How to Fix a Chromebook Touchscreen That’s Not Working
Chromebooks are popular for their affordability, simplicity, and convenience. A common feature in many Chromebook models is the touchscreen, which enhances the user experience and provides increased functionality. However, like any technology, the touchscreen can sometimes malfunction or stop working altogether. This comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and fix a Chromebook touchscreen that’s not working, so you can get back to using your device with ease.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s essential to start with some basic troubleshooting steps that can often resolve the issue.
a. Clean the Screen
A dirty or greasy screen can interfere with touchscreen functionality. Clean the screen using a microfiber cloth and a screen cleaning solution designed for electronic devices. Avoid using alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage the screen.
b. Restart Your Chromebook
A simple restart can often resolve minor issues, including touchscreen problems. To restart your Chromebook:
Click on the system tray (bottom right corner) of your screen.
Select the “Power” icon.
Choose “Restart” from the menu.
c. Update Your Chromebook
Keeping your Chromebook updated can help prevent issues and ensure optimal performance. To check for updates and install them:
Click on the system tray.
Select the “Settings” (gear) icon.
Click on “About Chrome OS” in the left sidebar.
Select “Check for updates.”
If updates are available, follow the on-screen instructions to install them. Once the updates are installed, restart your Chromebook and check if the touchscreen is working.
Check Touchscreen Functionality
If basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, verify if the touchscreen functionality is enabled on your Chromebook.
a. Access the Device Manager
Press the “Search” key (magnifying glass icon) on your keyboard or click on the Launcher in the bottom left corner.
Type “chrome://flags” into the search bar and press Enter.
In the search bar on the Flags page, type “touch” and press Enter.
b. Enable Touch Events
Locate the flag titled “Touch Events API” or “Enable touch events.”
Use the drop-down menu to the right of the flag to change its status to “Enabled.”
Click the “Relaunch Now” button at the bottom of the page to restart your Chromebook and apply the changes.
c. Enable Touchscreen Features
Locate the flag titled “Enable touch-based text editing.”
Use the drop-down menu to the right of the flag to change its status to “Enabled.”
Click the “Relaunch Now” button to restart your Chromebook and apply the changes.
After enabling these settings, check if the touchscreen functionality has been restored.
Perform a Hardware Reset
If the touchscreen is still unresponsive, performing a hardware reset can help resolve any issues related to the device’s hardware.
a. Power Off Your Chromebook
Click on the system tray.
Select the “Power” icon.
Choose “Shut Down” from the menu.
b. Reset the Hardware
Press and hold the “Refresh” key (circular arrow icon) on your keyboard.
While holding the “Refresh” key, press and hold the “Power” button for at least 3 seconds.
Release both keys simultaneously.
c. Power On Your Chromebook
Press the “Power” button to turn your Chromebook back on.
Check if the touchscreen is now functioning correctly.
Perform a Powerwash (Factory Reset)
If none of the previous steps have resolved the issue, performing a Powerwash, or factory reset, can help eliminate software-related issues that may be causing the touchscreen to malfunction. However, be aware that this process will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up any essential files before proceeding.
a. Backup Your Data
Connect your Chromebook to the internet.
Click on the system tray.
Select the “Settings” (gear) icon.
Click on “Advanced” in the left sidebar.
Scroll down to the “Reset settings” section.
Click on “Sync and Google services.”
Ensure the “Sync everything” toggle is enabled, or select the specific items you want to backup.
b. Perform a Powerwash
Click on the system tray.
Select the “Settings” (gear) icon.
Click on “Advanced” in the left sidebar.
Scroll down to the “Reset settings” section.
Click on “Powerwash” or “Reset.”
A dialogue box will appear, warning you that all data will be erased. Click “Continue” or “Restart” to proceed with the Powerwash.
c. Reconfigure Your Chromebook
After the Powerwash is complete, your Chromebook will restart.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reconfigure your device, including connecting to Wi-Fi, signing in with your Google account, and setting up any necessary preferences.
Once the setup process is complete, check if the touchscreen functionality has been restored.
Contact the Manufacturer or Seek Professional Assistance
If all of the above steps have failed to resolve the issue, it’s possible that the problem is related to a hardware defect or damage. In this case, contact the manufacturer for support, especially if your device is still under warranty. Alternatively, seek assistance from a professional technician who specializes in Chromebook repairs.
Conclusion
A malfunctioning Chromebook touchscreen can be frustrating, but following this comprehensive troubleshooting guide can help you identify and resolve the issue. By performing basic troubleshooting, checking touchscreen functionality settings, performing a hardware reset, or even resorting to a Powerwash, you can restore your Chromebook’s touchscreen functionality in most cases. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be time to contact the manufacturer or seek professional assistance.
