How to Connect Your Chromebook to a Monitor for Dual Display and Mirroring

ByJim Miller

Most Chromebooks come with small, low-quality displays. However, by connecting your Chromebook to an external monitor, you can enjoy a dual-display setup for increased productivity. In this article, we will show you how to connect your Chromebook to a monitor and utilize dual display or screen mirroring.

Connecting Chromebook to a Monitor for Dual Display Setup

To set up a dual display, you will need to connect your Chromebook to a monitor using a cable. Unfortunately, you cannot use your Windows or Mac computer as a second display. However, there are services like Duet Display or Spacedesk that allow you to use your Chromebook as a second display for Mac or Windows. Here's how you can connect an external monitor to your Chromebook for a dual display setup:

  1. First, check the ports available on both your Chromebook and the monitor. Most monitors come with an HDMI port, so make sure your Chromebook has one too. If it does, you can use an HDMI cable to connect your Chromebook and the monitor. In most cases, the HDMI cable is included with the monitor, so you won't need to buy a new one.

  2. However, if your Chromebook only has USB-C or USB-A ports, or even a mini-HDMI port, you will need to find a suitable adapter like a USB-C to HDMI adapter, USB-A to HDMI adapter, or mini-HDMI to HDMI adapter.

  3. Unlike traditional computers, Chromebooks come with a built-in DisplayLink. This means you don't need to deal with drivers or installation. Once you connect your Chromebook to the monitor, it should automatically detect the display. If it doesn't, make sure to change the input on the monitor to HDMI or the port you connected to the Chromebook.

  4. Open the System Settings on your Chromebook by clicking on the quick settings at the bottom right corner and selecting the cog icon.

  5. In the Settings menu, select the Device option in the left sidebar and then choose Display.

  6. Here, you can configure the settings for the connected monitors and the Chromebook display. By default, the display is set to mirror your screen. To enable the dual display setup, uncheck the Mirror Built-in display option. Chrome OS will remember your setting.

  7. You can then arrange the displays according to your desk setup, allowing you to seamlessly navigate between the two displays.

  8. Scroll down to adjust the display size, resolution, refresh rate, and other settings for all the connected monitors and the Chromebook display.

That's it! You have successfully connected your Chromebook to a monitor for dual display setup.

Connecting Chromebook to a Monitor for Screen Mirroring

If you prefer to mirror your Chrome OS display, you can do so using both wired and wireless options.

Mirroring Using a Cable

To mirror your screen using a cable, connect both devices using an HDMI cable. Then, select HDMI as the input option on your monitor. It should start mirroring your Chrome OS display. If it is acting as a dual display, open Chrome OS Settings, go to Device, and select Display. Check the checkbox beside Mirror Built-in display.

Mirroring Wirelessly Using Chrome Remote Desktop

If you want to mirror your Chrome OS device on a Windows, Mac, or Linux desktop or laptop, follow these steps:

  1. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop Chrome extension on your Chromebook.

  2. Open remotedesktop.google.com on both your Chromebook and the system you want to mirror to.

  3. Click on the Share my screen option on both devices.

  4. On your Chromebook, click on the +Generate Code button (available if you have installed the Chrome Remote Desktop Chrome extension).

  5. This will generate a 12-digit code.

  6. Enter that code on your system under the Connect to another computer section and click Connect.

  7. Click Share on the pop-up prompt on your Chromebook. Your Chrome OS screen will start mirroring on your monitor screen.

  8. On your system, enable the toggle beside Fullscreen to remove the browser bars.

Now you can successfully mirror your Chrome OS display on any desktop or laptop. You can also use your laptop keyboard or trackpad to control Chrome OS, allowing you to access your Chromebook from another device.

Connecting Chromebook to a monitor offers both dual display and screen mirroring options. While you can use both wired and wireless methods for screen mirroring, you must rely on the wired method for dual display. Third-party services like Duet Display recognize Chrome OS as Android, so they may not be reliable for dual display. Additionally, you can also use your TV to mirror your Chrome OS display.

Remember, by connecting your Chromebook to a monitor, you can enhance your productivity and make the most out of your Chromebook's capabilities.