Whether you’re pulling your brilliant new Chromebook out of the box, were handed down a Chromebook from a parent or sibling, or you just power-washed yours to start fresh, setting up a Chromebook is drop-dead easy. You can probably do it in the space of a commercial break while watching your favorite TV show, and so long as you’re somewhere with Wi-Fi, you can do it basically anywhere. Whether you’re under some blankets in bed or sitting in the office with your newly-issued work laptop, here’s how to set up your Chromebook.
How to set up Chromebook
Before you get started, your Chromebook probably came from the factory with a mostly full battery. Still, if you want to plug your Chromebook in to charge before beginning your setup, that’s probably a good idea.
Open the lid of your Chromebook to turn it on.
Enter the email address of your Google account.
Tap Next.
Enter your Google account’s password.
Tap Next.
If your Google account has a two-factor authentication, use your verification code or another verification method.
Once signed in, you are given notice of what automatically syncs on your Chromebook. If you want to review these syncing options, check Review sync options following setup.
Tap Accept and continue.
You’ll be given the Google Play terms of service to read. Below is the checkbox to disable Google Drive backups, but I really wouldn’t recommend turning that off. Tap More or scroll down to the rest of the options.
You can uncheck Use location if you want to prevent apps and services from using your device’s location, but again, I don’t recommend turning this off.
Check Review your Google Play options following setup if you want to check over your permissions.
Tap Accept.
This takes care of the initial system setup, but we’re not done quite yet. You can choose to Take a tour if you want to be shown where everything is, if not you can tap the X in the window’s top right corner.
If you already have extensions or a theme installed on Google Chrome on your other computers, they will install automatically. The Android apps pre-installed on your Chromebook will need updates, as well, so tap the time in the bottom right corner.
Tap Update all in the notification about app updates.
Google Play will open and begin updating apps. Tap the back button in the top left corner to return to the home tab.
Once on the home tab, a popup will appear suggesting apps to download on your Chromebook. Tap the checkbox next to apps you want to install.
Once you’ve selected the apps you want, tap Install.
Once the apps and extensions are installed, you’re pretty much ready to go. You’ll need to log into your various websites — Twitter, Amazon, Reddit, and the like — and set a new wallpaper, maybe even pair an Android phone for Smart Lock so that you can keep your Chromebook unlocked and answer text messages from it. If this is your first Chromebook, I also recommend familiarizing yourself with these awesome keyboard shortcuts, especially the Alt + [ or ] for split-screening windows. I use it dozens of times a week.
If you need further help settling into your new laptop, I’ve compiled a handy-dandy post-setup Chromebook checklist for useful things like customizing your dock, the single most useful Chrome extension you’ll ever install, and how to help keep your Chromebook from blinding you too much at night.
Protect your investment
Your new Chromebook is probably pretty great all on its own, but you can help protect it and enhance your experience with it with the help of a few key accessories, especially one of the best mice for Chromebooks and a nicely protective sleeve.
Logitech Pebble M350
You can either use this slim wireless mouse with Bluetooth or the included wireless receiver, and you can get it in blue, white, or pink.
$30 at Amazon
Samsung EVO Select
If your Chromebook doesn’t have enough space, or you just want to carry a ton of movies with you, this card is available from 32GB to 512GB.
From $8 at Amazon
MOSISO Laptop Sleeve with Accessory Case
With size options from 11.6 to 16 inches, these sleeves come with a separate cable pouch in a dozen colors and even some patterns.
$14 at Amazon
