How to Use a Chromebook in Tablet Mode

What tablet mode means on a Chromebook

Tablet mode is the name for the touch-focused interface ChromeOS enters when you transform a convertible Chromebook into a tablet. Convertibles, sometimes called 2-in-1 laptops, have a hinge that lets the display fold back completely, so the screen can lie flat behind the base. The ENERGY STAR program describes convertibles as laptops whose display "twists around and lays flat so it can be used like a tablet."

When you fold the screen back, most Chromebooks detect the orientation and automatically switch to a layout with larger icons, a touch-friendly app shelf, and an on-screen keyboard that appears when you tap a text field. This is different from a clamshell Chromebook, which lacks a touchscreen and a convertible hinge. If you are deciding between form factors, see our Chromebook form factors guide.

How to switch to tablet mode

To enter tablet mode, fold the display back until it lies flat against the bottom of the device. On most convertibles, the system automatically rotates the screen and switches to the touch interface. If your Chromebook does not switch, check that the screen rotation lock is turned off; you can find it in the quick settings panel or in Settings under Device. For guidance, see the screen rotation lock guide.

Some Chromebooks also allow you to manually rotate the display, but in tablet mode you will typically rely on the accelerometer to switch between portrait and landscape. If you want to keep the screen in one orientation, use the rotation lock. For more on touchscreen benefits, see our touchscreen benefits overview.

Using the touchscreen and gestures

Once in tablet mode, the touchscreen becomes your primary input. You can tap to open apps, swipe to scroll, and pinch to zoom. ChromeOS supports many of the same gestures you use on a phone: swipe from the left edge to go back, swipe up from the bottom to see recent apps, and swipe down from the top to access notifications. The touchscreen digitizer is the hardware that makes these gestures accurate.

If you have a stylus that works with your Chromebook, you can use it for more precise input, like writing notes or drawing. For more on stylus options, see the USI vs AES stylus comparison. A touchscreen is essential for tablet mode, so if you are shopping for a new device, focus on models listed in our roundup of best touchscreen Chromebooks.

• Tap: select or open an item.
• Swipe: scroll or move between pages.
• Pinch: zoom in or out.
• Swipe from left edge: go back.
• Swipe up from bottom: see recent apps.
• Swipe down from top: open notifications.

Using the on-screen keyboard

When you tap a text field in tablet mode, the on-screen keyboard appears automatically. You can type by tapping the keys, and you can also use the keyboard's dictation button to speak instead of type. To manually open the keyboard when you need it, tap the keyboard icon in the system tray or use the accessibility settings.

The on-screen keyboard can be resized or made floating if you prefer a smaller footprint. You can also use an external Bluetooth keyboard with your Chromebook in tablet mode; just pair it as you would any other device. For more on keyboard settings, see the on-screen keyboard guide and the external keyboard guide.

Adapting apps for tablet use

Most Android apps and web apps are designed to work on touchscreens, but some may look better on a phone than a tablet. ChromeOS offers several ways to make apps more comfortable in tablet mode. You can snap two apps side by side using split screen, or use the overview button to switch between apps quickly. The split screen guide explains how to arrange windows.

If you use your Chromebook for work or school, you may need to switch between tablet and laptop modes often. The automatic orientation change makes this seamless. To keep your device running smoothly, Google recommends updating your Chromebook regularly to get the latest features and security improvements, as explained in the Chromebook update help.

For creative tasks, you might want to use a stylus with drawing apps, or if you need a full desktop experience, you can enable Linux on compatible Chromebooks. The Linux setup help explains how to get started, though not all Linux apps are touch-optimized yet.

Customizing settings for tablet mode

You can adjust several settings to make tablet mode work better for you. For example, you can set the auto-rotate behavior, adjust touch sensitivity, and configure the on-screen keyboard layout. The touchpad settings guide might help if you use a detachable keyboard or trackpad, even though the touchpad is inactive in tablet mode.

When you are in tablet mode, the physical keyboard is disabled, but you can still use shortcuts by connecting an external keyboard. If you want to change how the keyboard behaves when you fold the display, look in Settings under Device. The keyboard shortcuts guide lists useful combinations for when you do use a keyboard.

Finally, keep in mind that not all Chromebooks have tablet mode. Only convertible models with a touchscreen and a hinge that opens 360 degrees can fold into a tablet. If you are thinking about buying a Chromebook specifically for tablet use, check our best 2-in-1 Chromebooks list and our Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 picks for models that deliver a smooth touch experience.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does tablet mode work on all Chromebooks?

No, tablet mode only appears on convertible Chromebooks with a touchscreen and a hinge that can rotate 360 degrees. Clamshell Chromebooks don't have the hardware to fold into a tablet.

How do I exit tablet mode?

Simply fold the keyboard back to its normal laptop position. The system automatically switches back to the desktop interface.

Can I use an external keyboard while in tablet mode?

Yes, you can pair a Bluetooth keyboard and use it even when the built-in keyboard is folded away. The on-screen keyboard will still appear when you tap a text field unless you disable it.

Does tablet mode affect battery life?

No specific numbers are available, but using the touchscreen and keeping the display bright can consume more power. You can use the battery settings to reduce brightness and enable battery saver if needed.

Can I use a stylus in tablet mode?

Yes, if your Chromebook supports a stylus, you can use it for precise actions like drawing, handwriting, and selecting text. The stylus works in both laptop and tablet modes.