Just got a new Chromebook? Setting it up the right way will improve its speed, security, and usability. If you’re using ChromeOS for the first time, follow these steps to get the best experience.
Link Your Phone for Easy Syncing
ChromeOS lets you connect your Android phone. This allows you to unlock your Chromebook with your phone, connect to its hotspot when Wi-Fi is unavailable, receive messages and notifications, access your phone’s apps and photos, and view recent tabs.
To link your phone, open the launcher and go to Settings. Click “Connected Devices,” then select “Set Up” next to Android Phone. Your Chromebook will detect phones linked to your Google account. Choose the one you want to connect, click “Connect,” enter your password, and select “Done.”
Update Your Chromebook for New Features
Your Chromebook may have been in a store for months before you bought it. During that time, Google may have released updates. Installing updates ensures you have the latest features and security patches.
To update, open Settings and select “About Chrome OS.” Click “Check for Updates.” If an update is available, your Chromebook will download and install it automatically. Restart your device once the process is complete.
Download Apps from the Play Store
Your Chromebook comes with built-in apps like YouTube, Camera, Maps, and Google Workspace. However, you may need more apps. You can download them from the Google Play Store, just like on an Android phone.
Some Android apps may not work perfectly on your Chromebook. To install an app, open the Play Store, search for the app, and click “Install.” Once installed, the app will appear in the launcher.
Customize Your Shelf for Quick Access
The Shelf is the taskbar at the bottom of your screen. You can pin frequently used apps for quick access.
To pin an app, open the launcher, find the app, right-click it, and select “Pin to Shelf.” To remove an app, right-click it on the Shelf and select “Unpin.” If you want a cleaner look, you can hide the Shelf by right-clicking it and choosing “Autohide Shelf.” This makes it visible only when you move your cursor to the bottom of the screen.
You can also change the Shelf’s position. Right-click the desktop, select “Shelf Position,” and choose a new location.
Change Lock Screen Settings for Better Security
By default, you must enter your Google password to sign in. If you share your Chromebook with others, using a different password is a good idea. You can also set up a PIN for quicker sign-ins.
To change lock screen settings, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Lock Screen. Click “Set Up” next to the password or PIN option. Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to enter your current password for verification.
Personalize Your Chromebook
You can customize your Chromebook to match your style. Change the wallpaper, screensaver, and theme to make it visually appealing. Organize apps into folders, adjust the cursor’s size and color, and change the font.
You can also remap certain keys, such as Search, Ctrl, Alt, Escape, and Backspace, to perform different functions. ChromeOS lets you switch between light and dark modes or set it to change automatically.
Set Up Linux for More Features
If your Chromebook supports Linux, you can enable it to access more software, coding tools, and games.
To check if your device supports Linux, go to Settings > About ChromeOS. If you see “Linux Development Environment,” your Chromebook is compatible. If not, your device may not support Linux, or you may not have permission to enable it.
To set it up, click “Set Up,” allocate storage, and click “Install.” The installation will take a few minutes. Once done, open the Terminal and run these commands to update Linux:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Customize Google Chrome
Chrome is the default browser on your Chromebook. Personalizing it can improve your browsing experience.
Go to Settings > On Startup to choose what page opens when you launch Chrome. Change the browser’s appearance by applying a theme from the Chrome Web Store. If you prefer a search engine other than Google, switch it by going to Settings > Search Engine.
You can also customize the new tab page by changing the background and adding shortcuts. Adjust fonts to suit your style and add useful extensions to improve productivity.
Adjust Keyboard and Touchpad Settings
Your Chromebook’s keyboard and touchpad can be customized for better usability. You can change the keyboard’s key functions and enable tap-to-click on the touchpad.
Go to Settings > Device > Keyboard to change key behavior. You can remap the Search key to act as a Caps Lock or another function. For the touchpad, go to Settings > Device > Touchpad and enable or disable gestures like tap-to-click and reverse scrolling.
Configure Security and Privacy Settings
To keep your Chromebook secure, review its privacy settings. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security and adjust settings for location tracking, browsing data, and app permissions.
Enable “Verified Access” to ensure websites verify your device’s security. Also, enable “Safe Browsing” in Chrome to protect against malicious websites.
Manage Notifications to Reduce Distractions
Too many notifications can be annoying. Manage them by going to Settings > Notifications. Here, you can disable or customize app notifications.
If you need focus time, enable “Do Not Disturb.” This blocks notifications until you turn it off.
Set Up Network Preferences
For a stable internet connection, configure your Wi-Fi settings. Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi and select your network. If needed, enter the password.
You can also set up a VPN for extra security. Go to Settings > Network > VPN and click “Add VPN.”
Enable Guest Mode for Shared Use
If others need to use your Chromebook, enable Guest Mode. This lets them use the device without accessing your files or apps.
To enable Guest Mode, sign out of your account and click “Browse as Guest” on the login screen.
Set Automatic Backups for Important Data
To avoid losing important files, set up automatic backups. You can use Google Drive to store documents, photos, and other files. Open the Files app, select “Google Drive,” and move your files there.
If you prefer offline storage, use an external hard drive or USB stick.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Chromebook properly ensures a smooth experience. Follow these steps to improve performance, security, and usability. Additionally, explore advanced features like Linux, security settings, and cloud backups to get the most out of your device. With the right setup, your Chromebook will be a powerful tool for work, school, or entertainment.
