How do you turn your computer screen on a Chromebook?

When you ask how to "turn your computer screen on a Chromebook," it can refer to a couple of different actions: either waking a blank screen to display content, or changing the orientation (rotation) of a screen that is already on. Both processes are straightforward on a Chromebook.

Waking Up or Powering On Your Chromebook Screen

If your Chromebook's screen is black or off, "turning it on" involves either waking it from sleep mode or powering on the device itself.

Here are the primary ways to get your Chromebook screen to display content:

• Open the Lid: If your Chromebook is in sleep mode, simply opening the lid will usually wake the screen immediately.
• Press the Power Button: If opening the lid doesn't work, or if the Chromebook is completely off, press the Power button. This button is typically located on the side or top-right of the keyboard area.
• Press Any Key: Sometimes, pressing any key on the keyboard or moving the trackpad can wake a sleeping Chromebook screen.
• Connect the Charger: If your Chromebook has run out of battery, plugging it into its charger will often cause it to power on automatically, or allow you to press the power button to start it.

For more details on powering your device, you can refer to the official Chromebook Help on turning your Chromebook on and off.

Rotating Your Chromebook Screen's Orientation

If your screen is already on but displayed at an incorrect angle (e.g., sideways or upside down), you can easily rotate its orientation. This feature is particularly useful if you're using your Chromebook in tablet mode or need a different view for certain tasks.

Quick Keyboard Shortcut for Rotation

The fastest way to rotate your screen is by using a simple keyboard shortcut:

1. Press and hold Ctrl + Shift + Refresh simultaneously on your keyboard. The Refresh key is typically located at the top of your keyboard, often represented by a circular arrow icon.
2. Your screen will rotate 90 degrees with each press.
3. A small pop-up will appear asking if you want to keep the new orientation. Click Continue or press Enter to confirm the change within a few seconds. If you do nothing, the screen will revert to its previous orientation.

Adjusting Orientation Through Settings

For more precise control or to set a specific angle (like 180 degrees), you can adjust the display settings manually:

1. Click on the time area in the bottom-right corner of your screen (the "shelf").
2. Click the Settings icon (which looks like a cog wheel) that appears in the pop-up menu.
3. In the left-hand menu of the Settings window, select Device.
4. Click on Displays from the Device options.
5. Under the Built-in Display section, locate the Orientation dropdown menu.
6. Select your desired angle from the options, such as:
   • Standard (0 degrees)
   • 90 degrees
   • 180 degrees
   • 270 degrees

The screen will instantly adjust to your chosen orientation.

For additional assistance with screen rotation, visit the Chromebook Help page on rotating your screen.

Managing External Displays

If "turning your screen on" refers to activating an additional external monitor, here’s how to connect and configure it:

• Connect the External Monitor: Use a compatible cable (e.g., HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort) to connect your external monitor to your Chromebook. Most Chromebooks will automatically detect the external display once connected.
• Configure Display Settings: Once connected, you can manage the external display's settings:
  1. Click the time in the bottom-right corner.
  2. Click the Settings icon (cog wheel).
  3. Go to Device > Displays.
  4. Here, you can:
     • Arrange screens: Drag and drop the display icons to physically match their arrangement on your desk.
     • Mirror Display: Show the same content on both your Chromebook and the external monitor.
     • Extend Display: Use the external monitor as an extension of your desktop, allowing you to have different windows open on each screen.
     • Adjust resolution, refresh rate, and orientation for the external display.

For comprehensive guidance on using external monitors, see the Chromebook Help article on connecting to a monitor.