DeviceHowTo
Chromebook⏱ 20 min

How to Factory Reset Device on Chromebook

Completely wipe and restore your device when major issues cannot be resolved.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Chromebook factory reset is called Powerwash and is accessed through Settings > Advanced > Reset Settings > Powerwash, which wipes all local data, removes all downloaded apps, and returns Chrome OS to its default state in about 5 minutes. Unlike Android or iOS resets, Chrome OS Powerwash doesn't erase anything stored in Google Drive or other cloud services — everything synced to your account redownloads automatically on next sign-in, making recovery faster and more seamless than any other platform. Powerwash is appropriate both for full data removal before resale and as a troubleshooting step for persistent system-level issues, since Chrome OS is designed to be stateless.

Before you continue

Factory reset permanently deletes all local data. Verify your backup is complete and fully accessible before starting this process.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Back up all important data first: photos to cloud, contacts synced, documents saved, and 2FA recovery codes noted.
  2. 2Sign out of your Google account in Settings first. Then go to Settings > Advanced > Reset Settings > Powerwash and confirm.
  3. 3Follow the first-run setup wizard to configure the device from scratch. Restore apps and data selectively.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix all problems on my Chromebook?
A factory reset resolves software-level issues: persistent crashes, major slowdowns, corrupted OS files, malware, and failed update problems. It will not fix hardware faults (damaged screen, faulty battery, broken speakers). If the same problem returns immediately after a clean reset, the cause is hardware.
What do I lose when I factory reset my Chromebook?
You lose all locally stored data: apps, photos, messages, documents, settings, and saved Wi-Fi passwords. Data stored in cloud services (iCloud, Google Photos, Google Drive, OneDrive) is not lost — it syncs back after you sign in. Back up everything before starting.
How long does a factory reset take on Chromebook?
Chromebook Powerwash completes in 2–5 minutes since ChromeOS is a lightweight system.
Do I need to factory reset to sell my Chromebook?
Yes — you should always factory reset and sign out of all accounts before selling or giving away a device. On iPhone, also disable Find My under Settings > [Your Name] > Find My before erasing. On Android, disable Factory Reset Protection by removing your Google account first to prevent the buyer from being locked out.

Same task, different device

Windows 11Windows 10macOSiPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyGoogle Pixel

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