Quick Answer
Press Alt + Search to toggle Caps Lock on and off. Chromebooks don’t have a dedicated Caps Lock key by default — the Search key (magnifying glass or Launcher icon) is used instead when combined with Alt.
Using Caps Lock
Method 1: Keyboard shortcut
Press Alt + Search once to turn Caps Lock on; an icon appears briefly to confirm. Press the same combination again to turn it off.
Method 2: Remap the Search key to Caps Lock permanently
Go to Settings > Device > Keyboard, find the Search/Launcher key dropdown, and select Caps Lock. Now a single tap of that key toggles Caps Lock directly, without needing Alt.
Method 3: Use the on-screen keyboard
If you’re in tablet mode or using an on-screen keyboard, tap the Caps Lock icon directly on the virtual keyboard layout, the same as tapping the physical key combination.
Still Not Working?
If Alt + Search does nothing, check whether the Search key has already been remapped to something else in Settings > Device > Keyboard — a remapped key won’t trigger Caps Lock until it’s set back. If no key combination responds at all, your keyboard may not be working properly, and Caps Lock is just one symptom of a larger issue.
FAQ
Why doesn’t my Chromebook have a physical Caps Lock key?
ChromeOS keyboards are designed around a compact layout with dedicated browser and system keys instead of some traditional keys like Caps Lock, Delete, or function keys.
How do I know if Caps Lock is on?
A small Caps Lock icon appears briefly in the bottom-right corner of the screen when toggled, and the status bar shows an indicator while it stays active.
Can I use an external keyboard’s physical Caps Lock key instead?
Yes, a USB or Bluetooth keyboard with a dedicated Caps Lock key works normally when connected, without needing the Alt + Search shortcut.
