How to Connect Chromebook to a Monitor

This article will cover multiple options for connecting a Chromebook to an external monitor. There aren't as many options as with a Windows or Mac PC, but you can enjoy an extra monitor without much extra effort.

Connect Chromebook to External Monitor With HDMI

If you want to connect an external monitor to your Chromebook as quickly and easily as possible, and you don't mind a wired solution, an HDMI cable is the way to go.

1. If your Chromebook has an HDMI port (most do), then you can use an HDMI cable to make this connection. The HDMI port is usually next to USB ports on the side of the Chromebook. It's 6-sided port with slanted corners on the bottom side.

   

2. Insert one end of your HDMI cable into this port, and the other end into any HDMI port on the back of the external monitor.

3. Often, the Chromebook will automatically detect the connected monitor and immediately display to it. If it doesn't, select the lower right corner of the Chromebook task bar and select the Settings icon. In the Settings menu, select Device from the left menu, scroll down to the Device section, and select Displays.

   

   On the Displays screen, you should see all connected displays, including the connected external one. Adjust settings like Resolution and whether you want it to be an Extended or your Primary display.

   

4. If you don't see the external display on this screen or adjusting the settings doesn't get it working, you may need to troubleshoot the HDMI connection.

   Remember to use your display's menu settings to select the correct HDMI port on the back of the monitor that you've connected your Chromebook to.

Connect Chromebook to External Monitor with USB-C

Another wired solution you have available to connect a Chromebook to a monitor is via the USB-C port that most Chromebooks have available.

1. The USB-C port is a very small, partially rectangular and oval port, usually on the side of the Chromebook toward the back. You can use this port to connect to an external monitor, but you'll need:

   • USB-C cable
   • USB-C to HDMI adapter
   • HDMI cable

   

2. Connect the USB-C port to the adapter. Then connect the HDMI cable from the adapter to the monitor. Follow the same procedure in the section above to configure the display once you've connected it.

Connect an External Monitor Via Chromecast

If you want a wireless solution, you can connect a Chromecast device to your external monitor, and then cast to it with your Chromebook.

1. Make sure your Chromecast device is connected to your monitor and powered up. On your Chromebook, select the lower right corner of the Chromebook task bar and select the Settings icon. Select the Cast icon to see all devices on the network that you can cast your Chromebook display to.

   

2. Select the Chromecast device from this list that's connected to the external monitor.

   

3. Once you select it, you'll see your Chromecast desktop displayed on the external monitor. Now you can use the larger external monitor as your display.

   This wireless option lets you connect your Chromecast to an external monitor, but it only allows for a duplicate display, not an extended one. And since it works over the WiFi network, there can be a little lag between your mouse movement and the mouse pointer display on the screen.

   Connect an External Monitor with Chrome Remote Desktop

   Another wireless solution to use an external monitor with your Chromebook is by using the browser based Chrome Remote Desktop app.

   

   You can connect to Chrome Remote Desktop with a laptop connected to one or more monitors. Once connected you can request a code, and then use that code on your Chromebook to connect to the laptop and use those external monitors.

   This solution lets you use an external monitor, but it actually uses a secondary laptop connected to the monitor. You're controlling the laptop in addition to your Chromebook. It's a good last resort if you can't connect with HDMI or USB-C and you don't have a Chromecast device.