Chromebook is a lightweight laptop made by Google that runs ChromeOS instead of Windows or macOS. It is fast, simple and great for everyday tasks like browsing, email, Google Docs and Netflix. But sometimes Caps Lock gets turned on by accident and you have to fix it, e.g., your password keeps getting rejected, your messages look like you are yelling or you just hit the wrong key.
I know, frustrating. Chromebook does not even have a dedicated Caps Lock key like other laptops. Google replaced it with a search key. Bear with me, the fix is easier than it looks.
This easy guide will help you turn off Caps Lock on Chromebook by showing you the correct keyboard shortcut, explaining what to do if Caps Lock keeps turning on by itself and helping you find the setting that hides this option.
Why Caps Lock Is Different on Chromebook
Look, here is the deal. Google removed the standard Caps Lock key from Chromebook keyboards on purpose. They replaced it with a Search key (also called the Launcher key) that has a magnifying glass or circle icon.
So you cannot just tap Caps Lock like on a Windows or Mac laptop. The keyboard shortcut works differently.
Method 1: The Quick Keyboard Shortcut
This is the fastest way to turn Caps Lock off or on. One shortcut, both directions.
Press Alt + Search (the magnifying glass key) at the same time.
That is it. If Caps Lock was on, it turns off. If it was off, it turns on. You will see a small notification near the bottom right of the screen confirming the change.
Trust me, this is the shortcut Google does not put on the keyboard. Most people never find it on their own.
Method 2: Turn Off Caps Lock Through Settings
If the keyboard shortcut is not working or you want to permanently disable Caps Lock so it never activates, here is the settings path.
- Click the clock at the bottom right of your Chromebook screen.
- Click the gear icon to open Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click Device.
- Click Keyboard and inputs.
- Find the Search key (or Caps Lock key, depending on your model).
- Set it to whatever you want (Search, Caps Lock, Esc, Backspace).
If you set the Search key behavior to Search only, Alt + Search will no longer trigger Caps Lock at all. Problem solved.
Method 3: Check the On-Screen Caps Lock Indicator
Chromebook shows a notification icon when Caps Lock is on. It looks like a small uppercase A in the corner.
If you are not sure whether Caps Lock is on, look at the bottom right of your screen near the clock. A Caps Lock icon means it is on. No icon means it is off.
Useful when you are typing and not sure why everything looks weird.
What If Caps Lock Keeps Turning On By Itself
This happens more often than Google wants to admit. A stuck key, a guest profile setting or a Chrome extension can mess with it.
Quick checks.
- Restart your Chromebook. Sounds basic but solves half the cases.
- Sign out and sign back in. Some profile settings reset on login.
- Disable browser extensions one by one. Some keyboard remappers can interfere.
- Check if you are on Guest Mode where settings differ.
If nothing works, do a Powerwash (factory reset) as a last resort. Save your files to Google Drive first.
Can You Replace the Search Key with Caps Lock Permanently
Yes you can. If you really miss the dedicated Caps Lock key from your old laptop, you can remap the Search key to act as Caps Lock all the time.
Settings > Device > Keyboard and inputs > Search key > set it to Caps Lock.
Done. Your Chromebook now has a dedicated Caps Lock key. The trade-off is you lose the quick search shortcut.
My Honest Opinion
Honestly, Google had a point removing the Caps Lock key. Most people do not need it as often as the search shortcut. But if you are coming from Windows and you keep hitting that left-side key expecting Caps Lock, the remap option above is the fix.
For everyone else, the Alt + Search shortcut works fine. Use it when you need it, ignore the rest of the time.
Final Thoughts
Turning off Caps Lock on Chromebook is just one shortcut once you know the trick. Alt + Search. Both directions.
If Caps Lock keeps activating on its own, restart, sign out or check your extensions. If you want it gone permanently, remap the Search key in Settings.
Also, if you follow our steps and still face difficulties turning off Caps Lock on Chromebook, seek help from Google support or leave a comment in the comment section of our blog.