Why Chromebooks are easy to donate
Your files on a Chromebook mostly live in your Google account, so a Powerwash takes only a few minutes and there is little to back up. The one thing that blocks reuse is enrollment: a Chromebook managed by a school or company stays tied to that organization even after a Powerwash.
Check enrollment
On the sign-in screen, look for "This device is managed by" a school or company. If you see it, the organization must release it before anyone else can use it.
Powerwash
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1
Back up
Copy anything in Downloads to Google Drive.
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2
Open Reset settings
Settings, then Advanced, then Reset settings, then Powerwash.
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3
Or use the keyboard
Sign out, then press Ctrl, Alt, Shift and R together.
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4
Restart
Select Restart and wait for the welcome screen.
Check the update date
Every Chromebook has an Auto Update Expiration date, after which it stops getting security updates. To check, open Settings, then About ChromeOS, then Additional details, and look at Update schedule. Include the date on the form if you can. We still review older Chromebooks.
Schools donating many Chromebooks
Deprovision each device in the Google Admin console before you donate. Deprovisioning releases the device from your domain so it can be set up by its next owner. Wiping alone does not release it.
- Deprovision in the Google Admin console
- Powerwash each device
- Note the model and quantity on the form
- Bulk pickup is available in all states
Your checklist
- Files in Downloads saved to Drive
- Not managed by a school or company
- Powerwashed
- Shows the welcome screen