Almost everything we do on a computer relies on an internet connection. Without it, our computers lose functionality, but they can still complete many tasks. Contrary to popular belief, this is also true for Chromebooks. Even though they run the ChromeOS operating system, which is based on Google Chrome, they can still complete several tasks offline. All Chromebooks, including the best Chromebooks, can sync documents for offline use and use Android apps when offline. This guide discusses how to get your Chromebook set up for offline use.
How to disconnect a Chromebook from the internet
Since offline features are limited, Chromebooks are at their best when used with an internet connection. However, it may make sense to test the offline features before you end up in a situation where an internet connection isn’t available. To test out the offline features, you can manually disconnect from the internet through the following steps:
- Click the time in the lower-right corner of your screen.
- Tap the toggle network connection button shaped like a quarter circle with a lock next to it. If you’re connected to both Wi-Fi and mobile data, tap the button twice to turn off both.
Select the network name underneath the button to toggle off your Wi-Fi and mobile connections.
Your Chromebook is disconnected from all internet connections. If you need to turn your connection back on to fix a setting, reverse the above steps.
How to use Google Drive on a Chromebook while offline
Every Chromebook comes out of the box with access to Google Drive, along with its cloud-based productivity apps. Four of Google’s productivity apps work offline without a problem:
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Google Slides
- Google Drawings
These apps automatically sync the documents you’ve made or edited to your Chromebook’s local storage. This means that even when you’re disconnected from the internet, you have access to these documents and can edit them.
When used offline, these apps function as normal. When you’re using these apps offline, you’ll see the message “Working offline” appear next to your document’s title.
Your Chromebook cannot sync these documents with Google Drive while offline. Instead, changes are saved locally on your Chromebook, and when you reconnect to the internet, the documents sync automatically with Google Drive.
Offline features should be enabled by default, but if you want to make sure they’re enabled:
- Open any Google productivity app (such as Docs, Slides, or Sheets). You must go to the application’s homepage, not to a document.
- Select the three bars in the upper-left corner.
- Tap the Settings gear.
- Flip the Offline toggle to the right so that it is on.
Offline mode is now enabled for all productivity apps.
How to use Gmail on a Chromebook while offline
Google has even created an offline mode for Gmail so that you can access your emails without an internet connection. This setting is not enabled by default, so you’ll have to enable it when you have an internet connection.
- Go to mail.google.com in Chrome.
- Tap the gear in the upper-right corner.
- Select See all settings.
- Click Offline near the top.
- Check the Enable offline mail checkbox.
- Select whether you’d like to keep offline data when you sign out of your Chromebook.
- Select Save Changes.
- You may see a popup saying offline sync is not recommended for shared devices. If so, tap Got it.
When you are offline and use Gmail, there is limited functionality. You can only view emails you’ve sent and received and can compose emails to be sent when you reconnect to the internet.
How to use Google TV on a Chromebook while offline
If you need entertainment while on the go without a reliable internet connection, Google TV has you covered. Any movies or TV shows you’ve purchased can be downloaded to your device so that you can watch them anytime, anywhere.
- Open the Google TV app. You must complete the initial setup if this is the first time you’ve opened the app.
- Tap Your Stuff.
- Select either the Movies or Shows tab.
- Click the download button in the lower-right corner of the movie or show that you want to download.
- If this is the first show you’ve downloaded, select either HD or SD quality and click Apply.
Once your download finishes, you can watch your show or movie with or without an internet connection.
Even more to do offline
Most people think that Chromebooks are useless when they’re offline, but that’s not true. You can do many things with your Chromebook without an internet connection as long as you set them up ahead of time. Google has added settings in a number of its services that allow you to use them offline, but other services that offline functionality. Streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify allow you to download TV shows, music, and podcasts to your device so you can listen to them offline. There are also some great offline Android games in the Play Store for you to use on your Chromebook.
