How To Stop A Chromebook From Being Managed

ByMarlo Strydom Updated on

Chromebooks are commonly managed through Chrome Education, Enterprise, or Kiosk & Signage, which restricts various activities based on the admin’s policies. If you prefer to operate without such restrictions, it’s essential to know how to free your Chromebook from management constraints.

Whether due to purchasing a used Chromebook that’s still under management, or simply wishing to break away from organizational control, you can achieve this by de-provisioning, performing a power wash/factory reset, or switching to developer mode. Let’s delve into the methods to accomplish this.

Understanding Managed Chromebooks

Firstly, it’s crucial to differentiate between a managed device and a managed account. A managed Chromebook restricts all users, while a managed account limits restrictions to specific user activities, regardless of the device used.

Check If Your Chromebook Is Managed

To check if your device is managed:

  1. Log into your Chromebook and click on the status area, where your account picture appears.
  2. Look for a managed device icon or a note indicating the device is managed.

If your account is managed, when you navigate to Chrome settings or account details, it will typically state that your browser or account is managed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unmanage Your Chromebook

1. Ask the Admin to Deprovision the Chromebook

The simplest and most straightforward method to stop a Chromebook from being managed is by contacting the admin to unenroll the device. Ensure the device is deprovisioned and not merely disabled, as disabled devices prevent any user logins until reactivated.

2. Perform a Factory Reset or Power Wash

If admin access is not possible, a factory reset or power wash is your next option, provided it hasn’t been disabled by the admin. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Sign out of all accounts on the Chromebook.
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R at the login screen.
  3. Select ‘Restart’ and follow the steps to reset the device.
  4. After resetting, log in with an unmanaged Google account to set it as the new owner.

3. Enable Developer Mode

If other methods fail and the developer mode isn’t disabled:

  1. Turn off the Chromebook.
  2. Press Esc + Refresh + Power to enter recovery mode.
  3. Press Ctrl + D to activate Developer Mode.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the device, bypassing the management.

4. Unbrick or Flash the Chromebook

For Chromebooks with disabled factory reset and developer mode, unbricking might be necessary:

  1. Use a Chromebook recovery utility to create a recovery USB.
  2. Insert the USB, enter recovery mode, and follow the prompts to reinstall the operating system.

Considerations and Risks

Switching a Chromebook to Developer Mode or flashing a new firmware poses risks such as security vulnerabilities and potential bricking of the device. These methods should be used as a last resort and primarily by those familiar with these processes.

Conclusion

The best method to stop a Chromebook from being managed depends on your access to the admin and your willingness to perform technical adjustments to your device. Each method carries potential risks and should be chosen based on your technical skill level and the necessity of removing management from the device.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.