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Fix a Chromebook that has a touchscreen that will not work

We'll rule out software, settings, and hardware, then isolate the cause—glitch, disabled, or faulty touchscreen—or tell you when to call support.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Chromebook
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Rule out software and settings so the touchscreen works.

  • Confirm the Chromebook has a touchscreen.
  • Good: Model has touch. Proceed to Restart.
  • Bad: Use the touchpad; no touchscreen to fix.

Restart

Goal: Reset the touch driver.

  • Restart the Chromebook. Test the touchscreen after boot.
  • Good: Touch works. It was a software glitch.
  • Bad: Proceed to Check settings.

Check settings

Goal: Ensure touch is not disabled.

  • Open Settings > Device > Touchpad. Look for touchscreen options. Update Chrome OS.
  • Good: Touch enabled. Update and test.
  • Bad: Powerwash as last resort. If still fails, call support.

When to get help

Contact support if:

  • Restart, update, and Powerwash do not help.
  • The touchscreen never worked and the model should have one.

Verification

  • The touchscreen responds to finger touch.
  • Taps and gestures work.
  • No lag or dead zones (or they are acceptable).

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Restart Restart Chromebook; test touch.
  2. Settings and update Check touchpad settings; update Chrome OS.
  3. Powerwash Powerwash to reset settings.
  4. Call support Touchscreen 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 (touchscreen or not)
  • Whether touch ever worked
  • Steps already tried

Does your Chromebook model have a touchscreen?

Not all models include touch.

Check model specs. Yes: restart and check settings. No: use touchpad; no touchscreen to fix.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Did you restart the Chromebook?

Restart resets touch driver.

Restart. Test touch. Works: was a glitch. Fails: check Settings > Device > Touchpad; update Chrome OS.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

No touchscreen

Your model does not have a touchscreen. Use the touchpad.

Done

Restart

Restart Chromebook. Test touchscreen.

Done

Check settings and update

Settings > Device > Touchpad. Update Chrome OS. Powerwash if needed. If still fails, call support.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Chromebook touchscreen not work?
Software glitch, touch disabled in settings, or hardware fault. Restart first. Check Settings. Not all Chromebooks have touchscreens.
Can I fix the touchscreen myself?
Yes. Restart. Check Settings. Update Chrome OS. Powerwash as last resort. If hardware, a technician may be needed.
When should I call support for the touchscreen?
If restart and Powerwash do not help. The touchscreen may need repair or replacement.

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