How to Turn On Keyboard Light on Chromebook

Chromebook desk setup.

Last updated on January 17th, 2024

As someone who has spent a lot of time using a Chromebook, I understand how frustrating it can be when you can’t figure out how to turn on the keyboard light. In this article, I will guide you through the process of turning on the keyboard light on your Chromebook.

Whether you’re using a Chromebook for work, school, or personal use, having a backlit keyboard can be incredibly helpful in low-light conditions. So let’s get started and shed some light on this issue!

How to Turn On Keyboard Light on Chromebook

To turn on the keyboard light on your Chromebook, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the “Brightness” key on your Chromebook keyboard. It is usually represented by a sun icon, and it is located in the top row of keys, along with the volume and power buttons.
  2. Press the “Brightness” key while holding down the “Alt” key. This combination of keys is used to adjust the keyboard backlight brightness on most Chromebooks.
  3. Keep pressing the “Brightness” key while holding down the “Alt” key until the keyboard light turns on. You may need to press the key multiple times to cycle through different brightness levels.
  4. Once the keyboard light is turned on, you can adjust the brightness by pressing the “Brightness” key while holding down the “Alt” key and simultaneously pressing the up or down arrow keys. This will increase or decrease the brightness of the keyboard backlight.
  5. When you have achieved the desired brightness level, release the “Alt” key and the keyboard light will remain on at that brightness level until you manually adjust it again.

That’s it! By following these simple steps, you can turn on and adjust the keyboard light on your Chromebook to suit your needs.

Common Problems

Sometimes, despite following the steps mentioned above, you may encounter some common problems when trying to turn on the keyboard light on your Chromebook. Here are a few issues you might face and how to troubleshoot them:

  1. Keyboard light not turning on: If the keyboard light does not turn on after following the steps mentioned, try restarting your Chromebook and then follow the steps again. If the issue persists, it could be a hardware problem, and you may need to contact the manufacturer or seek professional assistance.
  2. Inconsistent keyboard light: If the keyboard light turns off randomly or behaves inconsistently, try adjusting the brightness level to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem continues, it could be a software issue, and updating your Chromebook’s operating system to the latest version may help.
  3. Keyboard light too dim or too bright: If you find that the keyboard light is either too dim or too bright, you can adjust the brightness level by following the steps mentioned earlier. Experiment with different brightness levels to find the one that suits you best.

Extra Tips

To enhance your experience with the keyboard light on your Chromebook, here are a few additional tips:

  • Make sure to keep your Chromebook’s operating system up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve issues related to the keyboard light.
  • If you’re using an external keyboard with your Chromebook, check if it has a separate key or key combination to control the keyboard light. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for details.
  • If you’re working in a well-lit environment, consider turning off the keyboard light to conserve battery life.

FAQs

How long does the keyboard light stay on?

The keyboard light on your Chromebook will stay on until you manually turn it off or adjust the brightness level. It does not have a built-in timer that automatically turns off the light after a certain period of time.

Can I adjust the keyboard light color on my Chromebook?

No, Chromebooks do not support customizable keyboard light colors. The keyboard lights are typically white or a muted color and cannot be changed to different colors.

Will turning on the keyboard light drain my Chromebook’s battery faster?

Yes, using the keyboard light will consume some battery power. If you are concerned about battery life, consider adjusting the brightness level or turning off the keyboard light when it’s not needed.

Can I adjust the keyboard light brightness without pressing the “Alt” key?

No, on most Chromebooks, the “Alt” key needs to be pressed along with the “Brightness” key to adjust the keyboard light brightness. This key combination allows for easy control of the backlight without requiring additional dedicated keys.

By John Routledge

Founder and owner of Technoshia.com - I'm an avid tech junkie, a lover of new gadgets and home automation. You will often find me reading, writing, and learning about new technologies. I've been featured in many leading technology magazines where I've written about my favorite topics.