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Fix a Chromebook that has display that has wrong scaling

We'll reset scaling, adjust display size, rule out zoom and accessibility, and fix external display scaling—or tell you when to call support.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–10 min
What you'll need
  • Chromebook
Step 1 of 6

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Steps

Goal: Reset or adjust display scaling so text and icons are the right size.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + 0 to reset display scaling.
  • Good: Scaling returns to default. Proceed to Reset scaling.
  • Bad: Scaling does not change—go to Settings > Device > Displays.

Reset scaling

Goal: Restore default display scaling.

Adjust display size

Goal: Set scaling to a comfortable level.

  • Settings > Device > Displays. Find Display size or Scale. Move the slider.
  • Use Ctrl + Shift + + to make everything bigger, Ctrl + Shift + - to make everything smaller.
  • Good: Scaling is comfortable. Done.
  • Bad: If scaling will not change, check per-page zoom and Full-screen magnifier.

Check zoom and magnifier

Goal: Rule out per-page zoom and accessibility magnifier.

  • Per-page zoom: press Ctrl + 0 on the affected tab to reset.
  • Magnifier: Settings > Accessibility > Display and magnification. Turn off Full-screen magnifier and Docked magnifier if you do not need them.
  • Good: Zoom or magnifier was the cause. Scaling is correct.
  • Bad: If scaling still wrong, restart. If it persists, call support.

When to get help

Contact support if:

  • Scaling will not change with keyboard or Settings.
  • Scaling resets after every restart.
  • The display stays at one size despite settings.

Verification

  • Text and icons are at a comfortable size.
  • Scaling responds to Ctrl + Shift + 0, Ctrl + Shift + +, and Ctrl + Shift + -.
  • Display size in Settings matches what you see on screen.
  • Per-page zoom and magnifier are off (unless you use them).

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Reset scaling Press Ctrl + Shift + 0; adjust in Settings.
  2. Zoom and magnifier Reset per-page zoom; turn off accessibility magnifier.
  3. External display Adjust per-display scaling for external monitors.
  4. Call support Scaling will not change or resets after restart.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Chromebook model
  • Whether scaling responds to controls
  • Steps already tried

Is text or everything on screen the wrong size?

Scaling may be too big or too small.

Press Ctrl + Shift + 0 to reset display scaling. Wrong size: adjust in Settings > Device > Displays. Correct size: done.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Did Ctrl + Shift + 0 fix it?

Reset restores default scaling.

Press Ctrl + Shift + 0. Fixed: done. Still wrong: go to Settings > Device > Displays and adjust Display size.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Adjust display size in Settings

Settings > Device > Displays > Display size.

Settings > Device > Displays. Move the Display size slider. Comfortable: done. Still wrong: check per-page zoom (Ctrl + 0) and accessibility magnifier.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is per-page zoom or magnifier the cause?

Zoom affects one tab; magnifier affects whole screen.

Per-page zoom: press Ctrl + 0 on the affected tab. Magnifier: Settings > Accessibility > Display and magnification. Turn off Full-screen magnifier and Docked magnifier if not needed. Fixed: done. Still wrong: restart or call support.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Scaling correct

Display scaling is at a comfortable level. No further action needed.

Done

Call support

If scaling will not change or resets after every restart, call Chromebook support. A software update or display driver fix may be needed.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Chromebook display have wrong scaling?
Display size setting changed, per-page zoom stuck, accessibility magnifier on, or external display scaling. Reset with Ctrl + Shift + 0, check Settings, and turn off magnifier if not needed.
Can I fix wrong display scaling myself?
Yes. Use Ctrl + Shift + 0 to reset. Adjust in Settings > Device > Displays. Check zoom and accessibility. All are software settings.
When should I call support for wrong scaling?
If scaling will not change or resets after every restart. A software bug or display driver issue may need repair.

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