How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard on a Chromebook

What the on-screen keyboard does

The on-screen keyboard is a software keyboard built into ChromeOS. It lets you type without using the physical keyboard on the Chromebook. It is useful when the hardware keyboard is unavailable, when you are using a tablet-style setup, or when you need larger keys and a more accessible input method.

ChromeOS is the Google-built operating system at the heart of every Chromebook. The on-screen keyboard is part of that system, so it does not require a separate download and works even when you are offline. It is also available on devices that do not have a touchscreen, which makes it a flexible backup input method.

Common uses for the on-screen keyboard include:

• Replacing a missing or damaged keyboard
• Typing in tablet mode on a 2-in-1 Chromebook
• Using a touchscreen or stylus for text entry
• Providing a larger, more accessible input area
• Entering text when the external keyboard is disconnected or not working

Enable it from accessibility settings

To turn on the on-screen keyboard, open Quick Settings by selecting the time in the bottom-right corner, then choose the Settings gear. Go to Accessibility, then Keyboard, and turn on On-screen keyboard. The virtual keyboard appears at the bottom of the screen.

If you use a Chromebook managed by a school or employer, your administrator may control whether accessibility settings can be changed. On most personal Chromebooks, this setting is available to any user.

You can also use the accessibility menu from the Quick Settings panel to toggle common features more quickly. Once the on-screen keyboard is enabled, it remains available until you turn it off in the same settings area.

• Select the time in the bottom-right corner.
• Select Settings.
• Go to Accessibility, then Keyboard.
• Turn on On-screen keyboard.

Use it on a touchscreen Chromebook

On a touchscreen Chromebook, the on-screen keyboard often appears automatically. Tap any text field, and ChromeOS shows the virtual keyboard below the field. This is especially convenient on 2-in-1 Chromebooks and when you flip the screen into a tablet position.

To use the keyboard, tap the keys you want. Your touchscreen accepts taps and multitouch gestures, so you can reach keys quickly. On a 2-in-1 device, you can fold the screen back and use the device more like a tablet while the on-screen keyboard stays available.

If the keyboard does not appear automatically on your touchscreen model, turn it on in Accessibility settings. It will then stay visible until you close it or turn it off.

For display and feature guidance, see our roundup of the best touchscreen Chromebooks and our guide to using a Chromebook in tablet mode.

Use it without a touchscreen

The on-screen keyboard is not limited to touchscreen Chromebooks. You can enable it from Accessibility settings on a clamshell laptop and select keys with the trackpad, an external mouse, or another pointing device. This can be a practical backup if a key stops working or if you are using a Chromebook with the built-in keyboard disabled.

When you use the on-screen keyboard without a touchscreen, you can still click each key with the pointer. The layout mirrors the physical keyboard, including number, letter, punctuation, and modifier keys.

Some users prefer to combine the on-screen keyboard with an external keyboard. The external keyboard gives a familiar typing feel, while the on-screen keyboard remains available for special characters and accessibility needs.

If a physical key is physically stuck or broken, the on-screen keyboard can keep you working while you arrange a repair. For more help, see Chromebook keyboard troubleshooting.

Combine it with voice typing and other input

ChromeOS also includes voice typing, which can complement the on-screen keyboard. When you need to enter a long paragraph, you can dictate instead of tapping keys. Learn how to enable voice typing on a Chromebook.

The on-screen keyboard works alongside other accessibility features too. You can enlarge the display, use a screen magnifier, or adjust keyboard settings to make text entry easier. For an overview of the tools available, start with Chromebook accessibility.

Because the on-screen keyboard is part of ChromeOS, features like autocorrect, spell check, and suggestion chips may appear as they do with a physical keyboard. This makes it useful for students, older users, and anyone who wants an alternative to hardware keys.

Adjust keyboard layout and language

You can manage keyboard language and input settings from the Chromebook Settings menu. If you use more than one language, the on-screen keyboard can help you switch between layouts without needing a special physical keyboard.

To add a keyboard language, open Settings, select Device, then Keyboard and inputs. From there, you can add or remove input methods. The on-screen keyboard uses the same selected input method as the rest of ChromeOS.

If you regularly type in multiple languages, see how to set the keyboard language on a Chromebook for step-by-step instructions.

Keep ChromeOS updated

ChromeOS updates are automatic when your Chromebook connects to the internet. Restart your device when you see the update notification so the latest version can finish installing. If the on-screen keyboard is missing or behaves unexpectedly, checking for updates is a sensible next step.

ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of updates from the platform release date. Keeping your device updated helps maintain consistent accessibility features, including the on-screen keyboard.

To check your version, open Settings, select About ChromeOS, and choose Check for updates. See the full steps in our guide to checking and installing ChromeOS updates.

Troubleshoot the on-screen keyboard

If the keyboard will not show, try these steps in order:

• Turn on On-screen keyboard in Accessibility settings.
• Restart your Chromebook.
• Check for ChromeOS updates and restart if one is pending.
• Make sure the Chromebook is not connected to a physical keyboard that may hide the on-screen keyboard.
• If you use a managed Chromebook, ask your administrator whether accessibility settings are allowed.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How do I enable the on-screen keyboard on a Chromebook?

Open Settings by selecting the time in the bottom-right corner, then select Accessibility, Keyboard, and turn on On-screen keyboard. The virtual keyboard appears at the bottom of the display. On touchscreen models, it may also appear automatically when you tap a text field.

Does the on-screen keyboard work on Chromebooks without a touchscreen?

Yes. You can turn it on from Accessibility settings and select keys using the trackpad, an external mouse, or another pointing device. It is not limited to touchscreen hardware.

Why is my Chromebook on-screen keyboard not showing?

Check that On-screen keyboard is turned on in Accessibility settings. Restart the Chromebook and check for ChromeOS updates. On a managed Chromebook, an administrator may control whether accessibility and input features are available.

Can I use the on-screen keyboard in tablet mode?

Yes. On a touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook, the on-screen keyboard appears when you tap a text field and is designed for tablet use. You can also turn it on from Accessibility settings if it does not appear automatically.

Can I use voice typing instead of the on-screen keyboard?

ChromeOS has voice typing built in. You can enable it from the keyboard area or from accessibility settings, and it is a good complement to the on-screen keyboard for longer text entry.

What should I do if my physical keyboard is damaged?

Enable the on-screen keyboard from Accessibility settings as a temporary or permanent typing method. For issues with individual keys, see Chromebook keyboard troubleshooting. You may also connect an external keyboard.