How to Use Your Chromebook as a Second Monitor

Using your Chromebook as a second monitor lets you extend your desktop across two screens, giving you extra room for side-by-side windows, reference materials, or just a more organized workspace. This guide walks you through the built-in method and a free app alternative, with clear steps for both Windows and Mac hosts. You’ll need your Chromebook, a host computer with the Google Chrome browser, and both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

What You’ll Need

A Chromebook (any model running Chrome OS 89 or later)
A host computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) with the Google Chrome browser installed
Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network
Optional: A USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to DisplayPort cable for a wired connection (faster, more stable)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Built-in “Share This Chromebook” (Wireless)

Update your Chromebook to the latest Chrome OS. Go to Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart if needed.
On your Chromebook, open the Quick Settings panel (click the clock or the area with the Wi-Fi and battery icons in the bottom-right corner).
Click the arrow or the pencil icon to expand the quick settings tiles (if they aren’t all visible).
Click the “Share this Chromebook” tile. If you don’t see it, click the pencil icon, then drag the tile into your visible list. This puts your Chromebook into “guest mode” for screen sharing.
Note the name and PIN shown on your Chromebook’s screen. The PIN is a 6-digit code that changes periodically.
On your host computer, open the Google Chrome browser and go to chrome://share-this-chromebook.
Enter the name and PIN displayed on your Chromebook into the web page, then click Connect.
On your Chromebook, accept the connection prompt (if one appears). The host computer will now see your Chromebook as a second display.
Adjust display settings on your host computer: Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings (Windows) or System Preferences > Displays (Mac). You can drag the display icons to match the physical arrangement and choose whether to extend or duplicate.

Method 2: Using the “Deskreen” App (Alternative)

If the built-in method isn’t working or you need more flexibility, Deskreen is a free, open-source app that turns any device with a web browser into a second screen.

On your host computer, download and install Deskreen from the official website (deskreen.com).
Launch Deskreen. It will show a QR code and a web address (like 192.168.1.5:9876).
On your Chromebook, open the Chrome browser and navigate to the web address shown in Deskreen. Alternatively, scan the QR code with your Chromebook’s camera.
In Deskreen on the host, click “Allow” when it asks to allow the connection.
On your Chromebook, click the “Allow” button in the browser prompt to permit screen sharing.
Choose what to share: In Deskreen, select “Entire Screen” to mirror your whole desktop, or pick a specific window to share only that window.
Your Chromebook now displays the shared content. To use it as a true extended monitor (not just a mirror), you’ll need to use the “Second Screen” feature in Deskreen (available on Windows) or use a virtual display driver. For most users, mirroring is the simplest option.

Method 3: Wired Connection (USB-C)

For a more stable, low-latency connection, use a USB-C cable that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.

Check your Chromebook’s USB-C port for a DisplayPort icon (a “D” with a “P” inside). Not all USB-C ports support video output.
Connect your Chromebook to your host computer using a USB-C to USB-C cable (if both support DisplayPort) or a USB-C to HDMI/DisplayPort cable (if the host has an HDMI port).
On your host computer, press the display mode key (usually Win+P on Windows, or Command+F1 on some Macs) to switch to “Extend” or “Duplicate” mode.
Your Chromebook should automatically act as a monitor. If not, check the display settings on your host to detect the second display.

Common Mistakes

Not being on the same network: Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Guest networks often block device-to-device communication.
Using a VPN on either device: A VPN can interfere with local network discovery and the connection. Temporarily disable it.
Outdated Chrome OS: The built-in feature requires Chrome OS 89 or later. Older versions won’t show the “Share this Chromebook” tile.
Firewall or network permissions: On the host computer, the firewall may block the connection. Allow Chrome (or Deskreen) through the firewall.
Confusing mirroring with extending: The built-in method extends your desktop by default. Deskreen’s free version often mirrors. Extending requires additional setup.

Tips

Use a wired connection for gaming or video: Wireless is fine for documents, but the lag can be noticeable for fast-moving content.
Position your Chromebook correctly: In display settings, arrange the virtual monitors to match the physical placement (e.g., Chromebook on the left, host monitor on the right).
Adjust resolution: On your Chromebook, go to Settings > Device > Displays to change the resolution and scaling for the second screen.
Use the Chromebook’s keyboard shortcuts: While in extended mode, you can press Search + Shift + Left/Right to move windows between screens.
Close unnecessary apps on the Chromebook: Freeing up RAM on the Chromebook improves performance when acting as a display.

Troubleshooting

Connection fails or drops: Restart both devices, then try again. Ensure both are on the same network and no VPN is active. If using the built-in method, refresh the chrome://share-this-chromebook page and re-enter the PIN.
“Share this Chromebook” tile is missing: Update your Chrome OS. If it’s still missing, your Chromebook model may not support the feature. Use Deskreen instead.
Host computer doesn’t detect the second display: On Windows, right-click the desktop and select Display settings, then click Detect. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays and hold the Option key to see the “Detect Displays” button.
Screen is blurry or low resolution: Adjust the resolution on the Chromebook (in its display settings) or on the host computer’s display settings. Lower the resolution on the host to improve performance.
Audio isn’t working: The second monitor feature only transmits video. Audio continues to play on the host computer. If you need audio from the Chromebook, use a separate audio cable or Bluetooth.
Deskreen shows “Connection Refused”: Check the firewall on the host computer and allow Deskreen. Also, ensure the web address is typed correctly (including the port number).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Chromebook as a second monitor for a Mac?

Yes. The built-in method works with any computer that has Chrome browser, including Mac. Deskreen also works on Mac. For a wired connection, you may need a USB-C to HDMI adapter if your Mac doesn’t have a compatible USB-C port.

Does this work if my Chromebook is old?

Most Chromebooks from 2019 onward support the built-in feature. If yours doesn’t, Deskreen will work on any Chromebook that can run Chrome browser.

Can I use the Chromebook’s touchscreen as a second monitor?

Yes, but only if the host computer supports touch input over the connection. The built-in method does not transmit touch input. Deskreen also does not support touch input. For touch, you’d need a dedicated hardware KVM-style solution, which is rare.

Will this work over the internet (not just local Wi-Fi)?

No. The built-in method and Deskreen are designed for local network connections. For remote access, you’d need a different tool like Chrome Remote Desktop, but that’s not a true second monitor (it mirrors the host’s screen).

Does using my Chromebook as a second monitor drain its battery fast?

Yes, it will use more battery than normal because the screen stays on and the Wi-Fi radio is active. Plug in your Chromebook if you plan to use it for an extended period.

Can I use my Chromebook as a second monitor for another Chromebook?

Yes, the built-in method works between two Chromebooks. Just follow the same steps on both devices.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →