Turn Your Chromebook Into a Second Screen: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s multi-tasking world, having a second monitor can significantly boost productivity. Whether you’re coding, writing, editing videos, or simply browsing the web, extending your screen real estate can streamline your workflow and make juggling multiple applications a breeze. But what if you don’t want to invest in a dedicated second monitor? The good news is, you might already have a perfectly capable device lying around: your Chromebook.
Yes, you read that right! With the right tools and a little know-how, you can transform your Chromebook into a secondary display for your laptop or desktop computer. This guide will walk you through several methods to achieve this, covering everything from software solutions to hardware options, ensuring you find the best approach for your specific needs.
## Why Use a Chromebook as a Second Monitor?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s explore why using a Chromebook as a second monitor is a worthwhile endeavor:
* **Cost-Effective:** If you already own a Chromebook, this is a free or very low-cost solution compared to buying a new monitor.
* **Portability:** Chromebooks are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for creating a dual-screen setup on the go. You can easily carry your second monitor with you to coffee shops, libraries, or client meetings.
* **Increased Productivity:** A second screen allows you to spread out your work, reducing the need to constantly switch between applications. This can lead to a significant improvement in your focus and efficiency.
* **Versatility:** You can use the Chromebook as a dedicated display for specific tasks, such as monitoring email, keeping an eye on social media feeds, or displaying reference materials.
* **Repurposing an Old Chromebook:** Instead of letting an older Chromebook gather dust, you can give it a new lease on life as a useful secondary display.
## Methods for Using a Chromebook as a Second Monitor
There are several methods you can use to turn your Chromebook into a secondary monitor. We’ll cover the most popular and effective options, outlining the pros and cons of each.
### 1. Using Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free and readily available tool from Google that allows you to remotely access one computer from another. While primarily designed for remote control, it can also be cleverly used to extend your display.
**Pros:**
* Free and easy to set up.
* Cross-platform compatibility (works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS).
* Secure connection.
**Cons:**
* Relies on a stable internet connection.
* Can experience some lag, especially with graphically intensive applications.
* Not a true “extended” display; it mirrors or controls the other computer.
**Steps:**
1. **Install Chrome Remote Desktop on Both Devices:**
* On your primary computer (the one you want to extend the display from), open the Chrome browser and navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop website: `https://remotedesktop.google.com/`. Download and install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.
* Repeat the same process on your Chromebook.
2. **Set up Remote Access on Your Primary Computer:**
* On your primary computer, open the Chrome Remote Desktop extension. Click on the “Remote Access” tab and then click the “Download” button under “Set up Remote Access.” This will download and install the Chrome Remote Desktop host application.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a PIN. This PIN will be required to connect to your computer from the Chromebook.
* Give your computer a descriptive name so you can easily identify it from your Chromebook.
3. **Connect from Your Chromebook:**
* On your Chromebook, open the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.
* You should see your primary computer listed under “Remote devices.” Click on it.
* Enter the PIN you created earlier and click “Connect.”
4. **Configure Display Settings (if mirroring):**
* By default, Chrome Remote Desktop might mirror your primary display on the Chromebook. If you want to use it as a true second screen, you’ll need to adjust your primary computer’s display settings.
* **Windows:** Go to Settings > System > Display. Under “Multiple displays,” choose “Extend these displays.” You may need to rearrange the displays to position the Chromebook screen correctly.
* **macOS:** Go to System Preferences > Displays. Click the “Arrangement” tab. You can drag the display icons to position them relative to each other.
**Important Considerations for Chrome Remote Desktop:**
* **Internet Connection:** A strong and stable internet connection is crucial for a smooth experience. Both your primary computer and Chromebook need to be connected to the internet.
* **Performance:** Chrome Remote Desktop can be resource-intensive. Close unnecessary applications on both devices to improve performance.
* **Security:** Make sure to choose a strong PIN for your Chrome Remote Desktop connection to prevent unauthorized access.
### 2. Using a Third-Party Screen Sharing App (Spacedesk)
Spacedesk is a popular and reliable third-party application specifically designed to turn devices into secondary displays. It works by installing a server application on your primary computer and a client application on your Chromebook.
**Pros:**
* Designed specifically for use as a second monitor.
* Offers better performance than Chrome Remote Desktop (in many cases).
* Supports multiple connection methods (Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet).
* Free for basic use.
**Cons:**
* Requires installing software on both devices.
* Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.
* Compatibility issues can sometimes arise, depending on your hardware and operating system.
**Steps:**
1. **Download and Install Spacedesk Driver Server on Your Primary Computer:**
* Go to the Spacedesk website: `https://www.spacedesk.net/` and download the Spacedesk DRIVER software for your operating system (Windows). Ensure that you download the correct version for your operating system (32-bit or 64-bit).
* Install the Spacedesk DRIVER software on your primary computer. You may need to restart your computer after the installation is complete.
2. **Install the Spacedesk App on Your Chromebook:**
* Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook and search for “Spacedesk.” Install the Spacedesk app.
3. **Connect Your Chromebook to Your Primary Computer:**
* Make sure both your primary computer and your Chromebook are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or connected via USB – see below).
* Open the Spacedesk app on your Chromebook. It should automatically detect your primary computer. If it doesn’t, you can manually enter the IP address of your primary computer.
* Tap on your primary computer’s name in the Spacedesk app to connect.
4. **Configure Display Settings:**
* Once connected, your Chromebook should appear as a second display in your primary computer’s display settings.
* **Windows:** Go to Settings > System > Display. Under “Multiple displays,” choose “Extend these displays.” You can rearrange the displays to position the Chromebook screen correctly.
* **macOS:** Go to System Preferences > Displays. Click the “Arrangement” tab. You can drag the display icons to position them relative to each other.
**Connecting via USB (Spacedesk):**
Spacedesk also supports connecting via USB, which can provide a more stable and faster connection. To connect via USB:
1. Install the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) drivers on your primary computer. The Spacedesk website provides instructions on how to do this.
2. Enable USB debugging on your Chromebook. To do this, you’ll need to enable developer mode on your Chromebook. **Warning: Enabling developer mode will erase all data on your Chromebook.**
3. Connect your Chromebook to your primary computer via USB.
4. Open the Spacedesk app on your Chromebook. It should detect the USB connection.
**Important Considerations for Spacedesk:**
* **Driver Compatibility:** Ensure that you download the correct Spacedesk DRIVER version for your operating system.
* **Firewall:** Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking Spacedesk. You may need to add an exception for Spacedesk in your firewall settings.
* **Performance:** Experiment with different connection methods (Wi-Fi, USB) to find the one that provides the best performance.
* **Display Resolution:** Adjust the resolution of the second display in your primary computer’s display settings for optimal clarity.
### 3. Using a Hardware HDMI Capture Card (for Specific Scenarios)
This method is less common and more complex, but it can be useful in specific scenarios, such as when you want to use your Chromebook as a display for a device that outputs an HDMI signal (e.g., a game console, a camera, or another computer). It involves using an HDMI capture card to capture the video signal from the external device and display it on your Chromebook.
**Pros:**
* Can be used with devices that don’t support screen sharing software.
* Potentially lower latency than software-based solutions.
**Cons:**
* Requires purchasing an HDMI capture card.
* More complex setup.
* May not offer the same level of integration as software-based solutions.
* Requires a Chromebook with USB port(s).
**Steps:**
1. **Purchase an HDMI Capture Card:**
* Choose an HDMI capture card that is compatible with your Chromebook and your operating system. Look for one that supports USB connectivity and UVC (USB Video Class) standards.
2. **Connect the HDMI Capture Card:**
* Connect the HDMI output of the device you want to display on your Chromebook to the HDMI input of the capture card.
* Connect the USB output of the capture card to a USB port on your Chromebook.
3. **Install a Video Capture App on Your Chromebook:**
* Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook and search for a video capture app that supports UVC devices. Some popular options include “USB Camera” and “CameraFi Live.”
* Install the video capture app.
4. **Configure the Video Capture App:**
* Open the video capture app on your Chromebook.
* Select the HDMI capture card as the video source. The app should then display the video feed from the device connected to the capture card.
**Important Considerations for HDMI Capture Cards:**
* **Capture Card Compatibility:** Ensure that the HDMI capture card is compatible with your Chromebook and the device you want to connect to it.
* **Video Capture App:** Experiment with different video capture apps to find one that works well with your capture card and provides the features you need.
* **Latency:** Latency (delay) can be an issue with HDMI capture cards, especially with lower-end models. Choose a capture card with low latency if you need real-time performance.
## Optimizing Performance
Regardless of the method you choose, here are some tips to optimize performance when using your Chromebook as a second monitor:
* **Close Unnecessary Applications:** Close any applications on both your primary computer and your Chromebook that you’re not using. This will free up system resources and improve performance.
* **Reduce Resolution:** Lowering the resolution of the second display can significantly improve performance, especially on older Chromebooks.
* **Use a Wired Connection:** If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. A wired connection provides a more stable and faster connection, which can reduce lag.
* **Update Drivers:** Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card and network adapter on your primary computer.
* **Adjust Display Settings:** Experiment with different display settings, such as refresh rate and color depth, to find the optimal settings for your setup.
* **Consider Your Chromebook’s Specifications:** Older Chromebooks with less powerful processors and limited RAM may struggle to handle the demands of being used as a second monitor. If you’re experiencing performance issues, consider upgrading to a newer Chromebook.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Connection Problems:**
* **Issue:** The Chromebook can’t connect to the primary computer.
* **Solution:** Make sure both devices are connected to the same network (or connected via USB if using Spacedesk). Check your firewall settings to ensure that the screen sharing application isn’t being blocked. Restart both devices.
* **Lag and Performance Issues:**
* **Issue:** The second display is laggy or unresponsive.
* **Solution:** Close unnecessary applications. Reduce the resolution of the second display. Use a wired connection. Update your drivers.
* **Display Issues:**
* **Issue:** The second display is not displaying correctly (e.g., incorrect resolution, distorted image).
* **Solution:** Adjust the display settings on your primary computer. Make sure the resolution and refresh rate are compatible with your Chromebook. Check the cable connections (if using a hardware solution).
* **Audio Issues:**
* **Issue:** Audio is not being routed to the second display.
* **Solution:** Check the audio output settings on your primary computer. Make sure the correct audio output device is selected.
## Conclusion
Turning your Chromebook into a second monitor is a fantastic way to boost your productivity without spending a fortune. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up a dual-screen workstation using your existing Chromebook. Whether you choose Chrome Remote Desktop, Spacedesk, or a hardware HDMI capture card, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of having extra screen real estate at your fingertips. Remember to optimize your setup for performance and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. With a little patience and effort, you can transform your Chromebook into a valuable asset for your daily workflow.