Lock or unlock your screen

If you step away from your Chromebook, we recommend you lock your screen for extra security.

Lock your screen

Use one of these options:

  • On a keyboard: Press Search + L. Or press Launcher + L.
  • At the bottom right, select the time. Select Lock .
  • On your Chromebook, at the bottom right:
    1. Click the time and then Settings .
    2. Select Privacy and security and then Lock screen and sign-in.
    3. Turn on Lock when sleeping or lid is closed.

After a while, the screen will turn off to save power.

  • Plugged in: The screen will turn off in 8 minutes. Your Chromebook will go to sleep in 30 minutes.
  • Not plugged in: The screen will turn off in 6 minutes. Your Chromebook will go to sleep in 10 minutes.

Unlock your screen faster with a PIN

Before you lock your screen, you can create a PIN to unlock your screen. On some Chromebooks, you can also use your PIN instead of your Google Account password to sign in.

Important: If you use your Chromebook at work or school, your admin might require you to enter your password occasionally. Contact your administrator for help.

To set up a PIN:

  1. On your Chromebook, at the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select Settings .
  3. Under "Privacy and security," select Lock screen and sign-in.
  4. Enter your password and select Confirm.
  5. Select PIN or password and then Set up PIN.
  6. Enter a PIN of six digits or more and select Continue.
  7. Re-enter your PIN and select Confirm.

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