Backlit Keyboard On Chromebook Not Working – Causes and Solutions!

Backlit Keyboard On Chromebook Not Working

If your Chromebook’s backlit keyboard stops working, check brightness settings, update Chrome OS, or adjust power settings. Hardware issues or incompatibility may also cause the problem.

A backlit keyboard on your Chromebook is a fantastic feature, especially in low-light environments. However, it can be frustrating when this feature stops working. Don’t worry—this guide will help you understand why your Chromebook’s backlit keyboard isn’t functioning and provide simple, easy-to-follow solutions. We will explore various reasons and solutions to get your keyboard backlight working again in no time!

Why is My Chromebook Backlit Keyboard Not Working?

There are several reasons why your Chromebook’s backlit keyboard might not be working. Some are simple to fix, while others might require more advanced steps. Let’s explore some common causes:

Brightness Settings Are Too Low

One of the most common reasons for the backlight not working is that the brightness is set too low or completely off. Chromebooks allow you to adjust the keyboard brightness manually, and it’s possible that the setting has been lowered without you realizing it.

Outdated Chrome OS Version

Your Chromebook’s operating system (Chrome OS) plays a significant role in controlling hardware functions, including the backlit keyboard. Running an outdated version of Chrome OS could cause issues, including malfunctioning keyboard backlights.

Power-Saving Mode

If your Chromebook is running on battery power, some power-saving settings might automatically turn off the backlight to conserve battery life. These settings can be adjusted.

Faulty Keyboard or Hardware Issue

Sometimes, the problem can stem from a hardware issue, such as a faulty backlit keyboard or other components. This is less common but possible.

Your Chromebook Doesn’t Support Backlit Keyboards

Not every Chromebook comes with a backlit keyboard. Some models, especially entry-level or budget models, don’t have this feature at all. If you’re unsure whether your Chromebook supports it, this could be the issue.

How to Fix Backlit Keyboard on Chromebook Not Working?

How to Fix Backlit Keyboard on Chromebook Not Working?
Source: youtube

Let’s go over some practical solutions to fix the issue.

Check and Adjust Keyboard Backlight Brightness

Sometimes, the issue is as simple as the backlight brightness being too low. You can manually adjust the brightness level to fix this.

Steps:

  1. Press the “Alt + Brightness Up” key (usually an icon with a small light bulb or keyboard symbol) to increase the keyboard backlight brightness.
  1. If nothing changes, try pressing Alt + Brightness Down, then back up to see if it resets the backlight functionality.

Update Chrome OS

If the backlight isn’t working, an outdated Chrome OS version might be the problem. Keeping your Chromebook up-to-date can often fix these issues.

Steps to Update Chrome OS:

  1. Click on the Time/Clock at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
  2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
  3. After swiping down, select About Chrome OS.
  4. Click Check for Updates and install any updates.
  5. After updating, restart your Chromebook to apply changes.

By keeping Chrome OS updated, you reduce the chances of encountering bugs or glitches with your backlit keyboard.

Modify Power Settings

In some cases, your Chromebook may automatically turn off the keyboard backlight when it’s in power-saving mode or running on low battery. You can change these settings to keep the backlight on.

Steps to Adjust Power Settings:

  1. Go into your Chromebook’s Settings.
  2. Click on Device and then select Power.
  3. Look for an option like Turn off keyboard backlight after inactivity or Keyboard Backlight Timeout and disable it.
  4. Check if the backlight stays on when your Chromebook is running on battery.

Hard Reset Your Chromebook

A hard reset can sometimes resolve backlight issues by resetting the hardware. Nothing on your device gets deleted as a result of this.

Steps for Hard Reset:

  1. Turn off your Chromebook completely.
  2. Press and hold the “Refresh” key (usually a circular arrow) and then tap the Power button.
  3. When the Chromebook starts, release both keys.

This hard reset will reboot your hardware, which might fix the backlit keyboard issue.

Check if Your Chromebook Model Supports Backlit Keyboards

It’s possible that your Chromebook doesn’t have a backlit keyboard feature. You can easily verify this by checking your Chromebook’s specifications online or referring to the user manual.

How to Check Your Chromebook Model?

  1. Check your Chromebook’s model number (usually found at the bottom of the device).
  2. Search for your model online and verify if it has a backlit keyboard.

If your Chromebook does not support backlit keyboards, then the problem isn’t with your settings or hardware—it simply isn’t a feature on your device.

Advanced Solutions to Fix Backlit Keyboard Issues:

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem, here are some more advanced methods you can try:

1. Reinstall Chrome OS

If the issue persists, reinstalling Chrome OS might be your best option. This can resolve software-related problems but is more drastic, as it involves resetting your Chromebook.

Steps to Reinstall Chrome OS:

  1. Backup all important files to Google Drive or an external storage device.
  2. Press Esc + Refresh and the Power button at the same time to enter Recovery Mode.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Chrome OS.

This process restores your Chromebook to its original settings and can resolve persistent backlight problems caused by software glitches.

2. Contact Chromebook Support

If none of the solutions have worked, the issue could be related to the hardware, and it might require professional help. Contact Chromebook support for guidance or take your device to an authorized repair center.

Also Read: Corsair Keyboard G Keys Are Not Working For Discord Keybinds – Easy Fixes & Solutions!

How to Prevent Future Issues with Your Backlit Keyboard?

Here are some useful tips to avoid problems with your Chromebook’s backlit keyboard in the future:

  1. Keep Your Chrome OS Updated – Regularly updating your OS will help prevent many software-related issues with your keyboard.
  1. Avoid Excessive Power-Saving Settings – Avoid over-reliance on power-saving features that turn off your keyboard backlight unnecessarily.
  1. Handle Your Device with Care – Protect your Chromebook from accidental damage that could affect the keyboard’s functionality.
  1. Check Compatibility Before Buying – If you’re purchasing a new Chromebook, make sure it includes the backlit keyboard feature if that’s important to you.

FAQs:

1. Why isn’t my Chromebook’s backlit keyboard working?

The backlight might be turned off, Chrome OS could be outdated, or power-saving settings may be affecting it. Hardware problems or model incompatibility are other possible causes.

2. How do I adjust the backlight brightness on my Chromebook?

To adjust brightness, press “Alt + Brightness Up” (usually a light bulb icon). This increases backlight brightness, and “Alt + Brightness Down” reduces it.

3. Will updating Chrome OS fix my backlit keyboard issue?

Yes, updating Chrome OS can resolve software bugs that may cause your backlit keyboard to stop functioning. Regular updates ensure smooth operation of hardware features.

4. Can a hard reset fix the backlit keyboard problem?

Yes, performing a hard reset can resolve minor software glitches or hardware issues. It reboots your Chromebook without deleting any data, often fixing backlight problems.

5. What should I do if my Chromebook doesn’t support backlit keyboards?

If your Chromebook model doesn’t support a backlit keyboard, no setting changes will help. Verify your Chromebook’s specifications to confirm if it has this feature.

Conclusion:

Chromebook backlit keyboard issues are often simple to resolve by adjusting brightness, updating Chrome OS, or modifying power settings. A hard reset or verifying model compatibility may also be necessary. Regular system updates and mindful power management can help prevent future issues. If the problem persists after troubleshooting, seeking professional support might be the best solution. Follow these steps to enjoy a seamless backlit keyboard experience on your Chromebook.

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