How to Disable Touchscreen on Your Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide
Chromebooks have become incredibly popular due to their simplicity, speed, and affordability. Many Chromebook models come equipped with touchscreens, offering a versatile way to interact with the operating system and applications. However, there might be situations where you’d prefer to disable the touchscreen functionality. Perhaps you’re experiencing accidental touches, or you prefer using a mouse and keyboard. Whatever the reason, disabling the touchscreen on a Chromebook is a relatively straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to turn off the touchscreen on your Chromebook, covering both temporary and more permanent solutions.
## Why Disable the Touchscreen on Your Chromebook?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore some common reasons why you might want to disable the touchscreen:
* **Accidental Touches:** While touchscreens are convenient, they can also be prone to accidental touches, especially when typing or using the trackpad. This can lead to unintended actions and disruptions.
* **Preference for Mouse and Keyboard:** Some users simply prefer the precision and control offered by a traditional mouse and keyboard setup. They might find the touchscreen less efficient for certain tasks, like graphic design or detailed document editing.
* **Hardware Issues:** A malfunctioning touchscreen can register phantom touches or become unresponsive in certain areas. Disabling it can provide a temporary workaround while you troubleshoot or seek a repair.
* **Presentation Mode:** When presenting on a Chromebook, you might want to disable the touchscreen to prevent accidental interactions with the screen while focusing on the presentation itself.
* **Childproofing:** If a young child is using the Chromebook, disabling the touchscreen can prevent them from inadvertently opening apps or changing settings.
* **Battery Saving:** Although the power consumption of a touchscreen is generally low, disabling it can contribute to a slight improvement in battery life, especially on older Chromebook models.
## Methods to Disable the Touchscreen
There are several ways to disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook, ranging from built-in settings to Chrome extensions. We’ll cover the most effective and user-friendly methods below.
### Method 1: Using Chrome Flags (Developer Mode – Advanced)
This method involves accessing Chrome Flags, experimental features that can be enabled or disabled to customize the Chrome OS experience. While powerful, enabling developer mode carries some risks, so proceed with caution and back up any important data before proceeding. **This method requires enabling Developer Mode, which will wipe your local data and potentially expose your system to security risks. Proceed with caution!**
1. **Enable Developer Mode (Warning: Data Loss):**
* This process varies depending on your Chromebook model, but typically involves pressing a combination of keys during startup. The most common method is to hold down the `Esc` and `Refresh` keys while pressing the power button. Your Chromebook will restart into recovery mode.
* At the recovery screen, press `Ctrl + D`. This will prompt you to enable Developer Mode.
* Press `Enter` to confirm. The Chromebook will restart and begin the process of enabling Developer Mode. This may take a few minutes.
* **Important:** Enabling Developer Mode will wipe all data stored locally on your Chromebook. Make sure you have backed up any important files to Google Drive or an external storage device.
2. **Access Chrome Flags:**
* Once your Chromebook has booted into Developer Mode, open the Chrome browser.
* In the address bar, type `chrome://flags` and press `Enter`.
3. **Search for Touchscreen Flag:**
* In the search box at the top of the `chrome://flags` page, type “touchscreen”.
* You should see a flag labeled “Touchscreen”.
4. **Disable the Touchscreen:**
* Click the dropdown menu next to the “Touchscreen” flag. It will likely be set to “Default” or “Enabled”.
* Select “Disabled” from the dropdown menu.
5. **Restart Your Chromebook:**
* At the bottom of the page, you’ll see a button that says “Restart”. Click this button to restart your Chromebook for the changes to take effect.
* After the Chromebook restarts, the touchscreen should be disabled.
**Re-enabling the Touchscreen:**
To re-enable the touchscreen, follow the same steps above, but instead of selecting “Disabled”, choose “Enabled” or “Default” from the dropdown menu next to the “Touchscreen” flag. Then, restart your Chromebook.
**Important Considerations for Developer Mode:**
* **Security Risks:** Developer Mode disables certain security features, making your Chromebook more vulnerable to malware and other threats. Be cautious about the websites you visit and the files you download.
* **Data Loss:** Enabling Developer Mode wipes your local data. Back up your important files before proceeding.
* **Voiding Warranty:** Enabling Developer Mode may void your Chromebook’s warranty. Check the terms and conditions of your warranty before proceeding.
### Method 2: Using a Chrome Extension (Simplest & Recommended)
This is the safest and easiest method. Chrome extensions are small software programs that add functionality to the Chrome browser. Several extensions can disable the touchscreen on your Chromebook without requiring Developer Mode. Here’s how to use one:
1. **Open the Chrome Web Store:**
* Open the Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
* In the address bar, type `chrome.google.com/webstore` and press `Enter`.
2. **Search for a Touchscreen Disabler Extension:**
* In the search box at the top of the Chrome Web Store, type “disable touchscreen” or “touchscreen blocker”.
* Several extensions will appear in the search results. Look for one with good reviews and a large number of users. Some popular options include:
* **Touch Lock:** A simple and effective extension that allows you to disable the touchscreen with a single click.
* **Touchscreen Blocker:** Another reliable extension that blocks all touchscreen input.
* **Disable Touch:** A versatile extension that allows you to disable not only the touchscreen but also the trackpad and keyboard.
3. **Install the Extension:**
* Click on the extension you want to install.
* Click the “Add to Chrome” button.
* A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Add extension” to confirm the installation.
4. **Use the Extension:**
* Once the extension is installed, an icon will appear in the Chrome toolbar (usually near the address bar).
* Click on the extension icon to disable the touchscreen. The exact functionality may vary depending on the extension you choose, but most extensions will disable the touchscreen immediately upon clicking the icon.
**Re-enabling the Touchscreen:**
To re-enable the touchscreen, simply click on the extension icon again. The touchscreen will be re-enabled.
**Pros of Using a Chrome Extension:**
* **Easy to Install and Use:** Chrome extensions are simple to install and typically require just a single click to enable or disable the touchscreen.
* **No Developer Mode Required:** This method does not require enabling Developer Mode, so it’s much safer and less risky.
* **Reversible:** You can easily uninstall the extension if you no longer need it.
* **Variety of Options:** There are several touchscreen disabler extensions available in the Chrome Web Store, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
**Cons of Using a Chrome Extension:**
* **Third-Party Software:** Chrome extensions are developed by third-party developers, so there’s always a small risk of security vulnerabilities or privacy concerns. Choose extensions from reputable developers with good reviews.
* **Potential Performance Impact:** Some extensions can consume system resources and potentially slow down your Chromebook, although this is usually minimal for simple touchscreen disabler extensions.
### Method 3: Using the Linux (Beta) Terminal (Advanced)
If you have Linux (Beta) enabled on your Chromebook, you can use the command line to disable the touchscreen. This method is more technical but can be effective. **This method requires Linux (Beta) to be enabled. It is also more advanced and requires familiarity with the command line.**
1. **Enable Linux (Beta):**
* If you haven’t already, enable Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook. Go to Settings > Linux (Beta) > Turn on. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Linux.
2. **Open the Terminal:**
* Once Linux is installed, open the Terminal app. You can find it in the app launcher.
3. **Identify Your Touchscreen Device:**
* Type the following command in the terminal and press `Enter`:
bash
xinput list
* This command will list all input devices connected to your Chromebook. Look for the touchscreen device. It will typically be listed as something like “Atmel maXTouch Digitizer” or similar. Note the `id=` number associated with the touchscreen device. For example, it might be `id=11`.
4. **Disable the Touchscreen:**
* Type the following command in the terminal, replacing `[device_id]` with the actual ID of your touchscreen device:
bash
xinput disable [device_id]
For example, if your touchscreen device ID is 11, the command would be:
bash
xinput disable 11
* Press `Enter` to execute the command. This will disable the touchscreen.
**Re-enabling the Touchscreen:**
To re-enable the touchscreen, type the following command in the terminal, replacing `[device_id]` with the actual ID of your touchscreen device:
bash
xinput enable [device_id]
For example:
bash
xinput enable 11
Press `Enter` to execute the command. This will re-enable the touchscreen.
**Making the Change Permanent (Optional):**
The `xinput disable` command only disables the touchscreen for the current session. When you restart your Chromebook, the touchscreen will be re-enabled. To make the change permanent, you can add the `xinput disable` command to your `.bashrc` file, which is executed every time you open a new terminal session.
1. **Open the `.bashrc` File:**
* Type the following command in the terminal and press `Enter`:
bash
nano ~/.bashrc
This will open the `.bashrc` file in the `nano` text editor.
2. **Add the `xinput disable` Command:**
* Scroll to the bottom of the `.bashrc` file.
* Add the following line to the file, replacing `[device_id]` with the actual ID of your touchscreen device:
bash
xinput disable [device_id]
For example:
bash
xinput disable 11
3. **Save the File:**
* Press `Ctrl + X` to exit the `nano` text editor.
* Press `Y` to confirm that you want to save the changes.
* Press `Enter` to save the file.
4. **Restart the Terminal:**
* Close the Terminal app and reopen it. The `xinput disable` command will be executed automatically, disabling the touchscreen.
**Important Considerations for Using the Linux Terminal:**
* **Command Line Knowledge:** This method requires familiarity with the command line and Linux commands.
* **Correct Device ID:** It’s crucial to identify the correct ID of your touchscreen device. Using the wrong ID can disable other input devices.
* **Permanent Change:** Adding the `xinput disable` command to your `.bashrc` file will make the change permanent. If you want to re-enable the touchscreen, you’ll need to remove the command from the `.bashrc` file.
### Method 4: Physical Disconnection (If Possible – Advanced/Hardware Dependent)
This method is the most drastic and not generally recommended unless you have experience with hardware modification. It involves physically disconnecting the touchscreen from the Chromebook’s motherboard. **This method is highly discouraged unless you have extensive experience with electronics repair. It can void your warranty and potentially damage your Chromebook.**
1. **Identify the Touchscreen Connector:**
* This requires opening the Chromebook’s case and identifying the connector that connects the touchscreen to the motherboard. This is a delicate process and should only be attempted by experienced technicians.
2. **Disconnect the Connector:**
* Carefully disconnect the connector. Be extremely gentle to avoid damaging the connector or the motherboard.
**Important Considerations for Physical Disconnection:**
* **Voiding Warranty:** This method will void your Chromebook’s warranty.
* **Potential Damage:** There’s a high risk of damaging your Chromebook if you’re not experienced with electronics repair.
* **Irreversible:** Reconnecting the touchscreen may require professional assistance.
* **Not Recommended:** This method is generally not recommended and should only be considered as a last resort.
## Troubleshooting
If you encounter problems while disabling or re-enabling the touchscreen, here are some troubleshooting tips:
* **Restart Your Chromebook:** A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
* **Check Extension Settings:** If you’re using a Chrome extension, check its settings to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
* **Update Chrome OS:** Make sure your Chromebook is running the latest version of Chrome OS. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
* **Check for Hardware Issues:** If the touchscreen is malfunctioning even after disabling it, there might be a hardware problem. Consider contacting a qualified technician for repair.
* **Reverse the Steps:** Carefully review the steps you took to disable the touchscreen and reverse them one by one.
* **Powerwash:** As a last resort, you can perform a Powerwash, which will reset your Chromebook to its factory settings. This will erase all data stored locally, so make sure to back up your important files first. To Powerwash, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset > Powerwash.
## Conclusion
Disabling the touchscreen on your Chromebook can be a useful solution in various situations. Whether you’re dealing with accidental touches, preferring a mouse and keyboard, or troubleshooting a malfunctioning screen, the methods described in this guide should help you achieve your goal. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical expertise and comfort level, and always prioritize data backup and safety. The simplest and recommended method is using a Chrome Extension. For more advanced users, Chrome Flags or the Linux Terminal provide alternative options. Avoid physical disconnection unless you are a qualified technician. By following these instructions carefully, you can customize your Chromebook experience to better suit your needs.