Initial Setup
Congratulations on the purchase of your new ChromeOS Device. This section of the ChromeOS Guide will walk you through the initial setup of your device.
ChromeOS Device Specifics
The steps to set up your ChromeOS Device may vary slightly based on the form factor of your device. The possible form factors are ChromeOS Tablets, Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, Chromebases or Chromebits.
Chromebooks/ChromeOS Tablets
Now that you are familiar with the hardware of your ChromeOS Device, it is time to perform the initial setup of ChromeOS. This step will require an internet connection to perform the initial synchronization of your data, update the core operating system and install the applications you wish to use. The initial setup process only takes a few minutes, and this chapter will guide you through the process.
Keep Your Chromebook or ChromeOS Tablet On The Charger
It is important to keep your Chromebook or ChromeOS Tablet on the charger for the initial setup, the setup process is resource intensive and will drain your battery faster than normal. It is possible to perform the setup while not connected to the charger if needed, however it is not recommended. Keeping your Chromebook or ChromeOS Tablet on the charger will also help your device to calibrate the battery, which will give you more accurate readings when checking your remaining battery in the future.
Powering on your Device
Briefly pressing the power button will cause your Chromebook or ChromeOS Tablet to begin the boot process. The initial boot of your device may take slightly longer than normal if this is the first time you have turned it on.
When you power your device on, you will see the ChromeOS splash screen as pictured above. This screen will show up on every boot of your Chromebook or ChromeOS Tablet. However, on the initial boot, it may take a bit longer than normal before it moves on to the next step.
Fingerprint Setup
Some ChromeOS Devices might include a built-in fingerprint reader on select variants of the hardware that can be used to quickly unlock your Chrome OS device with a tap of your finger on the fingerprint reader.
Chromebases
Connecting Your Chromebase to A/C Power
Your Chromebase includes an A/C Power Adapter in the box, which will provide all the power that is needed to run your Chromebase. This power cable will need to be connected to begin the initial setup of your device. It is strongly advised that you connect the A/C Power Cable to a grounded A/C outlet on a high-quality surge protector to preserve your device in the event of a power surge.
Important : Only use the A/C adapter provided by your manufacturer for your device. Using aftermarket adapters may damage your unit.
Powering on your Chromebase
Briefly pressing the power button will cause your device to begin the boot process. The initial boot of your device may take slightly longer than normal if this is the first time you have turned it on.
When you power your device on, you will see the ChromeOS splash screen as pictured above. This screen will show up on every boot of your Chromebase. However, on the initial boot, it may take a bit longer than normal before it moves on to the next step.
Connecting a Bluetooth Keyboard
Your Chromebase will automatically detect any USB Keyboards or Mice that are connected to your Chromebase. If a USB Keyboard and Mouse are detected, you will not see the above screen. If wish to use a Bluetooth Keyboard or Mouse instead of a USB version, your Chromebase will start to search for and pair with any Bluetooth Keyboards or Mice that are in range and in pairing mode. Please refer to the manufacturers' documentation for your Keyboard or Mouse to place them into pairing mode.
Connecting Your Chromebase to A/C Power
Your Chromebase includes an A/C Power Adapter in the box, which will provide all the power that is needed to run your Chromebase. This power cable will need to be connected to begin the initial setup of your device. It is strongly advised that you connect the A/C Power Cable to a grounded A/C outlet on a high-quality surge protector to preserve your device in the event of a power surge.
Important : Only use the A/C adapter provided by your manufacturer for your device. Using aftermarket adapters may damage your unit.
Chromebox/Chromebit
Connecting your Chromebox/Chromebit to a Monitor
Before you can set up your Chromebox or Chromebit, you will have to connect it to a computer display. This may require you to purchase an HDMI cable if your monitor does not include an HDMI cable.
If you do not have a computer monitor, you can use a television that allows for HDMI input, but you may need to change a setting on your television to optimize it for use as a computer monitor. Many television manufacturers refer to this as PC mode.
One common use for Chromeboxes is for use in digital signage or kiosks. If you intend to use your device as a kiosk, it is likely that your kiosk display might be mounted in a portrait orientation. If this is the case, your display might be forced into the landscape orientation during the initial setup, which can easily be changed once the initial setup is complete.
Powering on your Chromebox or Chromebit
Briefly pressing the power button will cause your Chromebox or Chromebit to begin the boot process. The initial boot of your device may take slightly longer than normal if this is the first time you have turned it on.
When you power your Chromebox or Chromebit on, you will see the ChromeOS splash screen as pictured above. This screen will show up on every boot of your Chromebox or Chromebit. However, on the initial boot, it may take a bit longer than normal before it moves on to the next step.
Connecting a Wired Keyboard and Mouse
Your Chromebox/Chromebit will automatically detect any USB Keyboards or Mice that are connected to your Chromebox or Chromebit. Your Chromebox or Chromebit may or may not have included a keyboard or mouse when you purchased it, this varies between retailers. You may use any standards compliant USB keyboard or mouse, even if not specifically built for ChromeOS, however; a keyboard designed for ChromeOS will provide the best overall experience as the buttons are pre-mapped to keys that speed up actions on ChromeOS.
Connecting a Bluetooth Keyboard Mouse
If a USB Keyboard and Mouse are detected, you will not see the above screen to assist you with pairing a Bluetooth keyboard to your Chromebox or Chromebit. During the initial setup, your Chromebox or Chromebit will automatically start to search for and pair with any Bluetooth Keyboards or Mice that are in range if they are in pairing mode. Please refer to the manufacturers' documentation for your Keyboard or Mouse if you are unsure of how to place them in pairing mode.
You may use any standards compliant Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, even if not specifically built for ChromeOS; a keyboard designed for ChromeOS will provide the best overall experience, as the buttons are pre-mapped to keys that speed up actions on ChromeOS.
Starting the Setup Wizard
Once your ChromeOS Device has finished its initial boot, you will see an option to begin the setup. Select "Get Started" to move onto the next step.
Connecting to a Network
Your ChromeOS Device will now need to connect to a network to perform the initial setup of your device. The network connection for the setup is not optional, although you can later use the device offline when needed. This can either be a hardwired Ethernet connection or a WiFi connection. All ChromeOS devices have WiFi built in, and all ChromeOS devices can support a wired connection via Ethernet or a USB network adapter. This section will provide instructions to connect your device to a network.
During the initial setup, your device may perform an operating system update before allowing you to set up your device. When possible, it is strongly advised to use an unmetered connection, as this update may consume between 350 MB and 1.5 GB of data to perform. The amount of time that it takes the update to complete will vary based on your internet connection speed.
Connecting to a WiFi Network
Connecting to a WiFi Network is the preferred way to connect your ChromeOS Device to a network.
You will be presented with a list of available WiFi Networks that are in range and that you can connect to.
Select the desired WiFi Network and you will be prompted to enter the WiFi network key or password if needed. If you are a home user, this WiFi key may be printed on the modem or router that your internet provider supplies. If you are using a company or school WiFi network, you may need to contact your network administrator for the WiFi key.
For those of you who are using a public, campus or company controlled WiFi network, you may be redirected to a secondary login page to complete any additional authentication requirements that your network administrator requires.
Connecting to a Wired Ethernet Adapter
If you have an Ethernet or USB to Ethernet Adapter, your ChromeOS Device will automatically connect and move onto the next step. If you are using a Chromebook, Chromeblet or Convertible and have it connected to a docking station with an Ethernet connection active or a USB to Ethernet Adapter, your device will automatically connect to the wired internet connection.
Connecting to a 3G/LTE/5G Hotspot on Android/iOS (Tethering)
Depending on mobile carrier and mobile service plan, you may be able to leverage the 3G/4G LTE or 5G connection of your mobile phone to connect to the internet on your device. This is known as Tethering or Mobile Hotspot. Your phone can either create a private Wireless Network that you can connect to as you would a traditional WiFi connection, or be used with a wired connection via a USB cable. If you use wireless tethering, your phone battery may drain faster than normal.
Please check with your mobile phone provider to ensure that your mobile phone plan does include tethering/hotspot access and to understand your monthly data allotments to prevent a large or unexpected phone bill. If you are using a phone issued by your employer, please check with the plan administrator to understand if your phone plan includes tethering.
It is strongly that you perform the initial setup of your ChromeOS Device over an unmetered WiFi connection instead of using your mobile phone's internet connection, as the initial setup may consume a large amount of mobile data.
While tethering to a mobile phone, certain features of ChromeOS will be paused to prevent it from consuming data, this will include automatic ChromeOS updates and automatic updates of Android applications. You can manually check for updates and apply the updates if you wish, however it is strongly recommended to use a traditional WiFi connection for large updates.
Connecting to a 3G/4G/5G USB Hotspot
It is strongly advised that you perform the initial setup of your device via a fixed WiFi network however if you only have access to a portable WiFi hotspot or USB air card, you may use this to perform the setup of your ChromeOS Device.
Connect your network adapter to your ChromeOS Device via a USB port and wait until the network adapter reports that the connection is active. You will see a notification in the ChromeOS system tray that will show that the network connection was established.
Setting Up Your Google Account
Once your Device has been connected to the internet, it is possible that it will require an update if the device ships with an older copy of ChromeOS from the factory. Once your device has been updated, it will automatically reboot and proceed to the account setup.
Accepting the Google End User License Agreement
Before you can set up your device, you will need to read and accept the Google Terms of Service and End User License Agreement, please read and understand the contents of the agreement before accepting the terms of service. You can always visit https://www.google.com/chromebook/termsofservice.html if you wish to review the license at any point in the future.
Selecting Your Account Type
ChromeOS allows for 2 types of accounts, "You" and a Child Account. Select "You", you can set up a child account later from the ChromeOS settings application if you wish to allow a Child to use your ChromeOS Device.
Child Accounts are inherently more restrictive than standard accounts. Child accounts automatically default Google's search to filter out adult themed content when searched, and when combined with Family Link can provide powerful parental control tools to allow parents to protect their children. In addition to the parental tools, child accounts may have certain features of ChromeOS restricted, such as access to Linux Applications (on supported devices).
Entering Your Username and Password
You will now be prompted to log in with your Google Account, this will likely be an email address. If this device is intended for personal use, you will enter your Google E-Mail Address, likely ending with @gmail.com. If you use an Android phone, you should use the same Google Account on your ChromeOS Device to be able to take advantage of some of the deep integration between ChromeOS and Android.
If you do not currently have a Google Account, you will need to select "More Options" and you will have a. option to create a new Google account. A basic Google account is free and is all that is needed to set up a ChromeOS device.
It is possible to set up multiple accounts on a ChromeOS device, however the first account setup is generally set up as the device administrator who is the only account that can make certain changes to your ChromeOS Device. Additionally, you will be able to set up more restricted accounts for children after the initial setup has been completed.
If you were provided an account to use from a school or employer, you should enter the email address instead. If you are using a managed account, your organization's administrator may apply device restrictions and provision additional accounts on your device, which will automatically be applied after you sign in to your account.
You will now need to enter your Google Password. If you have enabled Multi-Factor Authentication, you will be prompted to complete the secondary authentication step.
Google Managed Account Agreement (Optional)
If you are using a Google Account that was provided by an employer or educational institution, you will be promoted to accept a secondary agreement. If you are using a standard @gmail.com account, you will not see this step.
Google Sync Services
You will now be prompted to set up the Google Sync Services on your ChromeOS Device which ensures your ChromeOS Device can synchronize your browser settings, passwords, history and bookmarks with your Google account.
If you use an Android phone or iOS with the Chrome browser installed, these settings will be shared with your phone as well as any desktop version of Chrome that you may be logged into on Windows, Linux or MacOS.
Google Play Services Setup
Finally, you will need to accept the terms of service for Google Play Services. If you are using a managed device and your administrator has not enabled support for Android Applications, you will not see this step and will instead be presented with the ChromeOS desktop.
Ensure "Backup to Google Drive" is checked, this will allow Android applications installed via the Google Play Store to back up settings to the Google Play Store which will allow you to easily migrate your content to a new ChromeOS device in the future as well as allows you to use the same application settings across all of your devices such as an Android Phone or Tablet.
(Optional) Enable Location Settings if you wish to allow Android Applications to access your device location. This is often needed for several applications that use a geo-fence, such as streaming media providers and navigation applications.
Welcome to ChromeOS
Welcome to ChromeOS on your ChromeOS Device. Your device is now ready to use; however, it may take several minutes to restore any settings that you may have saved to the Google Cloud and install any Android Applications. Additionally, if you chose to skip any ChromeOS updates while setting up your device, these updates may be installed in the background and prompt you to reboot your device.