufacturer of your device, there may be more methods to hard reset the hardware on your Chromebook. You may reset the hardware of certain Chromebooks by pressing a dedicated (reset) button. You may need to place a paperclip in a special reset hole and then push the Power button on certain devices.
By taking out and replacing the battery, certain Chromebooks with detachable batteries may be reset. Unplug and re-plug the power cord of a non-battery-operated Chromebook, then turn it on to do a reset.
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Fixing your Chromebook backlight issue
If none of these troubleshooting techniques works, the screen of your Chromebook may be harmed. Connect your Chromebook to an external display to be certain.
If your Chromebook’s built-in screen is dark but you can access Chrome OS on the external display, take it to a local computer repair shop to have it inspected for hardware damage.
For further assistance and troubleshooting options, speak with the maker of your device. If your Chromebook is still covered by warranty or the backlight isn’t functioning because of a manufacturing or production issue, you could be eligible for a free repair.