An Android phone can connect to a Chromebook for notifications, messages, photos, phone-based unlocking and other features—but support depends on the specific feature, phone, Chromebook and software versions. Google’s general connection guide and its separate Phone Hub guide give different minimum Android versions, so there is no single compatibility threshold for every phone-connected feature.
What phone compatibility changes
Pairing an Android phone can make selected phone functions available from a Chromebook. Depending on the feature and devices, you may be able to view notifications and recent photos, send SMS messages, check phone status, see Chrome tabs, stream supported phone apps, unlock the Chromebook or use the phone’s mobile network.
These are separate capabilities, not one all-or-nothing compatibility package. A phone that meets Phone Hub’s baseline requirement may still be ineligible for app streaming, and connecting a phone does not mean the Chromebook can install its Android apps locally.
Requirements vary by feature
| Feature | Requirements and limitations |
|---|---|
| General Android phone connection | Google specifies ChromeOS 71 or later and Android 6 or later. Both devices should use the same Google Account. Work or school administrators may restrict the feature. Google’s connection guide |
| Phone Hub | Google specifies Chromebook M89 or later and Android 5.1 or later. Bluetooth is needed for setup. Depending on support, Phone Hub can show phone signal and battery, notifications, recent photos and screenshots, Chrome tabs, and quick commands. Google’s Phone Hub guide |
| Phone Hub app streaming | Google lists Pixel 4a or later running Android 13 or later; Nothing Phone (1) and (2); and selected Xiaomi models: 12T, 12T Pro, 13 and 13 Pro. The phone and Chromebook must be close and on the same Wi-Fi network; some public or private networks may not work. DRM policies can affect entertainment apps. This supported list is narrower than basic Phone Hub eligibility. Google’s Phone Hub guide |
| Smart Lock | Requires a connected phone, internet access, the same Google Account on both devices, Android L-MR1 or later, an unlocked phone, Bluetooth and a phone screen lock. Work or school restrictions may apply. Google’s Smart Lock guide |
| Instant Tethering | Requires ChromeOS 71 or later, Android 8.1 or later, the same Google Account and a Chromebook model that supports Instant Hotspot. A carrier may limit hotspot use or charge extra; sharing mobile data can use more phone battery. Google’s phone-network guide |
| Installing Android apps on the Chromebook | This is separate from phone pairing and app streaming. The Play Store is available only on some Chromebook models, some apps are incompatible with some models, and administrators may block access. Google’s Android app guide |
The version differences are not necessarily contradictions: Google documents general connection and Phone Hub in separate guides, with different thresholds. Check the current instructions for the feature you intend to use and for your particular devices rather than treating either Android version as a universal minimum.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
How to pair a phone
You can connect a phone during Chromebook setup or later from Settings. Google’s instructions let you choose which available features to turn on.
- On the Chromebook, open Settings, then go to Connected devices.
- Under the option to set up an Android phone, select Set up and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Use the same Google Account on the Chromebook and phone, and enable Bluetooth when prompted. Review the available features and turn on the ones you want.
Labels and prompts can vary by ChromeOS version. For Google’s current setup steps, see Connect your Android phone to your Chromebook.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Diagnose a missing or unavailable feature
If pairing works but one feature is absent, check that feature’s requirements rather than assuming the whole phone connection has failed.
- Check both software versions and exact models. Compare the Android version and phone model with the feature’s requirements, then check the Chromebook model and ChromeOS version.
- Confirm account and connection conditions. Use the same Google Account on both devices. Bluetooth is needed for Phone Hub setup and Smart Lock; Instant Tethering has its own account, version and Chromebook-model requirements.
- For app streaming, check the narrow compatibility list and network. Confirm the phone is one of Google’s listed models, keep the phone and Chromebook close, and connect them to the same Wi-Fi network. A particular network or an app’s DRM policy may prevent streaming.
- For Smart Lock, check phone security and internet access. The phone must be unlocked and have a screen lock; the devices also need internet access and Bluetooth.
- For tethering, check the Chromebook model and carrier terms. Not every Chromebook supports Instant Hotspot, and mobile operators may limit hotspot use or charge for it.
- Update the phone and Google Play Services. Google recommends checking for updates if connection setup fails. When connecting a different phone, enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as Google’s troubleshooting instructions specify. Google’s connection troubleshooting guide
- Ask an administrator if the Chromebook is managed. A work or school administrator may restrict phone connection features or Android app access.
Phone Hub streaming is not local Android app support
App streaming shows supported apps running on a compatible phone through Phone Hub; it does not install those apps on the Chromebook. Local Android app installation depends on whether that Chromebook supports the Play Store and whether the individual app works with the model. Check Google’s Android app compatibility guidance if your goal is to run an app directly on the Chromebook.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
