How to turn off touch screen on Chromebook – See the 6 ways to turn off the touchscreen on your Chromebook easily either by using built-in keyboard shortcuts or more advanced methods.
Chromebooks are known for their ease of use, portability, and touchscreen features that allow users to interact more intuitively. However, there are situations where turning off the touchscreen is necessary. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life, avoid accidental touches, or simply prefer using a keyboard and trackpad, disabling the touchscreen can be useful.
Method 1. How to TURN OFF touch screen on Chromebook Using the Built-in Keyboard Shortcut
One of the easiest ways to disable the touchscreen on a Chromebook is by using a built-in keyboard shortcut. Chromebook developers included this shortcut for users who want to quickly toggle the touchscreen feature on or off.
How to use the keyboard shortcut:
Step 1: Press Search + Shift + T
.
Step 2: This combination instantly disables the touchscreen.
Step 3: To re-enable the touchscreen, press the same combination again.
Note: If this shortcut doesn’t work on your Chromebook, it could be because your device doesn’t support it. In that case, try other methods below.
Method 2. How to TURN OFF touch screen on Chromebook by Disabling the Touchscreen Through Chrome Flags
If the keyboard shortcut isn’t available or you prefer more control, you can disable the touchscreen using Chrome’s experimental features, known as Chrome Flags. This method requires navigating through some settings, but it’s relatively easy.
How to disable the touchscreen using Chrome Flags:
Step 1: Open your Chrome browser.
Step 2: Type chrome://flags
in the address bar and press Enter.
Step 3: In the search bar at the top of the page, type “Touchscreen” or “Touch”.
Step 4: Find the option labeled “Debugging keyboard shortcuts”.
Step 5: Click the dropdown menu next to this option and select Enabled.
Step 6: Restart your Chromebook for the change to take effect.
After enabling debugging keyboard shortcuts through Chrome Flags, you can use the Search + Shift + T
shortcut to turn off the touchscreen.
Method 3. How to TURN OFF touch screen on Chromebook Using the Chrome Developer Mode
For those who are comfortable delving into developer settings, you can disable the touchscreen by enabling developer mode on your Chromebook. Be cautious, as this method may void your warranty and can reset your device, but it provides more in-depth control over hardware features.
How to enter Developer Mode and disable the touchscreen:
Step 1: Turn off your Chromebook.
Step 2: Press and hold the Esc + Refresh + Power buttons simultaneously to enter recovery mode.
Step 3: Once in recovery mode, press Ctrl + D to initiate Developer Mode.
Step 4: Follow the prompts and wait for your Chromebook to reboot.
Once in Developer Mode, you will have access to system files and can customize hardware settings. However, this is not recommended for beginners as it can make your Chromebook more vulnerable to security risks.
Method 4. How to TURN OFF touch screen on Chromebook via Settings (For Some Models)
Some Chromebook models allow users to disable the touchscreen feature directly from the settings. This feature is often buried within the accessibility settings, but it’s worth checking if your device supports this option.
How to check the settings:
Step 1: Click on the time in the lower-right corner to open the system menu.
Step 2: Select Settings from the menu.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on Advanced to expand more options.
Step 4: Look for Accessibility and click on it.
Step 5: Search for touchscreen-related options. If available, toggle off the touchscreen setting.
Not all Chromebook models include this feature, so if you don’t find an option here, consider using other methods mentioned.
Method 5. How to TURN OFF touch screen on Chromebook Using a Third-Party Extension
Another way to disable the touchscreen is by using a Chrome extension. Some third-party extensions can provide additional controls over your Chromebook’s hardware, including the touchscreen. This method is not as common, but it’s an option worth exploring if the other solutions don’t work for your device.
How to use an extension:
Step 1: Open the Chrome Web Store.
Step 2: Search for “Touchscreen toggle” or a similar term.
Step 3: Install a trusted extension that offers the feature to disable the touchscreen.
Step 4: Follow the extension’s instructions to turn off the touchscreen.
Using third-party extensions may not be as reliable or secure as built-in options, but it’s a quick and customizable approach.
Method 6. How to TURN OFF touch screen on Chromebook by Physically Disabling the Touchscreen (Advanced Method)
For advanced users who are comfortable with disassembling their Chromebook, physically disconnecting the touchscreen is a last-resort option. This should only be done if the touchscreen is malfunctioning or causing issues and you cannot turn it off using software.
How to physically disable the touchscreen:
Step 1: Power off your Chromebook and disconnect any power sources.
Step 2: Use a screwdriver to open the back of the device.
Step 3: Locate the touchscreen connector (usually near the display).
Step 4: Carefully disconnect the cable that connects the touchscreen to the motherboard.
This method should only be attempted by someone with hardware experience, as it can permanently damage your device if not done correctly.
Conclusion
There are several ways to turn off the touchscreen on a Chromebook, ranging from simple keyboard shortcuts to more advanced hardware adjustments. The method you choose depends on your comfort level and the model of your Chromebook. The keyboard shortcut and Chrome Flags method are the easiest and most recommended, but if those options don’t work, you have alternatives like using developer mode or third-party extensions. If all else fails, physically disabling the touchscreen is a last-resort option for those with technical expertise.
By following these steps, you can regain control over how you interact with your Chromebook, allowing for a more personalized and efficient user experience.