How to Use and Resolve Issues with Chromebook Apps

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How to Fix and Repair Issues with Apps on Chromebook

Chromebooks offer a wide range of apps from the Chrome Web Store and Google Play Store, but sometimes apps may encounter issues or errors. This comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common problems with apps on your Chromebook.

1. Understanding Common App Issues:

Identify common app problems like crashes, freezes, or errors.

Determine if the issue is specific to one app or multiple apps.

2. Restarting the App:

Close the problematic app completely.

Reopen the app to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Updating the App:

Ensure you have the latest version of the app:

Open the Google Play Store for Android apps.

Go to the Chrome Web Store for Chrome apps.

Click "Update" if available.

4. Clearing App Cache and Data:

Clearing cache and data can resolve issues with app performance:

Open Chrome settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data for web apps.

For Android apps, go to Chrome settings > Apps > [App name] > Storage > Clear cache/data.

5. Adjusting App Permissions:

Check and manage app permissions in Chrome settings:

Go to Chrome settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > [App name].

Adjust permissions as needed.

6. Uninstalling and Reinstalling the App:

If the problem persists, uninstall the app:

Right-click the app icon on the Shelf (for Chrome apps) or in the app drawer (for Android apps).

Select "Uninstall."

Reinstall the app from the appropriate store.

7. Enabling Developer Mode (Advanced):

In some cases, enabling Developer Mode may provide access to advanced settings for troubleshooting apps.

8. Troubleshooting Google Play Store Apps:

For Android apps:

Clear Google Play Store cache and data.

Ensure your Chromebook is compatible with the app.

Update Google Play services if prompted.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction: Chromebook: Using Apps

Apps on your Chromebook are entirely handled by the built-in Google Chrome browser. This will guide you through using apps on your Chromebook.

2. Chromebook: Pre-Installed Apps

Your Chromebook comes with a number of apps pre-installed, to offer you great productivity for most tasks, right out of the box.

Google Chrome

This is your browser. It allows you to view web pages and actually performs most tasks for you on your Chromebook.

Files

This app allows you to manage your files on your Chromebook, on your Google Drive account, and any external media you have plugged in.

Google Docs

This is a very feature-rich word processing program.

Google Drawings

Allows you to draw images, as well as diagrams with simple shapes.

Google Sheets

Full featured spreadsheet program.

Google Slides

Allows you to create presentations for business.

Google Forms

Allows you to create questionnaires and get responses.

Google Sites

Allows you to create rich web pages.

Google My Maps

Allows you to map out virtually any trip, complete with stops, using Google Maps.

Web Store

This gives you access to the Google Web Store, allowing you to browse thousands of apps, themes, and plugins; many free.

Play Store

Your Chromebook can now run Android apps! This gives you access to that store, with hundreds of thousands of apps and games, both free and paid-for, covering just about every possible interest.

Every file you create using any built-in app listed here will be saved, automatically, to your Google Drive account.

This allows you to access it from another computer easily, and you don't have to worry about backing your file up.

3. Chromebook: Install App

1. Open the Web Store, or Google Play Store.

1. Browse the store, or search for the app you want in the search box.
   

1. When you find the app you want, select Add to Chrome, or Buy (if it is a paid-for app), on the right.
   

1. Select Add app.
   

1. Your app will download and install. You'll find it in the full App Drawer in the bottom-left corner.
   

4. Chromebook: More Information

Built-in help for your Chromebook is never more than 2 clicks away.

1. Select your profile picture in the lower-right corner.
   

1. Select the question mark ? icon.
   

5. Chromebook: Manage Apps

1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
   

1. Select the up arrow ^ to show all your apps.
   

1. To delete an app, using your right mouse button, right click on the app. A menu will open. Select Remove from Chrome, or Remove from Chromium.
   

1. Select Remove.
   

6. Chromebook: App Drawer

Pinning an AppPinning an app you use a lot to the task bar can make it much easier to open and use that app.

1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
   

1. Select the up arrow ^ to show all your apps.
   

1. Click and hold the app you want, drag it to the task bar, then release the mouse button. The app will pin, or remain on the task bar.
   

Unpinning an App

1. Using your right mouse button, right click on the app you want to unpin.
2. From the menu that opens, select Unpin.
   

7. Chromebook: Open App

There are 3 main ways to open apps on your Chromebook.

In all cases, just click or tap with the mouse cursor over the icon to open the app. If you have a touch screen, you may also touch the app icon with your finger on the screen.

1. Quick Launch Bar
2. The quick launch bar is located just to the left of the Apps menu at the bottom. You'll find your main apps, your browser and the store to start with, here. You'll also find any other apps you have open here. A small white dot below an app lets you know it's running.
3. This is always visible at the bottom of your screen.
   

1. App Drawer Most Used
2. As you use apps, your Chromebook keeps track, and lists the top apps here.
3. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
   

1. A small bar will pop up from the bottom, showing your 5 most-used apps.
   

1. App Drawer
2. The App Drawer will show you all the apps you currently have installed on your Chromebook.
3. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner. 
   

1. Select the up arrow ^ to show all your apps.
   

1. Here, you'll see a list of all the Apps installed on your Chromebook.