How to lock screen on Chromebook

The Chromebook has gained popularity as a portable and affordable laptop. It’s a beloved gadget especially among freelancers who like working from home as well as in public places.

This means that for all its portability, the most important thing about the Chromebook is the data that you have stored inside it. The Chromebook needs to be protected because anytime you step away from it someone can throw their eyes on the screen and read something private. Or worse, someone can swipe it and find it without a password. They will have access to your emails, your PayPal account, and whatnot. The repercussions could be disastrous.

For this reason alone, it is important for your Chromebook to have quick lock screen capabilities but more importantly, a password prompt as well. Here’s how to lock the screen on your Chromebook.

See also: How to check the storage on Chromebook

How to lock screen on Chromebook

Setting the password

This setting should be on by default but just in case it isn’t, activate it by:

  1. Go to the bottom right side of the screen and hit on the clock icon then proceed to the Settings icon.
  2. Under the title ‘People’, scroll until you see the ‘Screen Lock’ icon. Put in your Google Account password then click Confirm.

Ensure that the option for ‘Show lock screen when waking from sleep’ is activated.

You have a choice between a PIN and a password.  If you decide to go with a PIN, you will be required to put in your Google Account passwords daily.

Also, there are models of the Chromebook that accept the use of a PIN as opposed to a password to unlock your screen.

However, also note that if you are using a Chromebook at your place of employment or your learning institution, it is not possible to opt for the PIN lock.

Locking your Chromebook screen

Some of the below-mentioned shortcuts of locking your Chromebook screen may differ depending on the make of your Chromebook. Settle on the one that suits you.

  1. On your keyboard, hold down the Lock key. The Chromebook will lock two seconds later.
  2. Alternatively, you can long-press the Power knob located on your Chromebook and then choose Lock.
  3. Another route is by pressing on the Magnifying Glass key plus the L.
  4. Still on your keyboard, you can hit the Search + L
  5. Click the time display area at the bottom right of the screen and you’ll see the Lock icon in the shape of a padlock. Click on it to lock your screen.
  6. If your Chromebook goes unattended while plugged in, the screen should go off after eight minutes and if it’s still untouched in thirty minutes, it should go to sleep. However, if unplugged, the screen should go off in six minutes and then go to sleep four minutes later.
  7. And lastly, you can just pull down the top of your Chromebook to lock it.

The Smart lock feature

If typing in the password every time you come resume work on your machine is tedious, you can try out the new smart feature from the Chrome OS. As long as you’re within Bluetooth proximity to your Chromebook, you can use your Android phone to unlock your Chromebook.

To accomplish this, you’ll require the Chrome OS 71or higher, for your Android you will need the 5.1 or higher and you’ll also require a Google Account set up on both your smartphone and your Chromebook. Then, you’ll need Bluetooth enabled on both devices.

First, go to settings then click on Connected Devices and continue with the easy-to-follow laid-out steps and you should have your phone and Chromebook connected.

As much as the Chromebook is popular for its affordability, it is also at high risk of theft and damage because of how much it is moved around. So, the machine itself may be replaceable but the data inside is not. Put up a strong password and keep your information safe.

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