How to recover a Chromebook or Chromebox

Problem

You are not able to remote login into a Chromebox from the Admin console.

Environment

  • Chrome OS

Solution

Recover the Chromebox by following the steps described below:

On the Chromebook with the error:

  1. If you have anything connected to this Chromebook (such as a mouse or external hard drive), remove it.
  2. Enter recovery mode:
    • Chromebook: Press and hold Esc + Refresh, then press Power . Let go of Power.
      • On some Chromebook models: Press and hold Esc + Maximize, then press Power. Let go of Power.
      • When a message shows on the screen, let go of the other keys.
    • Chromebox: First, turn it off. With a paper clip or similar object, press and hold the recovery button. Press the Power button to turn the Chromebox back on. When you see a message on screen, release the recovery button.
    • Chromebit: First, unplug it from power. With a paper clip or similar object, press and hold the recovery button. Plug the Chromebit back in to power. When you see a message on screen, release the recovery button.
    • Chromebook tablet: Press and hold the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons for at least 10 seconds, then release them.

On the working computer, not the Chromebook with the error:

  1. If you're using a Mac or Windows computer:
    1. Install Chrome.
    2. Open Chrome.
    3. Install the recovery extension.
  2. To open the recovery extension:
    1. At the top right of your browser window, click Extensions.
    2. Select the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. If the extension popup doesn't automatically appear on your screen, make sure it's turned on.
  3. Click Get started.
  4. Click Select a model from a list, or type in the model number of the Chromebook you want to recover. To find this number, look at the bottom of the error message on your Chromebook screen.
  5. Click Continue.
  6. Insert your USB flash drive into the working computer.
  7. In the dropdown menu, choose your USB flash drive.
  8. Click Continue > Create now.
  9. When you get a message that your recovery media is ready, remove your USB flash drive from the computer.
  • On the Chromebook with the error, select Recover using external disk and follow the on-screen instructions. 

Cause

Chromebook OS is not working properly.