Chromebook is comfortable for us due to its portability. But sometimes we need to connect it to an external monitor for a more comfortable experience to see the videos on a big screen. You may experience issues like the Chromebook not recognizing the monitor.
This may be due to hardware issues like loose connections, damaged cables, adaptors, or ports. If the Chromebook is running with outdated software or wrong display settings then you can’t connect the external monitor.
In this article, we are discussing the possible causes of the problem like software and hardware issues, and basic troubleshooting methods.
Also, we are mentioning some hardware diagnostics, some software troubleshooting, and some advanced techniques to solve the issues, the Chromebook is not recognizing the monitor.
Possible Causes
There are mainly two types of causes that prevent the proper connection between the Chromebook and the external monitor.
Hardware Issues
When you are trying to connect a Chromebook and USB-C external monitor, make sure that the Chromebook is compatible with the monitor.
If the cable that you are using to connect with the cable or port that you are using to attach the cables is damaged, then the monitor won’t be recognized by the Chromebook
Software Issues
Confirm that you are using the updated Chrome OS. if the OS is outdated, the system can’t connect to the external monitor. The system should have the proper drive for connecting the external monitor.
Basic Troubleshooting
The Chromebook should automatically detect the external monitor when it is connected. Below are a few basic methods to solve the issue.
Verify Cable Connections
You need to verify the cables and their connections. If the cables are physically damaged, it will affect the detection of the external monitor. So check that the cables are in good condition.
The ports are the parts that we use to connect the cable to the device. The porta should be good in condition and be properly connected.
Check Input Source
You need to check that the input source settings on the external monitor are matching with the connection cable or port.
That means if you use an HDMI cable to connect the external monitor to the Chromebook, you need to confirm that the input source of the monitor is set to HDMI input.
Restart Devices
Restarting the device can fix many technical issues like the Chromebook not recognizing the external monitor. You can turn off the monitor after disconnecting it from the Chromebook. Connect it back after 3 minutes and turn it on.
Now restart your Chromebook.
- In the bottom right corner, a “Clock” icon will appear on the taskbar. Click on that.
- Choose the “Power” icon to open the “Power Menu”.
- To shut down the system, choose “Power off”.
- You need to press the “Power Button” to turn on the Chromebook.
If you connect more than one monitor, try to maintain one at a time and check whether the monitor is recognizing or not.
Update Chrome OS
Outdated software can malfunction. So try to do system software updates regularly.
- To choose the Settings option, click the time that appears on the taskbar.
- Click on the option “About Chrome OS”.
- Choose the option “Check for Updates”.
- If an update is available, your system can download it and you need to restart the system after the update.
Then check whether the system is detecting the monitor or not.
Hardware Diagnostics
Here are a few hardware diagnostics to identify that the issue is related to the monitor or Chromebook.
Test With Different Cables And Adapters
In some cases, the monitor and the Chromebook might be working well. However, the issue will be with the HDMI or USB-C cables that are used to connect the Chromebook and the external monitor.
If the connection cable is loose or damaged, then the transmission of information from the Chromebook to the monitor will not be proper.
So make sure that the cables are properly connected without any loose contact and the cables are in good condition.
You can test the connection with another cable and adaptors. Use different cables and adapters to confirm that the issue is not related to the cables.
If the monitor is detecting after changing the cables or adapters, that means the cables made the issues. If not, that means the issue is related to the system or monitor.
Connect Another Device To The Monitor
Now we need to confirm whether the monitor is not detected due to the faulty Chromebook. To check that, connect the monitor with any other device.
Then check whether the monitor is recognizing or not. If the monitor is recognized by the other device, that means the issue is related to the Chromebook.
If the monitor is still not recognized by the other device, that means, the monitor itself is complaining.
Check Chromebook Ports
The cables we can connect to the Chromebook are through the ports on the system. So you need to check that the ports are working and in good condition.
Sometimes, the port may be filled with dust, and due to that the proper connection won’t happen.
So before connection make sure that the ports are dust-free and are in good condition. You must choose the correct port to connect to the external device.
Software Troubleshooting
We are listing out a few software troubleshooting methods.
Adjust Chromebook Display Settings
To display the external monitor when you connect it to the Chromebook, you should enable the Mirror Display option.
- To choose the Settings option, click the time that appears on the taskbar.
- Click on the option “Device” and then choose the “Display” option.
- Now you need to enable the option “Mirror Built-in Display”.
- A screen will display on the screen. From that window, you can choose if you want to continue the Mirror Display option as you need.
- Then restart your Chromebook and the external monitor.
Switch off the system and the monitor. You should wait for a few seconds then restart it.
Update Chromebook Drivers
Updating the Chrome OS will automatically update all the system drives. So we can update the Chrome OS.
- To choose the “Settings” option, click the time that appears on the taskbar.
- Click on the option “About Chrome OS”.
- Choose the option “Check for Updates”.
- If an update is available, your system can download it and you need to restart the system after the update.
Then check whether the system is detecting the monitor or not.
Powerwash Your Chromebook
Factory reset is simply meant by powerwash. This process will delete all the stored pieces of information on your system hard drive including the files on the downloads folder.
Remember: So before the reset, copy all the files to an external hard drive or to the Google drive to secure the data.
Reset with the advanced settings.
- Click on the “Status Bar” located at the bottom right of the window.
- Choose the “Settings” option and click on “Advanced” Settings to expand the menu.
- Then choose the “Reset Settings” option.
- Under the power wash section, choose “Reset”.
- Now click on the “Restart” option.
- After this, you need to confirm whether you want to reset the Chromebook or not.
- Then choose the “Powerwash” option and press the Continue button.
- Once the reset is complete, you will receive a welcome screen.
- Follow the instructions on the screen and sign in with your Google account.
Now connect the external monitor and Confirm whether the monitor is detecting or not.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If all the above steps didn’t solve the problem, you can go for the below steps.
Report The Issue To Google
If your Chromebook is still not able to connect to the external monitor, you can report the issue to Google. A better solution will be provided.
Seek Professional Help
Another solution as a last step is to seek professional help from any expert from the authorities service center of your Chromebook. If any major complaints are there within the Chromebook, they can help you to find them as well as solve the problem.
FAQs
Why Is My Chromebook Not Working With HDMI?
You can use a different HDMI cable to connect the Chromebook to the external monitor. If the different cable solves the issue and the monitor is detecting, that means the old HDMI cable was damaged or faulty. You can try a different HDMI device. If that device is working, then probably the HDMI port of your system might be damaged.
Can I Use Chromebook As A Second Monitor?
Yes, you can use your Chromebook as a secondary display for the Windows PC but you need to use an HDMI to USB adapter or Built-in wireless display feature on Windows to connect.
Conclusion
If the Chromebook is not detecting the external monitor can be a disturbing issue. Because we used to connect the external monitor for better viewing and comfortability. To solve the issue,
- You need to confirm that the cables and ports that you are using to connect the Chromebook to the monitor are in good condition.
- Restart the system and the monitor to fix the issues.
- Regular updation of the Chrome OS is mandatory.
- If necessary, try with different cables, ports, and devices to confirm the damaged part.
- You need to alter the display settings, and if needed do the powerwash.
If still, the issues are there, Report The Issue to Google or seek professional help from any expert from the authorities service center of your Chromebook.
