Acer Chromebook C720 Troubleshooting

Chromebook may respond slowly to interactions (like clicking or scrolling), or totally unresponsive to any interaction.

When the Chromebook’s memory is full it may be difficult to start new processes. The Chromebook will not be able to load new processes without free memory. To clear the memory of the system, press and hold the power button for a few seconds. This will close any running apps and processes and turn the computer completely off. The next time the Chromebook boots up the memory should be cleared.

When the Chromebook is running on an outdated or unstable version of its operating system certain actions may not function as intended. The first thing you should do is check to see which version of Chrome OS (the operating system) the Chromebook is running on. To check this, you need to first click on your account photo. Next you need to click on the Settings button. Under Settings there should be a Menu button (three horizontal lines) click on that button. Scroll down and click on About Chrome OS then click on “Detailed build information”. Next to the word “Channel” you should be able to see what version of Chrome OS you are using (Stable, Beta, or Dev).

1. If you are on Beta or Dev, you should switch to Stable. To do this click on “Change Channel”. This should give you the option to select Stable. Once you click “Stable” click on “Change channel and Powerwash”. This will uninstall your current version of Chrome OS and install the most updated version of the Stable Chrome OS on the Chromebook. Once the update installs click on “Relaunch and Powerwash”. This will finalize the update. You will need to sign in with your Google account again.
2. If you are on Stable, you may need to update Chrome OS. To check your current version of the Stable OS, click on “Settings” (gear icon). Next click “Menu” (three horizontal lines). Finally, under “Google Chrome OS” click on “Check for Updates”. This will automatically search for a software update. If an update is found it will be downloaded automatically. To finalize the update, click on the up arrow near your account photo. Once you click that arrow click on “Restart to Update”. This will restart the Chromebook and install the new update.

Chromebook will not connect to secondary screen when plugging in HDMI to TV.

Ensure that the HDMI cable is well connected to the output HDMI port on your Chromebook and the input HDMI port on your TV. If the HDMI cable is connected to the Chromebook and the TV, and the manage display window doesn’t pop-up, then the HDMI cable could possibly be damaged. Test the HDMI cable with other devices to assure that the HDMI cable is at fault. If so, you will need to replace your HDMI cable. If the HDMI cable works with other devices, check faulty HDMI port for more information.

Ensure that the HDMI cable is well connected to the output HDMI port on your Chromebook and the input HDMI port on your TV. If your HDMI cable works with other devices but won’t work with your Chromebook and TV, then it is possible that you could have faulty HDMI ports on either your Chromebook or TV. Try testing the HDMI ports with other devices. Try the following steps:

1. Connect your TV to another device with your HDMI cable. If it doesn’t work, then your TV’s HDMI port is damaged. If it does work, continue by testing your Chromebook’s HDMI port.
2. Connect your Chromebook to another TV or different device with your HDMI cable. If your Chromebook doesn’t connect then the Chromebook’s HDMI port is damaged.

If the Chromebook’s HDMI port is damaged, consider replacing the HDMI port following these steps:

1. First, you will need to unscrew all the screws in the bottom of your Chromebook with a screwdriver. Leave the screws aside in a safe spot so you don’t lose them.
2. Gingerly wedge off the bottom cover of the laptop with a rubber wedge to avoid scratching.
3. Remove the battery by unscrewing the two screws on the side of the battery keeping it in place. Then, unclip from the motherboard and carefully remove the battery. This is to avoid any electrical damage on other components and to avoid injury.
4. Remove motherboard from Chromebook. Please view steps on how to replace motherboard.
5. Locate the HDMI port.
6. Use a solder removal tool from a soldering tool kit to carefully remove the old HDMI port from the motherboard.
7. Once removed, put replacement HDMI port in place.
8. Solder the replacement HDMI port down.
9. Reassemble motherboard into the Chromebook.
10. Do steps 1, 2, and 3 in reverse to reassemble Chromebook.

Chromebook does not respond to charger input.

A common issue with Chromebooks is that if they have been left on 0% battery for an extended period of time the battery may completely discharge. When a battery completely discharges it may not recharge again. The easiest way to fix this issue would be to replace the battery. A new battery can be purchased here.

Ensure that the device is fully charged or plugged into a power adapter. If either of these are the case, and the screen still refuses to start, then the charger adapter could possibly be damaged. You will need to buy a new charger adapter appropriate for your Acer Chromebook C720-2827. You may also contact Acer. They can repair or replace the device in accordance with their repair and replace policy.

Chromebook screen is completely unresponsive/stuck on black screen on startup.

Perform a hard reset on your Chromebook. This will restore your Chromebook and remove trickle charge that keeps the embedded controller (EC) running. The hard reset drops all power to the EC. The procedure is as follows:

1. Turn off your Chromebook.
2. Press refresh + power button.

If the battery isn't connected properly, the Chromebook may not be getting the necessary power it needs. For instructions on how to take out the battery and put it back in, please read through our battery replacement guide here.

Chromebook wireless connection is less than optimal causing a slow Internet connection.

If there are multiple devices on the same network that are experiencing poor WiFi connection then the router may be the source of the problem. The first thing to try would be to restart the router and modem. If that does not work then please follow the troubleshooting steps in the manual that came with the router/modem.

If the wireless connection only gets weaker when your Chromebook's battery is low then you may need to charge your Chromebook. With many different types of technology when a device's battery gets low it performs worse. The same applies to Chromebooks, so when you notice that the wireless connection gets worse at a low battery it may be time to charge the Chromebook.