Forgot Password
Google Chromebook
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Your Chromebook password is your Google account password. Reset it at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on any phone, tablet, or other computer. Once reset, return to the Chromebook and use the new password — no data is lost. If you cannot reset the Google account (e.g. a school or work account you do not control), contact the account administrator.
Affected Models
- All Chromebook models
- Personal Google accounts and managed school/work Google accounts
Common Causes
- Forgotten Google account password
- Google account password changed on another device and the Chromebook is prompting for the new one
- School or work account password expired
- Parental controls or Family Link changed the account password
How to Fix It
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On any other device (phone, tablet, another computer), go to accounts.google.com and follow the account recovery steps to reset your Google password.
Google will verify your identity by sending a code to your recovery email or phone number. If you no longer have access to those, follow the additional account recovery steps Google provides.
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Return to the Chromebook login screen and enter your email address and the new password. The Chromebook will sync and allow you in.
If the Chromebook was offline when you reset the password, you may need to click the network icon at the bottom of the login screen to connect to Wi-Fi first.
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If the account is a school or work Google Workspace account that you do not manage, contact the IT administrator or teacher to reset the password. You cannot reset a managed account yourself.
School Chromebooks are enrolled in Google Admin Console. The administrator can reset passwords, unlock accounts, and push new credentials remotely.
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As a last resort if you cannot recover the account, perform a Powerwash (factory reset). Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R on the login screen and follow the prompts. This erases all local data but lets you sign in with any Google account.
Powerwash erases all local data. Google Drive data is not affected — it remains in the cloud and will sync when you sign in again.
Frequently Asked Questions
I know my password but the Chromebook says it is wrong — what do I do?
Your Google account password may have been changed recently on another device. Go to accounts.google.com on your phone to check and set a known password. Also check that Caps Lock is not on and that you are using the correct email address.