Chromebooks are super affordable and efficient computer devices and popular alternatives to high-end Mac and Windows devices. However, they can be very restrictive in terms of what you can do with them. And that’s probably why you are here to learn how to jailbreak Chromebooks.
In this article, we will explain how to jailbreak a Chromebook and its pros and cons. We’ll aslo tackle the issue of jailbreaking a school Chromebook in 2022, and other certain things you must know before you proceed.
Let’s start by defining the term ‘jailbreaking’
What Is a Chromebook Jailbreak?
A Chromebook jailbreak means unlocking it to lift the limits set by ChromeOS or the device’s administrator. This allows you to use your laptop in developer mode and install apps and software that the manufacturers have restricted.
The process gives you root access to the device’s operating system and resources. You can bypass ChromeOS security and install various operating systems and other software.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Jailbreak Your Chromebook
While jailbreaking your Chromebook might be reversible, you must take some irreversible actions to initiate the process.
These are the things you must know before you learn how to jailbreak a Chromebook:
- You Will Lose Your Locally Stored Files.
When you attempt to jailbreak your Chromebook, all files stored on the device will be lost. However, you can avoid this if you back up the files prior to the process. - Jailbreaking Voids Your Chromebook Warranty.
This means you would not be eligible for any technical support from Google. - Chromebooks Are Prone To Security Issues.
Jailbreaking removes the security mechanisms in ChromeOS to protect the device from malware. - You Need Good Technical Expertise.
To use the Jailbroken Chromebook well, you’ll need certain basic knowledge. If you lack it, you won’t be able to use most of the features you have unlocked. You could also inadvertently expose the device to risks you would not be able to contain or manage, like malware attacks.
In summary, jailbreaking a Chromebook is using it in developer mode.
So, you have to be a developer to actually use the device right and enjoy it. Don’t do it if you are not sure you are one.
How to Jailbreak a Chromebook
Important Note: Make sure you back up your files before jailbreaking your Chromebook as it will erase all your data!
Depending on the version of your ChromeOS, you can find two different ways to jailbreak your Chromebook. This is because Google has changed recently the developer User Interface (UI)
- How To Jailbreak a Chromebook [Old User Interface]
- How To Jailbreak a Chromebook [New User Interface]
Method 1. Jailbreaking Chromebooks With Old UI
Follow the steps described below sequentially if you seek to jailbreak Chromebooks.
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Step 1: Hold the “Esc + Refresh + Power” keys simultaneously.
The computer will reboot.
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Step 2: In the next screen, press and hold the “Ctrl + D” keys.
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Step 3: Press “Enter” when the prompt “To turn OS verification OFF, press ENTER” appears.
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Step 4: After your Chromebook reboots, press “Ctrl + D” again.
Wait for the “OS verification is off” prompt before pressing “Ctrl + D”.
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Step 5: Wait until the system transitions to “Developer Mode”.
That’s it! You have successfully jailbroken and activated Developer Mode on your Chromebook.
If you are using a school Chromebook and want to overcome some restrictions, check out how to use a VPN on Chromebook.
Method 2. Jailbreaking Chromebooks With New UI
Follow this method if your developer user interface is not like the old one:
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Step 1: Press “Esc + Refresh + Power” keys.
Your Chromebook will reboot and enter into recovery mode.
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Step 2: Select “Advanced options”.
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Step 3: Select“Enable developer mode”.
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Step 4: Click on “Confirm” & wait until your Chromebook reboots.
The Chromebook will boot to another screen, which is the first screen you see every time you boot into developer mode.
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Step 5: Select “Boot from internal disk”.
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Step 6: Wait until your device finishes transitioning.
Is it Illegal to Jailbreak Chromebook?
It’s not illegal to Jailbreak a Chromebook in the United States. The basis for the legality of jailbreaking Chromebooks is established by expanded exemption lists for the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in 2010, 2015, and 2018. Before that, jailbreaking was illegal.
Though jailbreaking might be legal, what you do with a jailbroken Chromebook might be illegal.
For example, accessing pirated software or files violates US laws of copyrights and intellectual property. Thus, it is important to be careful and fully justified when jailbreaking your Chromebook.
Jailbreaking a school Chromebook allows you to delete your search history without any restriction. But since jailbreaking is risky, here are two safer ways to delete search history on a Chromebook when your school blocks you from doing so.
What to Do After Jailbreaking Your Chromebook
Once you’ve jailbroken your Chromebook, you can improve its functionality by installing new apps.
Here are two things that can give your Chromebook better functionality:
- Install Custom Firmware. This allows you to access advanced features and have more control over your device. For instance, you can run different operating systems, improve performance, and eliminate restrictions from the original firmware.
- Install Linux. Linux allows you to use a lot more software and applications that don’t work with Chrome OS. By installing Linux, you can personalize your device and take advantage of different tools and tech.
Advantages of Jailbreaking Chromebooks
Here are the main advantages associated with Jailbreaking Chromebooks:
- Full Access to the Device Resources.
Jailbreaking provides complete access to all system resources and settings on your Chromebook, allowing you to have full administrative control. - Installing Different Operating Systems.
You can replace Chrome OS with other operating systems like Linux, expanding the range of software and customization options available to you. - Installing Otherwise Unauthorized Applications.
It permits the installation of apps not found on the official Chrome Web Store, such as advanced tools that require root access. - Uninstalling Pre-installed Application Software.
This enables you to remove pre-installed apps and bloatware that come with the device, freeing up system resources and storage space.
Disadvantages of Jailbreaking Chromebooks
Here are some of the disadvantages of jailbreaking Chromebooks:
- Security Mechanisms Are Disabled.
Disabling security mechanisms makes your device less secure by removing Chrome OS’s built-in protections. - The Device Becomes Vulnerable to Malware Attacks.
Reduced security from jailbreaking increases the risk of malware and cyberattacks targeting your device. - You’ll Lose All Local Files & Data.
Enabling developer mode and jailbreaking can result in losing all local files and data stored on the device. - Jailbreaking Voids Your Device Warranty.
Your device’s manufacturer’s warranty will be invalid, meaning you won’t receive free repairs or support for hardware issues. - Lost Tech Support From Google.
Your device will lose access to official technical support and updates from Google, leaving you responsible for troubleshooting and maintenance.
The risks associated with learning how to jailbreak Chromebooks are quite serious.
It is important you consider your options carefully before you decide to jailbreak your Chromebook.
Jailbreak Your Chromebook Only When it’s Necessary
For this article, we have outlined the steps you must follow if you seek to learn how to jailbreak Chromebooks. If you follow the steps in the right order, you will have your device activated in developer mode as desired.
However, it’s important to remind you once again about the cost of jailbreaking Chromebooks. You should only jailbreak your device if you have absolute and convincing reasons to do so.
If the Chromebook is personal property, you may do as you please.
But if the device is a company or school property, please ensure you go through the Terms of Use and be sure that jailbreaking is allowed. If your circumstance ticks all the right boxes, go and have fun with your ‘freed’ device!
