The Chromebook screen might appear black even when it is on due to battery-related problems. Hardware complications can also trigger the screen issue on this Google laptop. Besides, the device might fail to produce any pictures of a corrupted ChromeOS.
There is a high chance that you have set the Chromebook’s screen brightness level too low. Thus, you are unable to see anything clearly from the display. So, adjust the screen brightness and check if that eliminates the black screen error. However, if the error persists, the problem lies on the Chromebook’s external peripherals.
A cracked or broken screen can generate this problem in the Chromebook. Moreover, a virus-infected file could prevent the laptop from turning on. You can see a black screen on the Chromebook when its hard drive is on the verge of damage.
Thus, if you detect any signs of hard drive failures, replace the HDD/SSD immediately.
Now, let’s find out more reasons why is my Chromebook screen black and their easy fixes.
Possible Reasons Why is My Chromebook Screen Black
Chromebook users can experience this technical issue for several reasons, and hardware failure is one of them. If the lights won’t turn on when pressing the “Power” key, the problem lies with the charger. Besides, a damaged motherboard can cause black screen errors on the Chromebook.
If you are wondering why is my Chromebook screen black, check the following reasons:
Incompatible or Faulty USB Devices
Did you connect an incompatible USB flash drive to the Google laptop? It could generate black screen issues on the device. The Chromebook screen won’t display any images if you use a faulty mouse or external keyboard.
Missing ChromeOS
Sometimes, the Chromebook screen might go black after displaying the “Chrome OS is missing” message. Usually, it occurs when you remove any system file from the laptop. Ensure not to delete any ChromeOS file to avoid the black screen error.
Overheating Issues
The Chromebook might generate excess heat due to consistent usage. Due to overheating, the laptop fan might be damaged and prevent the device from rendering pictures on the screen. Thus, check the Chromebook’s fan, and if you find it faulty, replace it immediately.
Easy Troubleshooting Tips for Why is My Chromebook Screen Black
Resolving the black screen error from a Chromebook is pretty easy. Many users take an expert’s help when their laptop screen turns black. However, you should never do that in the first place.
Rather, you should check if there are any hairline cracks on the Chromebook screen. If you didn’t find any sign of screen damage, follow these solutions to fix the black display error:
Adjust the Chromebook Screen Brightness
You might have accidentally selected a low screen brightness as the level. Thus, the Chromebook shows a black screen even when it is on. Try to increase the screen brightness and check if you can see anything on display.
You will find a “screen brightness” key on the top row of the Chromebook keyboard. Press the increased brightness key at least 3-4 times and check if that fixes the problem. Reboot the device if the screen remains black even after adjusting the brightness level.
Powerwash a Chromebook
If you can boot into the system, enable the Powerwash mode to resolve the black screen error. A Powerwash erases all the information stored on the Chromebook’s hard drive, including display settings. However, before you power wash the laptop, ensure to back up the important files.
Press the Esc, Refresh and Power keys together for 2-3 seconds. Release all the keys when the laptop restarts. You will notice an error message indicating the reason for the black Chromebook screen. Hold the Ctrl and D keys together and press the Enter button when prompted.
Press the “Spacebar” and hit the “Enter” button afterwards. The Chromebook will start to reboot automatically after a few seconds. Click on “Let’s Go” when the new screen appears on the Chromebook. Connect the laptop to a stable Wi-Fi network and tap on “Continue”.
Select “Accept & Continue” and enter the login credentials when prompted. If the login screen doesn’t appear, press the Ctrl, Alt and E keys together. Click “Done”, reboot the Chromebook, and the black screen won’t further appear.
Hard Reboot the Chromebook
A hard reboot helps the Chromebook users to reload OS and fixes the temporary software glitches causing the black screen error. Thus, if you are unable to resolve the problem even after a power wash, opt for a hard reboot of the laptop. First, you must connect the Chromebook to a power resource.
Press and hold the Power and Refresh buttons simultaneously. Release these Chromebook keys after 6-10 seconds. Turn off the laptop, close the screen lid and disconnect the power cable afterwards.
Wait for at least 2-3 minutes, and then plug in the power cable and try to turn on the Chromebook. If the error persists, then the problem lies on the screen or battery.
Disconnect the External Peripherals
If you have connected a faulty external device to the Chromebook, it will affect its startup process. Besides, the laptop might stop functioning and display a black screen. For instance, the device won’t be able to produce any images on the display if a corrupted memory card is plugged in.
Usually, this occurs when you connect the external peripherals to Chromebook in Developer Mode. Disconnect all external devices or accessories, like USB sticks, keyboards and SD cards.
Turn off the laptop, and when it turns on, wait for the “OS Verification” screen. Toggle off this option and press the Spacebar after 2-3 minutes. It will disable the Developer Mode on Chromebook. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the laptop again and check if the black screen error is solved.
Drain out the Built-in Battery
Draining the Chromebook’s battery can help you to fix the black screen glitch. Keep the laptop on until its remaining charge runs out. Connect the power adapter to the Chromebook afterwards and charge the device for at least 30 minutes. Press the “Power” button and check if you have fixed the black screen issue.
Additionally, you can try to remove the external battery of the Chromebook. Reinstall the battery after 10-12 minutes and turn on the laptop. If the error persists, the Chromebook might have a dead or damaged battery. Replace the built-in battery immediately to eliminate the black screen error.
Try a Different Power Adapter
Sometimes, the Chromebook might display a black screen due to insufficient charge. You might be using a faulty charger which is why the battery is facing problems holding a charge.
Thus, consider using a high-functioning and compatible power adapter. Connect it to the Chromebook, and charge the battery for 20 minutes. Turn on the laptop and use the device without experiencing black screen issues.
Lastly, Reset the Chromebook’s Hardware ….
An unwanted hardware problem can generate a black screen issue on the Chromebook. However, you can fix that by resetting the device’s hardware. Google allows Chromebook users to refresh the hardware unit by using the “Refresh” key.
Press the “Power” and “Refresh” keys together and release these keys when the screen lights up. However, if the screen remains black, contact a technician immediately.