This article explains how to lock a Chromebook using several different methods. We’ll also explain how to show the lock screen when the Chromebook wakes up, and how to unlock your Chromebook.

What to Know

  • Press and hold the Lock key, press and hold Power > Lock, press the Magnifying Glass key + L, close the lid, or click the clock > Lock.Prompt for password on waking: Go to Settings > Screen lock, enter the password, and toggle Show lock screen when waking from sleep.Unlock your Chromebook by setting up your Android’s Smart Lock feature, or go to Settings > Screen lock and set up an unlock PIN.

How to Show a Lock Screen on Waking

Most of the time, when you are not using your Chromebook, it will go to sleep. It’s important to make sure your Chromebook will prompt for a password when it wakes up; otherwise, anyone could access anything on your Chromebook, including your Google account.

By default, this feature is on, but here’s where the setting is located so you can double-check (or turn the feature on if it’s off).

  • Go to Settings by clicking the clock in the lower-right corner of the screen, then click the Settings gear icon.
  • Click Screen lock.
  • Enter your password for your Chromebook.
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  • Make sure the Show lock screen when waking from sleep toggle is on.
  • While you are here, you can set a PIN which will unlock your Chromebook as well.

How to Lock Your Chromebook

There are six different ways to lock your Chromebook. Some of these methods may vary from model to model (some options may be missing from certain models), but all of these will accomplish the same result:

Go to Settings by clicking the clock in the lower-right corner of the screen, then click the Settings gear icon.

Click Screen lock.

Enter your password for your Chromebook.

Make sure the Show lock screen when waking from sleep toggle is on.

While you are here, you can set a PIN which will unlock your Chromebook as well.

  • Press and hold the Lock key on your keyboard. After about 2 seconds, your Chromebook will lock.Press and hold the Power button on your Chromebook, then select Lock.Press the Magnifying Glass key + L on your keyboard.Walk away from your Chromebook. By default, if your Chromebook is plugged in, the screen will turn off in 8 minutes and go to sleep in 30 minutes. If it is not, the screen will turn off in 6 minutes and go to sleep in 10 minutes.Close the lid of your Chromebook.Click the clock in the lower right corner and then click Lock.

How to Unlock Your Chromebook With Your Phone

If you have an Android smartphone, you can connect it to your Chromebook. Doing so allows you to unlock your Chromebook just by having your smartphone nearby. You’ll need the following:

  • ChromeOS 71 or greater.Android 5.1 or greater.A Google account that is signed in to both the phone and the Chromebook.Bluetooth enabled on the phone and Chromebook.

  • To set up Smart Lock, go to Settings and under Android phone, click Set up.

  • Choose the phone you want to connect on the left, then click Accept and Continue.

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  • Enter the password for your Google account.

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  • Click Done.

  • Adam Doud/Lifewire

You’re all set. As long as your phone is in Bluetooth range of your Chromebook, you will only need to click your profile picture to log in. 

To set up Smart Lock, go to Settings and under Android phone, click Set up.

Choose the phone you want to connect on the left, then click Accept and Continue.

Enter the password for your Google account.

Click Done.

Unlock Your Chromebook With a PIN

One other easy way to log in to your Chromebook is to set up a PIN. It’s often easier to type than your password, especially in tablet mode if you have a 2-in-1 Chromebook.

  • Go to Settings > Screen lock.
  • Enter your password for your Chromebook.
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  • Click the radio button next to Password or PIN, then click Setup (or Change) PIN.
  • Enter your desired PIN and confirm it.
  • Adam Doud/Lifewire

The next time you log in to your Chromebook, you’ll be asked for a PIN or a password.

Go to Settings > Screen lock.

Click the radio button next to Password or PIN, then click Setup (or Change) PIN.

Enter your desired PIN and confirm it.

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