One of the great things about having a Chromebook is the ability to pair it with your Android phone. Connecting your Android phone to your Chromebook enables some really useful features that integrate the two devices together.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to connect your Android phone to your Chromebook. We’ll also discuss the benefits you’ll get after connecting the two devices.
Table of Contents
Preparation Before Connecting a Phone to Chromebook
Before connecting your phone to your Chromebook, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:
- Chromebook running ChromeOS version 71 or newer – Most modern Chromebooks will work, but double check your Chromebook is running the minimum required ChromeOS version. Go to Settings > About ChromeOS to verify the version.
- Android phone running Android 5.1 or newer – You’ll also need a relatively modern Android phone running Android 5.1 or newer. Most phones from the last 5 years meet this requirement.
- Google account – You’ll need to sign into both your Chromebook and Android phone with the same Google account. This links the two devices together.
If your devices meet these prerequisites, you’re ready to connect them.
Method One: Connect Your Phone During Chromebook Setup
The easiest time to connect your Android phone is during the initial setup of your Chromebook. Here’s how to do it:
- When you first power on your new Chromebook, you’ll be prompted to select your language and keyboard. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- On the Get Started screen, select Sign in with Google. Enter your Google account email and password.
- On the Connect your Android phone screen, select Accept & Continue.
- Open the Set up nearby devices menu on your Android phone and select your Chromebook.
- You’ll get a confirmation on your phone when it connects. This also enables Smart Lock to unlock your Chromebook when your phone is nearby.
- Select Done and continue following the rest of the setup process.
That’s it! Your phone and Chromebook are now connected. This is the fastest way to get it set up. However, you can always skip this step during setup and connect your phone later on. The option to connect is available at any time.
Method Two: Connect Your Android Phone After Setup
If you didn’t connect your phone during setup, you can still easily connect it by:
- On your Chromebook, go to Settings > Connected devices.
- Next to Setup nearby device, select Set up.
- Choose your Android phone from the list of available devices.
- A confirmation will display on your phone. Select Continue or Accept to complete the connection.
- Follow any additional prompts on your Chromebook or phone to finish the setup.
Once completed, your Android phone and Chromebook will be connected using your Google account.
Features You Get After Connecting
Connecting your Android phone unlocks some great features that integrate your phone with your Chromebook. Here are some of the benefits:
- Sync Notifications
- Share Files Between Devices
- Send and Receive Text
- Use Phone’s Mobile Data
- Unlock with Smart Lock
- Instant Tethering
Troubleshooting Tips
If you run into any issues getting your phone connected to your Chromebook, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure your Chromebook is updated and running the latest version of ChromeOS.
- On your Android phone, check that you have the latest OS updates installed.
- Reboot both devices and try connecting again.
- Check that you’re signed into both devices with the same Google account.
- Go to Chromebook Settings > Connected devices and select Set up next to your phone again.
- Delete any existing paired devices and try pairing again from scratch.
- As a last resort, perform factory resets on your Chromebook and phone, then set up from scratch.
If you continue having issues getting your devices to connect, it’s likely an incompatibility issue with either your Chromebook model or Android phone model. You can search online to see if others have reported issues with your specific devices.
Conclusion
Connecting your Android phone to your Chromebook unlocks a whole suite of useful features. With your phone and Chromebook linked together by your Google account, you can seamlessly integrate the two devices.
Notifications, texts, and files will sync between them. You also get the ability to tether your phone’s data connection with your Chromebook for internet access anywhere.
FAQs
How do I display my phone on my Chromebook?
Go to the Chromebook settings, select “Connected Devices”, then select “Set Up” next to your Android phone. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone.
Where is phone hub on Chromebook?
The Phone Hub on a Chromebook can be accessed by selecting the phone icon on your Chromebook’s shelf, usually located at the bottom right of the screen.
Can I disconnect my currently connected phone and connect a different one?
Yes, you can disconnect your currently paired phone and connect a new one. In your Chromebook’s Connected Devices settings, select “Forget” to disconnect your phone. Then choose “Set up new device” and select your new phone.
