Cannot re enable a Chromebook

Problem

When trying to re-enable a Chromebook, you get the following error message:
The device failed to re-enable. Please try again later and contact support if the issue persists.

Environment

  • Chrome OS
  • Device List
  • Chromebooks

Solution

  1. In your Admin console.
  2. Go to Devices > Chrome devices.
  3. At the top, use the filter to list disabled devices. See Device status view in Admin console for details.
  4. To apply the setting to everyone, leave the top organizational unit selected. Otherwise, select a child organizational unit.
  5. Check the box next to the device that you want to re-enable.
  6. At the top, click Re-enable selected devices, Re-enable devices.
  7. Click Enable to confirm.

Note: For this process it is required to have Chrome Licenses available, otherwise, you will keep getting the error message. Check the serial number of the device using alt-v on the login screen

Cause

When a device is disabled, its license is moved back to the available count, in order to re-enable it, you need to have available licenses.