Chromebooks don't have a Caps Lock key. That confuses people switching over from Windows or Mac. The Search key takes its spot on the left side of the keyboard and the Caps Lock function is hidden behind a shortcut.
So when you accidentally enable Caps Lock and want it off, here's exactly how to do it.
The Alt + Search shortcut
Press Alt and the Search key (the magnifying glass or Launcher key on the left) at the same time. That toggles Caps Lock on and off. You'll see a small icon appear in the bottom-right corner of your screen when it's active.
If your Chromebook has the newer launcher key with the circle icon, the shortcut is the same. Press both keys together and Caps Lock flips off. The notification disappears too.
Just press Shift once to undo it
Easier method actually. If Caps Lock is on, tapping Shift once turns it off automatically. This works because ChromeOS treats Shift as a Caps Lock release key. Faster than the Alt+Search combo if you're mid-typing.
I use this one most of the time. Two-key shortcuts feel slow when you're typing fast and just want lowercase back.
Permanently remap the Search key to Caps Lock
If you actually want a real Caps Lock key, ChromeOS lets you remap the Search key. Open Settings, go to Device, click Keyboard, and find the Search key dropdown. Change it to Caps Lock.
Now that key works like a traditional Caps Lock on any other keyboard. You lose quick access to the Launcher though, so think about whether that trade is worth it. Most people don't need a dedicated Caps Lock key in daily life.
Disable Caps Lock entirely
You can also remap the Search key to Disabled in the same menu. That kills the shortcut entirely. Useful if you keep hitting it by accident while reaching for something else.
Quick reference table of what each remap does:
| Setting | What happens |
|---|---|
| Search (default) | Opens launcher, Alt+Search toggles Caps Lock |
| Caps Lock | Acts like a traditional Caps Lock key |
| Disabled | Key does nothing at all |
| Ctrl / Alt / Esc | Remaps to that key instead |
External USB keyboard?
If you plug a regular keyboard into your Chromebook, the actual Caps Lock key works like normal. Press it once to enable, press it again to disable. No shortcut needed. ChromeOS treats the external key as a real Caps Lock.
This is the easiest answer for anyone who hates the Search key setup. Twenty bucks at any office store and Caps Lock is back forever.
Anything weirder happening with your keyboard? Like the shortcut not working at all? Let me know in the comments and I'll dig in.