Can I Use Chromebook As A Second Monitor

Chromebook users, listen up! You can now leverage your Chromebook as a second monitor, boosting your productivity on the go.

This article provides a concise guide to enabling this feature, addressing who can use it, what you need, where it works, when to expect results, and how to set it up.

Display Your Chromebook Screen

Who can use this? This functionality is currently available for Chromebooks running ChromeOS version 120 or later.

What do you need? You'll need two Chromebooks, both logged into the same Google account. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth is enabled.

Where does it work? This feature works wherever you can connect both Chromebooks to the same Wi-Fi network. It's ideal for home offices, libraries, or shared workspaces.

When can you start? The feature should be enabled automatically if your Chromebooks meet the software requirements. If not, ensure your Chromebooks are fully updated.

Setup as a Wireless Monitor

How do you set it up? First, on the Chromebook you want to use as the second monitor, go to Settings > Connected devices > Chromebook.

Then, select the primary Chromebook you wish to cast from under the "Devices" list.

Next, on your primary Chromebook, go to Settings > Display > Extend to. A list of nearby devices that can be used as external monitors should appear.

Select the secondary Chromebook. You should now be able to drag windows and apps between the two displays, significantly expanding your workspace.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering problems? Ensure both Chromebooks are on the same Google account and the same Wi-Fi network.

Also, confirm Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. If you're still facing issues, try restarting both Chromebooks.

If the Extend to option doesn't appear, double-check that both Chromebooks are running ChromeOS 120 or later. Older versions may not support this functionality.

Limitations

It’s important to note there might be some latency. Wireless display connections can experience slight delays, especially when transferring large amounts of data.

The performance may vary depending on your Wi-Fi network strength. A stable and fast Wi-Fi connection is crucial for a smooth experience.

Also, this feature is designed for extending the display, not mirroring. You cannot mirror the primary Chromebook's screen onto the secondary Chromebook using this method.

What's Next

Google is continually improving ChromeOS. Future updates may bring performance enhancements and additional features to the Chromebook-as-second-monitor functionality.

Stay tuned for further updates and enhancements to ChromeOS to optimize your multi-monitor setup. You can follow the ChromeOS updates through Google’s official blog.

For further support, consult the official Google Chromebook help pages.