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On your Chromebook, open the status area at the bottom right, turn on Wi-Fi if it is off, select your network, enter its password if prompted, and choose Connect. Google’s Chromebook Wi-Fi instructions describe this process for compatible networks.

Connect to a home or small-office Wi-Fi network

  1. Open the network controls: Select the time and status area at the bottom right of the screen. If it says Not Connected, select it and turn on Wi-Fi. Available networks should appear.
  2. Choose your network: Select the Wi-Fi network name you want to use.
  3. Enter the password: For a secured network, type its Wi-Fi password and select Connect. Use the network password, not your Google Account password.
  4. Check the connection: When the network name and signal strength appear in the status area, the Chromebook is connected. It saves network information and can connect automatically when that network is available again.

You can also reach network settings by opening the status area, selecting Settings, then Network and Wi-Fi. Connecting to Wi-Fi is separate from signing in to your Google Account; Google’s Chromebook setup guidance covers signing in or creating an account.

Connect to a public, hidden, or work network

Network type What to do What to expect
Public or open Select the network and choose Connect. Google warns, “If you connect to this network, your info is available to other people.” Some public networks also require you to open a browser sign-in page and complete its instructions.
Hidden Open the status area, choose Settings, then Network and Wi-Fi. Select Add connection, then Add Wi-Fi, enter the network information, and connect. To reconnect automatically later, open Known networks, select the hidden network, turn on Hidden network, and save. You need the network details, including its exact name and security information, from whoever manages it.
Work or school enterprise Use the settings and credentials provided by your organization. Google documents certificate management at chrome://settings/certificates. Some enterprise networks require installed certificates; EAP-TLS may require a user certificate. Ask your network administrator for the required details rather than guessing.

If the Chromebook asks you to activate the network

If setup says to start a Guest session to activate the network, sign out if needed. On the sign-in screen, select Browse as Guest, then connect to Wi-Fi from the guest session. If the activation prompt comes back, try a different network. See Google’s Chromebook setup troubleshooting for these sign-in issues.

If sign-in fails after connecting

An error saying your username or password cannot be verified on the current network can indicate that the Wi-Fi connection is not strong enough. Try Google’s connection troubleshooting steps or connect to another Wi-Fi network, then retry sign-in.

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Forget a saved Wi-Fi network

To remove a network the Chromebook has saved, sign in and open Settings, then select Network, Wi-Fi, and Known networks. Find the network, open More, and select Forget.

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