Press Search + L or Launcher + L to lock a Chromebook immediately. To unlock it without restarting, enter your Google Account password—or a PIN if you have set one up and your Chromebook supports it. You can also lock from the time menu or enable locking when the device sleeps or its lid closes.
Lock your Chromebook with the keyboard shortcut
- Press Search + L. On Chromebooks where the key is labeled Launcher, press Launcher + L instead. Search and Launcher serve the same role for this shortcut.
This is the quickest manual method. Google’s shortcut reference is written for US customers using a standard English QWERTY keyboard, so the key labels or behavior may differ on international layouts. With an external Windows keyboard, use the Windows key in place of Search; with an external Mac keyboard, use Command. See Google’s Chromebook keyboard shortcuts.
Lock from the time menu
- Select the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select Lock.
Use this mouse- or touch-friendly option if you do not know the shortcut or prefer not to use the keyboard.
Set your Chromebook to lock automatically
To have the Chromebook lock when it goes to sleep or when you close the lid:
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- Select the time in the bottom-right corner, then open Settings.
- Choose Privacy and security, then Lock screen and sign-in.
- Turn on Lock when sleeping or lid is closed.
Google documents these operational defaults for screen-off and sleep timing: when plugged in, the screen turns off after eight minutes and the Chromebook sleeps after 30 minutes; when not plugged in, the screen turns off after six minutes and it sleeps after 10 minutes. These are not guarantees for every Chromebook: settings, ChromeOS version, or work and school administrator policies can affect behavior. See Google’s lock-screen and sign-in settings help.
Unlock without restarting
At the lock screen, enter the password for the Google Account configured on the Chromebook. If you have set up a PIN and the device supports PIN unlocking, you can enter that instead. Unlocking this way returns you to your session; it does not require a restart.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Work or school administrators may require you to use your account password periodically, even if PIN unlocking is enabled. Google recommends locking the screen when stepping away for additional security; see Lock or unlock your screen – Chromebook Help.
Set up a PIN for quicker unlocking
- Open Settings > Privacy and security > Lock screen and sign-in.
- Authenticate when prompted.
- Under PIN or password, choose Set up PIN.
- Enter a PIN of six digits or more, enter it again, and confirm.
PIN setup is optional. If the PIN option is unavailable, the Chromebook may not support it or its administrator may restrict the setting.
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- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Super Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Blue
Which locking method should you use?
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Search/Launcher + L | Locking quickly from the keyboard |
| Time menu > Lock | Finding the control with a mouse or touchscreen |
| Lock when sleeping or lid is closed | Locking automatically when you step away or close the lid |
| PIN instead of password | Convenience when unlocking, where supported and permitted |
ChromeOS labels, defaults, and administrator policies can change. If the menu or setting differs on your device, consult the linked Google Chromebook Help pages for the current instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Storage: 16 GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Rank #4
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