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Fix a Chromebook that has a display that is too dim

We'll rule out brightness settings, automatic brightness, and power saving, then isolate the cause—settings or backlight—or tell you when to call support.

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

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Steps

Goal: Rule out brightness settings so the display is bright enough.

  • Set brightness to maximum.
  • Good: Brightness at max. Proceed to Increase brightness.
  • Bad: Press the brightness-up key; set to 100% in Settings.

Increase brightness

Goal: Ensure brightness is at max.

  • Press the brightness-up key. Or Settings > Device > Displays > Brightness. Set to 100%.
  • Good: Brightness at max. Proceed to Turn off auto-brightness.
  • Bad: Plug in the charger; some Chromebooks limit brightness on battery.

Turn off auto-brightness

Goal: Stop automatic brightness from keeping the screen dim.

  • Settings > Device > Displays. Turn off automatic brightness. Set manual to max.
  • Good: Auto off. Display should be brighter.
  • Bad: If still too dim at max, call support—backlight may be failing.

When to get help

Contact support if:

  • Brightness is at maximum.
  • Automatic brightness is off.
  • The display is still too dim.

Verification

  • The display is bright enough to use comfortably.
  • Brightness stays at your chosen level.
  • No sudden dimming (unless automatic brightness is on).

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Brightness Set brightness to max; plug in charger.
  2. Auto-brightness Turn off automatic brightness.
  3. Power saving Turn off battery saver; plug in.
  4. Call support Backlight may need repair.

What to capture if you need help

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

  • Chromebook model
  • Whether brightness is at max
  • Steps already tried

Is brightness at maximum?

Brightness may be set low.

Press brightness-up. Set to 100% in Quick Settings or Settings > Displays. Max: turn off automatic brightness. Not max: increase first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is automatic brightness on?

Auto can keep screen dim.

Settings > Device > Displays. Turn off automatic brightness. Set manual brightness to max. On: turn off. Off: plug in charger; turn off battery saver.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Increase brightness

Press brightness-up. Or Settings > Displays > Brightness. Set to 100%.

Done

Turn off automatic brightness

Settings > Device > Displays. Disable automatic brightness. Set manual to max.

Done

Plug in and check

Plug in charger. Turn off battery saver. If still too dim at max, backlight may be failing—call support.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Chromebook display be too dim?
Brightness set low, automatic brightness, or backlight issue. Check brightness. Turn off auto-brightness. If still dim, hardware may be faulty.
Can I fix a dim display myself?
Yes. Increase brightness. Turn off automatic brightness. Adjust in Settings. If the display is still dim at max, the backlight may need repair.
When should I call support for a dim display?
If brightness is at max and the display is still too dim. The backlight may be failing.

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