What To Know
- If you’ve checked for a dedicated backlight key and adjusted the screen brightness, but your keyboard remains dim, you might need to enable the backlight in your Chromebook’s settings.
- If your ASUS Chromebook doesn’t have a built-in backlight or the solutions above haven’t worked, an external keyboard with a backlight can be a lifesaver.
- Remember, the key is to check for a dedicated backlight key, adjust the screen brightness, and explore the settings menu.
If you’re an ASUS Chromebook user who finds themselves struggling to see the keys in dim lighting, you’re not alone. Many Chromebook users face this issue, especially when working late at night or in dimly lit environments. But fear not! This guide will walk you through the various ways to brighten your keyboard and make typing a breeze, no matter the lighting conditions.
Understanding the Issue: Why is My Keyboard Dim?
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why your ASUS Chromebook keyboard might appear dim. There are a few common culprits:
- Backlight Absence: Some ASUS Chromebook models simply don’t have a built-in keyboard backlight. This is a design decision, and unfortunately, there’s no way to add one.
- Backlight Disabled: Even if your Chromebook has a backlight, it might be accidentally disabled. This could happen due to a power-saving setting or a software glitch.
- Low Brightness Setting: The keyboard backlight brightness is often linked to the overall screen brightness. If your screen is set to low brightness, the keyboard backlight will likely be dim as well.
Solution 1: Check for a Backlight Key
The easiest way to brighten your keyboard is to check if your ASUS Chromebook has a dedicated backlight key. This key is usually marked with a sun icon or a lightbulb.
- Locate the Key: Look for a key with a sun or lightbulb symbol on it. It’s often located on the top row of the keyboard, near the function (Fn) key.
- Activate the Backlight: Press the backlight key once or hold it down to adjust the brightness level.
Solution 2: Adjust Screen Brightness
Since the keyboard backlight is often tied to the screen brightness, adjusting the screen brightness can also affect your keyboard’s illumination.
- Open the Brightness Settings: Click on the time in the bottom right corner of your Chromebook’s screen. This will open the quick settings menu.
- Adjust the Brightness: Use the slider to increase the screen brightness. As you increase the brightness, the keyboard backlight should also become brighter.
Solution 3: Enable Keyboard Backlight in Settings
If you’ve checked for a dedicated backlight key and adjusted the screen brightness, but your keyboard remains dim, you might need to enable the backlight in your Chromebook’s settings.
- Open Chromebook Settings: Click on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen and select “Settings”.
- Navigate to Device Settings: In the settings menu, click on “Device”.
- Find Keyboard Settings: Look for a section labeled “Keyboard” or “Keyboard Backlight”.
- Enable Backlight: Toggle the “Keyboard Backlight” switch to the “On” position.
Solution 4: Check for Software Updates
Sometimes, software updates can introduce new features or fix bugs related to hardware components, including keyboard backlights.
- Open Chromebook Settings: Click on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen and select “Settings”.
- Check for Updates: Click on “About Chrome OS” and then select “Check for Updates”.
- Install Updates: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Once the update is complete, restart your Chromebook.
Solution 5: Consider an External Keyboard
If your ASUS Chromebook doesn‘t have a built-in backlight or the solutions above haven’t worked, an external keyboard with a backlight can be a lifesaver.
- Choose a Backlit Keyboard: Look for a USB or Bluetooth keyboard with a backlight feature. Many options are available online or at electronics retailers.
- Connect the Keyboard: Connect the external keyboard to your Chromebook using the appropriate cable or Bluetooth pairing process.
Let There Be Light: Making Your Typing Experience Brighter
Now that you’re armed with these solutions, you can confidently tackle any keyboard dimness issues on your ASUS Chromebook. Remember, the key is to check for a dedicated backlight key, adjust the screen brightness, and explore the settings menu. If all else fails, an external backlit keyboard can be a great solution. Happy typing!
Information You Need to Know
Q: My Chromebook doesn‘t have a backlight key. What can I do?
A: If your Chromebook model doesn’t have a dedicated backlight key, it likely doesn’t have a built-in backlight feature. You can try adjusting the screen brightness, but if that doesn’t help, consider using an external backlit keyboard.
Q: I’ve tried everything, but the keyboard is still dim. Is there a hardware issue?
A: If you’ve exhausted all software solutions, there might be a hardware issue with the keyboard backlight. Contact ASUS support for assistance.
Q: Can I adjust the brightness of the keyboard backlight?
A: Some ASUS Chromebook models allow you to adjust the backlight brightness. Look for a dedicated backlight key or a brightness slider in the settings menu.
Q: Is there a way to make the keyboard backlight stay on all the time?
A: While some Chromebooks might offer settings to keep the backlight permanently on, it’s not a common feature. Leaving the backlight on constantly can drain your battery faster.
Q: Can I use a different keyboard with my Chromebook?
A: Yes, you can use an external keyboard with your Chromebook. Make sure the keyboard is compatible with Chrome OS. You can connect it via USB or Bluetooth.
