Latest Chrome OS Tips and Tricks You Should Know

Chrome OS was released in 2011 and since then has seen steady improvement in the spectrum. While some are important for their viability in today's market, Chrome OS is doing very well in the US and mainly in the field of education. So if you already own one or want to buy a Chromebook, we have got some great features and recommendations for you. In this article, we have brought to you 27 best Chrome OS tips and tricks that are going to help you master this new operating system easily. We mentioned unique tricks for both beginners and advanced users, so the article has something for every set of users. Now saying all this, let us go without further lists.

Chrome OS Tips and Tricks for Beginners

As noted above, the article is classified into two sections: one for beginners and the other for advanced users. Depending on your level of expertise, you can go through the article and learn more about the Chromebook. In addition, I also want to add that I have included all the new features and hidden settings that are available on the Chrome OS 79 update. So without any delay, let's start with Chrome OS tips and tricks.

Set a PIN for a seamless login.

As we already know, Chromebook is deeply connected to our Google account. Therefore, before accessing anything, we have to enter our Google Account password every time. I find it very tiring and frankly a chore. Coming from a Windows PC, I'd like to set a PIN for hassle-free login and thankfully, now Google allows you to set a PIN. To create a PIN, open Settings (Cogwheel icon) from the Quick Settings menu and "Screen lock and sign-in" under the "You and Google" section. Here, enter your Google Account password for the last time and set a 6 digit PIN. Voila, you're done.

Enable offline mode.

You can enable offline mode on Chromebooks for Google Docs and Drive. For Google Docs, first install this extension and from here turn on the checkbox for "offline" mode. You can also make a particular document offline by going to the File menu and checking the "Make available offline" option. However, be sure to modify all these settings while connected to the Internet.

Master search on Chromebook.

The best thing about Chromebooks is that Google is integrated into the search system and the web. So, just press the dedicated search button on your keyboard and start typing and hit enter. No need to open Chrome then open a new Chrome tab and see things. No matter whether you are at the bottom of the settings page or in Chrome itself - the search button always opens the result in a new tab immediately. I'd say it's better than opening a tab via the Ctrl + T shortcut. Apart from this, you can also search Chrome apps and settings through the search button.

Google Assistant.

You can also get your stuff through Google Assistant, similarly, you can do it on your smartphone. It works quite well and has no limitations compared to the assistant on our Android smartphone. Just press the "Search" and "A" keys on your keyboard simultaneously and Google Assistant will pop-up, ready to listen to your commands. You can also trigger Google Assistant via sound. Open Settings and click on "Search and Assistant" in the left pane menu. Here, click on "Google Assistant" and enable the toggle for "Ok Google".

Enable Caps Lock.

I know you don't have a dedicated caps lock button when you find out you don't have a Chromebook. But don't worry, you can easily enable it by pressing the "Search" and "Alt" keys at once. A notification will pop-up that Caps Lock has been turned on until you turn Caps Lock off using the same shortcut. I know it's not straightforward, but at least there is away.

Navigation gestures.

Unlike Windows and macOS, you don't have many types of gestures on Chrome OS. However, you can access the observation window with simple 3-finger slide up / down gestures. Also, if you are in the Chrome browser, you can use the 3-finger slide in the left and right directions to easily move between tabs. This is one of the best gestures I find on Chrome OS and I use it regularly when multi-tasking. Also, you can close a tab on the Chrome tab by tapping just 3 fingers at a time.

Preview files quickly.

Sure, the file manager on Chrome OS is not as great, but I love the fact that it is a quick preview shortcut to any file we have on macOS. Simply select a file and press the "space" key. Immediately, the file will be previewed in a large window with all the details (file size, format, etc.) in the right pane. In addition, you can switch between files while in preview mode and eject it by pressing the "Esc" key. These are the little things that make us happy to use Chrome OS.

Touchpad scrolling.

Many people who are coming from Windows PC find the default scrolling behavior on Chrome OS contrary and explicitly, it was quite annoying for me as well. However, there is a way to change the scrolling behavior from the Settings page. Click "Device" from the left menu and open "Mouse and Touchpad". Here, scroll and change scrolling to "Australian", also known as natural scrolling on macOS.

Virtual Desktop.

Users have been asking for a virtual desktop environment on Chrome OS for a long time. Finally, it is available in a stable channel starting with Chrome OS 78. For multi-taskers, this is a great help as it helps them to focus on the important things first. So here's how you can access it. Just do a 3-finger slide gesture and you will find the "New Desk" option on the top-right corner. Alternatively, you can use these shortcuts: Shift + Search + = Shift + Search + - to create a new virtual desktop to delete one. You can switch between them using the search +] and search + [shortcuts.

Supporting shortcuts for Chrome OS.

While there are infinite keyboard shortcuts on Chrome OS, here are some important ones that will help you navigate through Chrome OS like a pro.

Search for anything: press the search button

Trigger Google Assistant: Search + A

Lock your Chromebook: Search + L

Take a screenshot: Ctrl + overview button (you'll find it just above the 6 key)

Delete: Alt + Backspace

Snap Windows left / right: Alt +] and Alt + [

Keyboard Cheats: Ctrl + Alt +?

Add a secondary Google account inside the existing profile.

On Windows, you can add multiple Google accounts under the same Chrome profile, but on Chrome OS, Google creates a new profile for each new Google account. While I get the idea behind it, sometimes I just want to check my work emails or drive files from another Google account and when it gets frustrating. Nevertheless, Google has now provided the option of adding a secondary account itself to the existing profile. Here's how you can access it. Open Settings and click on your name under the "You and Google" section. Here, click "Add Account" and enter the new Google Account credential. Enjoy it!

Enable Android Apps.

As most of you know, Google has brought Android app support to the Chromebook and is a great step towards creating a consistent Google ecosystem. You can install and use millions of Android applications directly from the Google Play Store. If it is not turned on by default, you can enable the Play Store from the Settings page. Click the "Applications" on the left and open "Google Play Store". Here, allow various permissions and set up the Play Store. Just. Enjoy Android apps on your Chromebook.

If the Play Store settings are not visible on your Chromebook, it may be in beta and you may have to change your update channel to access the Play Store. I mentioned how to change the update channel in the next section, so go through those steps. In addition, you can find details about Play Store support for your Chromebook from here.

Enable floating keyboard.

If you are using your Chromebook in tablet or tent mode, you can enable the floating keyboard. This will help you use a touch-screen display. So to enable it, open Settings and click "Advanced" from the left pane menu. Here, scroll down and open "Accessibility". Now, just enable the toggle for the

"on-screen" keyboard. Now, a keyboard icon will appear on your shelf. Click on it and voila, the keyboard is on your screen.

Share your Chromebook.

As we mentioned before the Chromebook is, in some sense, a very personal computer. It's directly connected to your Google account, so allowing anyone to access your Chromebook means they can see your photos, view your emails, read your notes, among many other things. In a way, sharing your Chromebook with Windows-based computers are not easy. So, if someone asks you to use your Chromebook for a while, ask your sister or someone in your family? Okay, you can create a separate account or better, take advantage of "guest mode". This lets you access most Chrome OS features without adding any accounts. Open the Quick Settings menu from the bottom-right corner and sign out of your current profile. Now, click on "Guest Mode" at the bottom and you will be in a temporary profile.

Reset option in Chromebook.

If you are having a problem with your Chrome OS, you can easily factory-reset your machine (called Powerwash on Chrome OS), similar to an Android device. The great thing about Chrome OS is that all your files are synced to Google Drive, so you don't have to worry about data loss. Just open Settings and click "Advanced" from the left pane menu and then go to "Reset Settings". Here, click the "Reset" button and the computer will restart to complete the process. After that, sign in with your Google account and everything will fall into place as before.

Other Chrome OS Tips.

If you were reading something on your Android and suddenly moved to Chromebook then you can easily continue reading it on your computer. Just press the "Search" button once and you will find the link in the first entry. Click on it and there you have it. Also, if you want to quickly call a phone number from a webpage, you can right-click on it and send it to your Android device. Your smartphone will prompt you with a one-tap call notification.

Chrome OS Tips and Tricks for Advanced Users.

Connect your Android device.

Google has brought support for Android devices on a Chromebook that can help you do many of the tasks originally done. If no WiFi is available, Google allows Chromebooks to automatically organize your Android device for always-on data connectivity. In addition, you can basically sign in to your Chromebook by unlocking your Android device. Basically, both devices are always in communication so that you get the best experience from Google. So if you want to add your Android device, open Settings and click on "Connected Device" in the left pane. Here, set up your Android device and you're good to go.

Change the update channel.

If you are someone who wants to taste the new and exciting features of Chrome OS, then you have to jump ship from Stable to another channel. In the update section, there are 4 update modes: Stable, Developer, Beta, and Canary. I would recommend you stick to the developer or beta channel as these are relatively bug-free compared to Canary and allow you to enjoy the upcoming features. So to change the update channel, open Settings -> Click "About Chrome OS" in the left pane -> Change Channel. Here, select the update channel of your choice then go back and check for updates. After downloading the update and installation, just restart your Chromebook and you'll be inside.

Build standalone apps from websites.

If you want some websites to behave like an app with a separate window and launcher menu then you can build such standalone apps on Chromebook. However, keep in mind, this is only possible on websites that follow the PWA (Progressive Web App) standard. For example, you can easily create apps from the websites of Spotify, Twitter, and our own portal beebom.com. To do this, open the website of your choice and click on the 3-dot menu at the top-right corner. Here, open more tools -> Create Shortcut -> Check the box for "Open as Window" and click on the "Create" button. Now, you will get the website as a separate app available in your launcher and you can also pin it on your shelf.

Run any Android app.

While Play Store support on Chromebooks is great, many users find it inadequate because some of their favorite apps are not officially available on the Play Store. In that case, you have to download the APK and run it through ARC Welder. I have explained the steps in great detail in a separate article on how to install the Kodi app on Chromebook. You can also follow similar steps to install other applications.

Force Android app to be re-enabled.

If some Android app is not allowing you to resize its window size or open in landscape orientation you can force it to enable the flag from the Android Settings page. Open Chrome OS Settings and click on Apps in the left pane -> Google Play Store -> Manage Android Preferences. Now we are on the Android Settings page, so go to System -> About Device -> click "Build The number" continuously 7-8 times. Now, go back and open "Developer Options". Scroll down to enable the toggle "Force movements to be resizable". Finally, restart your Chromebook and Android apps should now be reusable.

Use third-party DNS.

Like Android smartphones, we can change the DNS configuration on the Chromebook as well. You can use third-party DNS such as Cloudfare or OpenDNS to improve your Internet speed. So to modify the DNS, open Settings and click on the WiFi network to which you are connected. Here, scroll down and click "Network" to expand the menu. Finally, select "Custom Name Servers" and enter your choice of DNS address.

Get system information.

Chrome OS is very minimal and consumer-facing, so it does not provide details such as system memory, CPU usage, background processes, and similar metrics for the end-user. However, if you want to reach those metrics, there are some hidden commands that allow you to do this. Just enter chrome: // system / and enter in the address bar. On this page, you will get all the information from hardware to software. Apart from this, you can also install an extension called cog (free) which allows you to monitor multiple matrices like CPU usage, temperature, etc. in a sleek and graphical interface.

Network File Share (Chromebook to Windows)

One of the best features of Windows OS is that you can easily access files and folders from other Windows computers using a normal wireless network. So to make the desktop experience similar on Chrome OS, Google has also brought network file share and embedded it in the native file manager. Basically, you can remotely access all your Windows files and folders on your Chromebook without any hassle.

Enable Linux on a Chromebook.

Recently, Google added support for Linux on Chrome OS and it is simply magical to use both operating systems simultaneously. While the project is still in beta, the terminal works quite well with support for all Linux commands. You can also install Linux apps on Chrome OS, but let me be clear, at this point, the performance is not as great. Anyway, if you want to enable it, open the settings and just navigate to "Linux (beta)". Here, turn on the toggle for Linux and go through the on-screen instructions. However, note that both Chrome OS and Linux have different storage systems so you have to share your local folders in Linux. You can do this from the original file manager. Just right-click on the folder you want to share and choose "Select with Linux".

Enable ADB on Chrome OS (Android Debugging)

Prior to this, there was an informal way to enable ADB on Chrome OS via Linux and platform tools. However, things have changed now as Google brought native ADB support to Chrome OS. You can find the dedicated page from Settings -> Linux -> Develop Android App and enable the toggle for "Enable ADB Debugging". You are ready

Chrome Shell Learning (Krosch)

Similar to the command prompt on Windows, Bash in Linux, and Terminal on macOS, Chrome OS has its own command line called Chrome Shell (crossover). This allows you to modify any system settings that are not otherwise available in the Settings or Flag page. So, if you want to dive deeper into Chrome OS, you should learn what Krosh offers and it can help you do many things. 

Chrome OS Tips and Tricks

So, before you use Chrome OS, you should know the detailed list of tips and tricks that you should know. Over the years, Chrome OS has naturally improved leaps and bounds, with many new features added. I made sure to include all of those clean hacks so that you get the best Chrome OS experience. Anyway, all of that belongs to us. If you want to know more about Chromebook and Chrome OS in general then stay tuned. We are going to bring some cool stuff for you in the coming days.

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