Quick Links
- Things to know before you Powerwash your Chromebook
- How to factory reset a Chromebook when you’re logged in
- How to factory reset a Chromebook from the login screen
- Last resort: Hard reset a buggy Chromebook
- Check your Chromebook’s diagnostics before you reset
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Chromebooks are great devices for most people due to their reliability and ease of use. For browsing the internet, many of the best Chromebooks are often better than Windows and Mac devices and have comparable hardware, often for less money. Even though Chromebooks are reliable, they may run into issues that require a factory reset. Also, if you get a used Chromebook, it may have the previous owner’s data that you need to erase. Either way, there are a couple of methodologies to reset, or Powerwash, your Chromebook, no matter who the manufacturer is.
We use Powerwash and factory reset interchangeably throughout this guide. Google also uses both terms, but they’re not exact synonyms. Powerwash refers to the tool that removes data from a ChromeOS device. Factory reset is the process of removing data from a ChromeOS device using the Powerwash tool.
Things to know before you Powerwash your Chromebook
There are a couple of things to review before you reset your Chromebook.
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- Resetting your Chromebook removes all local files and data. Before resetting your Chromebook, make sure the files you need are backed up to Google Drive or another cloud storage service. That way, you won’t lose them. These files cannot be recovered after the reset, so make sure you have what you need.
- All accounts on your Chromebook are removed when the Chromebook is reset. Make sure the files from all accounts are backed up, and that login information for those accounts is saved in a password manager.
- Most Chromebook data automatically syncs to the Google Drive of the associated Google account. However, Android app data and Linux apps are not saved. Make sure to manually back up your Linux apps and Android app data before you begin the reset process. You’ll move the data from your local save folders to Google Drive or another cloud storage service to do this.
How to factory reset a Chromebook when you’re logged in
If you’re still able to log in to your device when you decide to reset it, here’s how to wipe your device:
- Open the Settings app.
- On the left, tap Advanced.
- Select the Reset settings option.
- Click the Reset button.
- Click Restart in the dialog box that pops up.
Once the device restarts, the reset is complete. You are prompted to sign in to your Google account and a Wi-Fi network and start the Chromebook setup process.
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How to factory reset a Chromebook from the login screen
If the previous owner did not reset the Chromebook or if you can’t log in, reset your device from the login screen.
- At the login screen, simultaneously press Ctrl, Shift, Alt, and R.
- Press the Restart button in the dialog box that appears. You can also hold down the power button to shut off your Chromebook.
- When your Chromebook restarts, press the Powerwash button in the new dialog box that appears.
- Confirm that you want to Powerwash your device by tapping the Continue button.
Once this process completes, your device is reset, and you are prompted to log in with a Google account.
Last resort: Hard reset a buggy Chromebook
If you run into serious issues with your Chromebook hardware, it may be time for a hard reset. Unlike the other options, this does not reset all your data, but it may delete some files in your download folder. Make sure to back up this data before you hard reset your device.
- Power off your Chromebook.
- Simultaneously press and hold the Power and Refresh buttons.
- After the Chromebook restarts, release the Refresh button.
If you have a Chrome OS tablet, press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons for about 10 seconds and then release them. Once you log back in, any issues with your Chromebook hardware should be resolved.
Check your Chromebook’s diagnostics before you reset
If you have hardware issues or need to remove someone else’s data, resetting your Chromebook is the solution. Whether you can log in or not, there is a way to reset your Chromebook. If you are having issues with your Chromebook but don’t want to reset it, use the Chrome OS Diagnostics app to resolve your issue.
