How to Enable Touch Screen on Your Chromebook
- Sep 8, 2025
- 2 min read
Chromebooks, especially 2-in-1 convertible models, often feature handy touch screens
However, you might find that your touch screen has stopped responding. This is usually due to it being accidentally disabled or a minor software glitch.
The process to enable it is simple and typically involves checking a single setting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your touch screen working again.
Method 1: The Quick Settings Menu (The Most Common Fix)
The most likely reason your touch screen is disabled is that the
toggle was switched off in the Quick Settings menu. This is very easy to check and fix.
Open Quick Settings: Click on the bottom-right corner of your screen where the time, battery, and Wi-Fi icons are located. This opens the Quick Settings panel.
Locate the Touchscreen Toggle:
Click the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) to open the full Settings menu.
In the "Device" section on the left, click Device.
On the right, find the Touchscreen section. You will see a toggle switch.
Enable the Touchscreen:
If the toggle is grayed out and says Off, click it to turn it On.
The switch will turn blue, indicating the touch screen is now active.
This action is immediate. You can now try using your touch screen to see if it's working.
Method 2: Powerwash (Factory Reset)
If your touch screen is still not working and you've ruled out physical damage, a more significant software issue might be the cause. A Powerwash will reset your Chromebook to its factory default settings, erasing all local data.
⚠️ Important Warning: A Powerwash will delete all downloaded files, Linux apps, and locally stored settings. Your files in Google Drive will be safe.
Back Up Your Data: Ensure all your important files are saved to Google Drive or an external USB drive.
Open Settings: Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset settings.
Start the Process: Click Powerwash > Restart.
Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset. After the Chromebook restarts, you'll need to sign in again and reconnect to Wi-Fi. Your touch screen should be enabled by default after this process.
What If It Still Doesn't Work?
If none of the software solutions work, there might be a hardware problem.
Check for Physical Damage: Look for any cracks or deep scratches on the screen. Even a small crack can damage the underlying touch digitizer.
Update Your Chromebook: Always ensure your device is running the latest version of ChromeOS. Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates.
Contact Support: If you suspect a hardware fault, your best option is to contact the manufacturer's support (e.g., Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo) or the retailer where you purchased the Chromebook, as the device may need repair.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully enable and troubleshoot your Chromebook's touch screen functionality.