To force restart most Chromebooks, turn the device off, hold Refresh, tap Power, then release Refresh when the Chromebook starts. Google calls this a hardware reset or hard reset. It is not a Powerwash or factory reset—and Google warns it might delete some files in your Downloads folder.
How to force restart most Chromebooks
Google recommends trying other troubleshooting steps first. If the Chromebook is frozen or otherwise unresponsive, use this hardware-reset sequence:
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- Turn off the Chromebook. If it will not respond normally, press and hold Power until it shuts down.
- Press and hold Refresh (the circular-arrow key), then tap Power.
- When the Chromebook starts, release Refresh.
Google also documents an alternate sequence for some Chromebooks: hold Back + Refresh + Power for at least 10 seconds, then release the keys. Follow the procedure for your specific model if the standard sequence does not work. Google Chromebook Help: Reset your Chromebook hardware.
Use a different sequence for tablets and certain models
Chromebook tablets
Hold Volume Up + Power for at least 10 seconds, then release the buttons. Do not use the keyboard sequence on a tablet unless the manufacturer’s instructions for that model say to.
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Older or model-specific Chromebooks
Some models have a dedicated reset button, require disconnecting the power cable, or have a battery-specific reset procedure. Check the instructions for your exact model rather than opening the device or attempting to remove its battery. A paperclip or similar object is relevant only to certain older devices with a recessed reset button; it is not needed for the standard Refresh-and-Power sequence. Google Chromebook Help: Reset your Chromebook hardware.
What a hardware reset changes—and what it might delete
A hardware reset restarts Chromebook hardware, including components such as the keyboard and touchpad. It is different from resetting ChromeOS to factory settings. Google warns that a hardware reset might delete some files in Downloads, so do not assume that all local files will be preserved. Google Chromebook Help: Reset your Chromebook hardware.
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Hardware reset, Powerwash, and recovery are different
Choose the least destructive option that addresses the problem. A frozen screen by itself is not a reason to jump to Powerwash or ChromeOS recovery.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
| Action | Purpose | How it is done | Data impact | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware reset | Restarts Chromebook hardware. | Usually turn off, hold Refresh, tap Power, and release Refresh when it starts. Some models use another sequence. | Google warns that it might delete some files in Downloads. | After other troubleshooting steps fail and the Chromebook needs a hardware restart. Google Chromebook Help. |
| Powerwash (factory reset) | Resets the Chromebook to factory settings. | Use ChromeOS’s factory-reset process; it is not the button sequence for a hardware reset. | Erases local user data, including Downloads, settings, apps, and files. Files on Google Drive and external storage are not erased by the Chromebook’s factory reset. | For problems involving a user profile or settings when a factory reset is appropriate. Back up first. Managed work or school users should contact their administrator. Google Chromebook Help: Reset your Chromebook to factory settings. |
| ChromeOS recovery | Removes and reinstalls ChromeOS. | Use the ChromeOS recovery process rather than the hardware-reset keys. | Permanently erases files on the Chromebook’s hard drive. | For more serious ChromeOS failures after less invasive steps have been considered. Back up first if possible. Google Chromebook Help: Recover your Chromebook. |
If restarting does not fix the problem
Check for hardware or connectivity problems
If the Chromebook starts but the fault continues, use the Diagnostics app where available. It can test categories including the battery, CPU, memory, and Wi-Fi. If a test fails or you still suspect a hardware fault, Google’s guidance is to contact the Chromebook manufacturer. Google Chromebook Help: Use Diagnostics to troubleshoot your Chromebook.
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Before considering a factory reset
Back up local files before using Powerwash. If the Chromebook belongs to a work or school, contact the administrator before attempting a factory reset; management policies may restrict the process. Google Chromebook Help: Reset your Chromebook to factory settings.
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