In situations where you need to use an external mouse or for cleaning purposes, disabling the touchscreen on your Chromebook can be useful. Turning off the touchscreen can help prevent unwanted touches or accidental inputs while using these devices.
In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps on how to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook. We'll also provide some additional tips for troubleshooting common touchscreen issues.
Before diving into the steps, it's important to ensure that your Chromebook has a touchscreen capability. If your Chromebook doesn't have a touchscreen, the steps below will not be applicable.
How to Turn Off Touch Screen on Chromebook
Follow these steps to disable touchscreen on your Chromebook:
- Press Alt + Shift + T
- Enter "chrome://flags"
- Search for "touchscreen"
- Disable "Touchscreen enabled"
- Restart Chromebook
- Touchscreen now disabled
- Reconnect external mouse
- Clean touchscreen (optional)
Remember, if you want to re-enable the touchscreen, follow the same steps and set "Touchscreen enabled" to "Enabled."
Press Alt + Shift + T
To access the Chrome Flags page, a hidden settings menu in Chrome OS, you need to use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Shift + T.
- Opens Chrome Flags Page:
Pressing Alt + Shift + T simultaneously opens the Chrome Flags page in a new tab in your Chrome browser.
- Advanced Settings:
The Chrome Flags page contains a list of experimental features and settings that are not enabled by default. These features are still under development and may be unstable, so use them at your own risk.
- Caution:
It's important to note that changing these flags can potentially cause problems with your Chromebook, so it's best to only modify flags if you know what you're doing.
- Hidden Settings:
The Chrome Flags page is a hidden menu, meaning it's not accessible through the regular Chrome settings. This is because the features and settings on this page are experimental and may not be ready for general use.
Once you press Alt + Shift + T and the Chrome Flags page opens, you can proceed to the next steps to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook.
Enter "chrome://flags"
Once you've opened the Chrome Flags page by pressing Alt + Shift + T, you need to enter "chrome://flags" in the address bar at the top of the browser window.
- Accesses Chrome Flags Page:
Typing "chrome://flags" in the address bar and pressing Enter takes you directly to the Chrome Flags page, where you can view and modify experimental features and settings.
- Direct Link:
Entering "chrome://flags" is a direct way to access the Chrome Flags page without having to navigate through multiple menus or settings.
- Experimental Features:
The Chrome Flags page contains a list of features that are still under development and may not be stable. These features are not enabled by default to ensure the stability of the Chrome OS.
- Caution:
It's important to note that changing flags can potentially cause problems with your Chromebook, so it's best to only modify flags if you know what you're doing.
After entering "chrome://flags" and pressing Enter, the Chrome Flags page will load, and you can proceed to search for the "Touchscreen enabled" flag to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook.
Search for "touchscreen"
Once you've successfully loaded the Chrome Flags page, you need to search for the "Touchscreen enabled" flag to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook.
Here's how you can search for the "touchscreen" flag:
- Use the Search Bar:
At the top of the Chrome Flags page, you'll see a search bar labeled "Search flags." Click inside the search bar and start typing "touchscreen." As you type, the search results will start to filter and show you the relevant flags. - Locate "Touchscreen enabled" Flag:
As you type "touchscreen" in the search bar, you should see the "Touchscreen enabled" flag appear in the search results. This flag controls whether the touchscreen is enabled or disabled on your Chromebook. - Check the Current Setting:
By default, the "Touchscreen enabled" flag is set to "Default." This means that the touchscreen is enabled, and you can use it to interact with your Chromebook. - Change the Flag Setting:
To disable the touchscreen, click on the dropdown menu next to the "Touchscreen enabled" flag and select "Disabled" from the options.
After changing the flag setting to "Disabled," click on the "Relaunch" button at the bottom of the Chrome Flags page to restart your Chromebook. Once your Chromebook restarts, the touchscreen will be disabled, and you can use an external mouse or other input device to control your Chromebook.
Disable "Touchscreen enabled"
Once you've located the "Touchscreen enabled" flag in the Chrome Flags page and checked that it's set to "Default" (which means the touchscreen is enabled), it's time to disable it.
To disable the touchscreen, follow these steps:
- Open the Dropdown Menu:
Click on the dropdown menu next to the "Touchscreen enabled" flag. A list of options will appear. - Select "Disabled":
From the dropdown menu, select the "Disabled" option. This will disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook. - Relaunch Chromebook:
After selecting "Disabled," click on the "Relaunch" button at the bottom of the Chrome Flags page. This will restart your Chromebook.
Once your Chromebook restarts, the touchscreen will be disabled. You can now use an external mouse or other input device to control your Chromebook. If you ever want to re-enable the touchscreen, simply follow the same steps and set the "Touchscreen enabled" flag back to "Default" or "Enabled."
Note: Some Chromebooks may not have the "Touchscreen enabled" flag available in the Chrome Flags page. This means that the touchscreen cannot be disabled on those Chromebooks.
Restart Chromebook
After you've disabled the "Touchscreen enabled" flag in the Chrome Flags page, you need to restart your Chromebook for the changes to take effect.
To restart your Chromebook, you can use one of the following methods:
- Click the Power Button:
Locate the power button on your Chromebook. It's usually located on the side or top of the device. Press and hold the power button until you see a menu appear on the screen. - Select "Restart":
In the menu that appears, select the "Restart" option. Your Chromebook will start the restart process. - Use the Keyboard Shortcut:
You can also restart your Chromebook using the keyboard shortcut. Press and hold the "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys simultaneously, then press the "R" key. This will bring up the restart dialog box. Click on the "Restart" button to restart your Chromebook.
Once your Chromebook restarts, the touchscreen will be disabled, and you'll be able to use an external mouse or other input device to control your Chromebook.
Note: It's important to restart your Chromebook after disabling the "Touchscreen enabled" flag. If you don't restart your Chromebook, the touchscreen will remain enabled, and the changes you made will not take effect.
Touchscreen now disabled
Once your Chromebook restarts after disabling the "Touchscreen enabled" flag and following the steps above, the touchscreen will be successfully disabled.
- No More Touch Input:
The touchscreen will no longer respond to any touch inputs. You won't be able to use your fingers to navigate, tap, or interact with anything on the screen.
- External Input Devices:
You'll need to use an external input device, such as a mouse, trackpad, or stylus, to control your Chromebook. These devices will work as expected, allowing you to move the cursor, click on items, and perform various actions.
- Touchscreen Still Visible:
While the touchscreen is disabled, it will still be physically present on your Chromebook. This means you'll still see the touchscreen, but it won't be functional.
- Temporary Disable:
Disabling the touchscreen is a temporary measure. If you ever want to re-enable the touchscreen, you can follow the same steps and set the "Touchscreen enabled" flag back to "Default" or "Enabled."
Remember, disabling the touchscreen can be useful in certain situations, such as when using an external mouse for better precision or when cleaning the touchscreen to remove fingerprints or smudges.
Reconnect external mouse
Since the touchscreen is now disabled on your Chromebook, you'll need to reconnect an external mouse to control your Chromebook effectively.
- Wired or Wireless Mouse:
You can use either a wired or wireless mouse with your Chromebook. If you're using a wired mouse, simply connect the USB cable to an available USB port on your Chromebook.
- Bluetooth Mouse:
If you're using a Bluetooth mouse, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your Chromebook. Then, put your Bluetooth mouse into pairing mode and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Chromebook.
- Function as Usual:
Once your external mouse is connected, it will function as expected. You can move the cursor, click on items, and perform various actions just like you would with a regular mouse.
- Precision and Comfort:
Using an external mouse can provide better precision and comfort, especially if you're working on tasks that require細かい作業, such as editing documents or creating presentations.
Having an external mouse connected while the touchscreen is disabled ensures that you can seamlessly control your Chromebook and perform your tasks efficiently.
Clean touchscreen (optional)
While the touchscreen is disabled, you can take the opportunity to clean it if needed. This is especially useful if you frequently use the touchscreen and have noticed fingerprints, smudges, or dirt accumulation.
- Turn Off Chromebook:
Before cleaning the touchscreen, make sure to turn off your Chromebook completely. This ensures that you won't accidentally activate any touchscreen functions while cleaning.
- Use Soft, Lint-Free Cloth:
Select a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to avoid scratching or damaging the touchscreen's delicate surface.
- Dampen the Cloth:
Slightly dampen the cloth with water or a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for electronic screens. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Wipe Gently:
Gently wipe the touchscreen with the damp cloth, moving in small circular motions. Apply light pressure to remove any dirt or smudges without pressing too hard.
Once you're finished cleaning the touchscreen, use a dry section of the cloth or a separate dry microfiber cloth to wipe off any remaining moisture. Make sure the touchscreen is completely dry before turning your Chromebook back on.
FAQ
If you have additional questions about disabling the touchscreen on your Chromebook, check out these frequently asked questions:
Question 1: Can I use a stylus with the touchscreen disabled?
Answer 1: No, the touchscreen will not respond to any touch input, including a stylus, when it's disabled.
Question 2: Will disabling the touchscreen affect my Chromebook's performance?
Answer 2: No, disabling the touchscreen does not affect your Chromebook's performance in any way. It only prevents touch input from being recognized.
Question 3: Can I re-enable the touchscreen later?
Answer 3: Yes, you can re-enable the touchscreen by following the same steps and setting the "Touchscreen enabled" flag back to "Default" or "Enabled" in the Chrome Flags page.
Question 4: What should I do if the touchscreen is still not disabled after following the steps?
Answer 4: If the touchscreen remains enabled, try restarting your Chromebook again. You can also check if there are any pending Chrome OS updates available. Installing the updates may resolve any issues with the touchscreen.
Question 5: Is it possible to disable the touchscreen using a keyboard shortcut?
Answer 5: No, there is no keyboard shortcut to disable the touchscreen on Chromebooks. You need to use the Chrome Flags page to make this change.
Question 6: Can I disable the touchscreen on all Chromebooks?
Answer 6: Not all Chromebooks have the option to disable the touchscreen. Some Chromebooks may not have the "Touchscreen enabled" flag available in the Chrome Flags page.
Question 7: Is it safe to disable the touchscreen?
Answer 7: Yes, it is safe to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook. Disabling the touchscreen does not harm your device in any way. It's a temporary measure that you can easily reverse.
If you have any further questions or encounter any issues, don't hesitate to consult the Chromebook support documentation or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Now that you know how to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook and have explored some frequently asked questions, let's move on to a few additional tips that may come in handy.
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when disabling the touchscreen on your Chromebook:
Tip 1: Use an External Mouse:
When the touchscreen is disabled, you'll need to use an external mouse to control your Chromebook. Choose a mouse that is comfortable to use and provides precise control. A wired or wireless mouse can both work well with Chromebooks.
Tip 2: Keep Your Chromebook Clean:
Disabling the touchscreen is a good opportunity to clean your Chromebook's screen. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild cleaning solution to remove fingerprints, smudges, and dirt. Make sure the screen is completely dry before re-enabling the touchscreen.
Tip 3: Try Keyboard Shortcuts:
While the touchscreen is disabled, you can rely on keyboard shortcuts to navigate and perform various actions on your Chromebook. Explore common Chromebook keyboard shortcuts to improve your productivity and efficiency.
Tip 4: Consider a Stylus for Drawing or Note-Taking:
Even though the touchscreen is disabled, you can still use a stylus on your Chromebook for drawing, note-taking, or other creative tasks. Some Chromebooks come with a built-in stylus, while others support third-party styluses.
Remember, disabling the touchscreen is a temporary measure that you can easily reverse. If you ever want to use the touchscreen again, follow the same steps and enable the "Touchscreen enabled" flag in the Chrome Flags page.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and productive experience while using your Chromebook with the touchscreen disabled.
Conclusion
In this article, we've guided you through the steps on how to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook. We've also provided additional tips and answered some common questions to help you navigate this process effectively.
Disabling the touchscreen can be useful in various situations, such as when you want to use an external mouse for better precision, when cleaning the touchscreen, or when you simply prefer using keyboard shortcuts and a stylus for certain tasks.
Remember, disabling the touchscreen is a temporary measure. You can easily re-enable it whenever you need to by following the same steps and enabling the "Touchscreen enabled" flag in the Chrome Flags page.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or encounter any issues, don't hesitate to consult the Chromebook support documentation or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Thank you for reading!