Chromebooks are designed to work with both keyboards and touchscreens, making them flexible devices for everyday use. Many Chromebooks come in different form factors, including traditional laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1 devices that can switch between both modes. While the physical keyboard works perfectly in most cases, there are times when using the on-screen keyboard becomes more convenient.
For example, if you are using your Chromebook in tablet mode, dealing with a broken physical keyboard, or simply prefer touch input, the on-screen keyboard can be very helpful. ChromeOS includes a built-in virtual keyboard that is easy to enable and use.
So, if you want to know how to use the on-screen keyboard on your Chromebook, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will explain how to enable, use, and disable the on-screen keyboard on ChromeOS step by step.
How to Use On-Screen Keyboard on Chromebook
The on-screen keyboard on a Chromebook works just like a physical keyboard. Once enabled, it appears whenever you tap a text field or click the keyboard icon on the shelf. Below, we have explained everything you need to know about using it.
1. Enable On-Screen Keyboard on Chromebook
Before using the on-screen keyboard, you need to enable it from the settings.
1. Click on the App Launcher icon, look for Settings, and open it.
2. In the Settings menu, navigate to the Accessibility section and click on it.
3. Under the Accessibility section, locate and click on the Keyboard and Text Input option.
4. You’ll see a toggle switch next to the On-Screen Keyboard option. Simply turn this toggle on to enable the feature.
Once enabled, the keyboard icon will appear on the shelf whenever text input is available.
2. Open and Use the On-Screen Keyboard
After enabling the feature, using the on-screen keyboard is very simple.
1. Tap on any text field on the screen.
2. The on-screen keyboard will appear automatically.
3. You can also click the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner to open it manually.
You can type using your fingers or a stylus, just like typing on a smartphone or tablet. When you’re done using the keyboard, you can hide it by clicking the same on-screen keyboard icon.
3. Use On-Screen Keyboard in Tablet Mode
If you are using a 2-in-1 Chromebook, the on-screen keyboard activates automatically when you switch to tablet mode.
When the device is folded back or the keyboard is detached, ChromeOS detects the mode change and shows the on-screen keyboard whenever you tap a text field. You don’t need to enable anything manually in this case.
How to Disable the On-Screen Keyboard on Chromebook
If you no longer want to use the virtual keyboard, you can disable it easily.
1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
2. Go to Accessibility and click on Keyboard and text input.
3. Turn off the On-screen keyboard toggle.
Once disabled, the keyboard will no longer appear on your screen. You can type using your built-in keyboard, or you can use an external keyboard.
Final Words
The on-screen keyboard on Chromebook is a simple yet powerful feature that makes ChromeOS more flexible. Whether you are using your device in tablet mode, dealing with keyboard issues, or prefer touch input, the virtual keyboard can make typing much easier.
Now that you know how to enable, use, and disable the on-screen keyboard, you can choose the input method that works best for your daily workflow on ChromeOS.
