How to set up a new Chromebook

Unboxing your brand-new Chromebook® is an exciting moment, but before you start exploring all the features and possibilities, you need to get it set up. Don't worry—the process is quick and easy. In this guide, Asurion Experts will walk you through the essential steps to configure your Chromebook and get it ready for use.

Unbox and turn on your new Chromebook

When you unbox your new Chromebook, you'll typically find the device itself, a power adapter, and a quick start guide or warranty information. Some models may also include additional accessories like a stylus or protective sleeve. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the contents and make sure everything is accounted for.

To turn on your Chromebook, locate the Power button, which is usually on the top-right corner of the keyboard or along the side of the device. Press and hold the button until the screen lights up. Your Chromebook will start and guide you through the initial setup process.

Connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi

Once your Chromebook is on, you'll need to connect it to a Wi-Fi network to set it up. 

1. Click the time display in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the status area. 
2. Click the Wi-Fi icon, and select your network from the list of available connections.
3. If prompted, enter the Wi-Fi password and click Connect.

If you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, make sure you're within range of your router and that your network is functioning properly. You can also try restarting your router or your Chromebook. If the issue persists, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.

Sign in with your Google Account

To sign in to your Chromebook, you'll need a Google account. If you already have one, simply enter your email address and password when prompted. Your Chromebook will sync your settings, bookmarks, and apps from your Google account.

If you don't have a Google account, you can create one during the Chromebook setup process. Click More options > Create account. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new account with your personal information and a unique username and password.

Configure essential Chromebook settings

To adjust your Chromebook's time zone and language settings:

1. Click the time display in the bottom-right corner, and select Settings. 
2. Scroll down to Advanced, and click Time zone or Language to make your desired changes.

Chromebooks offer a range of accessibility features to help users with visual, auditory, or motor impairments. To access these features, go to Settings >Advanced > Accessibility. From here, you can turn on options like high contrast mode, screen magnification, or on-screen keyboards.

Install apps from the Chrome Web Store

The Chrome Web Store offers a wide selection of apps to help you stay productive on your Chromebook. Popular options include Google Docs for creating word documents, Google Sheets for building spreadsheets, and Evernote for taking and organizing notes. To find these apps, open the Chrome Web Store and browse the Productivity category.

To install an app, click the Launcher icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, open the Web Store app, type the name of the app in the search box in the store, and click Add to Chrome.

To manage your installed apps, click the Launcher icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then right-click—you can do this by pressing and holding the Alt button while clicking your trackpad—an app to pin it to your shelf, remove it from Chrome, or adjust other settings.