Chromebooks do not have a physical Caps Lock key by default. Instead, that key position is occupied by the Search/Launcher key. Caps Lock still works on Chromebooks – it is just activated and deactivated differently from what most people expect.

How to Toggle Caps Lock On and Off

Press Alt + Search (the Search key is the circle key at the bottom left of the keyboard, where Caps Lock would normally be). Press it once to turn Caps Lock on, and press it again to turn it off.

When Caps Lock is active, you will see a Caps Lock indicator in the system tray at the bottom right of the screen (a small arrow-up icon).

Alternative: Use the On-Screen Keyboard

If you are using tablet mode or the on-screen keyboard, tap the Shift key twice quickly to enable Caps Lock. Tap Shift once to turn it off.

How to Remap the Search Key to Caps Lock

If you type heavily and want a dedicated Caps Lock key, you can remap the Search key:

1. Open Settings (click the time, then the gear icon).
2. Go to Device, then Keyboard.
3. Find the Search key in the list of remappable keys.
4. Click the dropdown next to Search and choose Caps Lock.
5. The Search key now functions as a traditional Caps Lock key.

After remapping, pressing just the Search/Caps Lock key toggles Caps Lock, and Alt + Search no longer works for this function.

How to Remap Other Keys for Caps Lock

You can also assign Caps Lock to other keys in the same Keyboard settings panel. The remappable keys include Ctrl, Alt, Escape, Backspace, and the Assistant key. Assigning Caps Lock to Escape is another common choice for users who rarely use the Escape key.

Why Does My Chromebook Not Have a Caps Lock Key?

Google removed the Caps Lock key from the original Chromebook design intentionally, arguing that it is rarely used and often pressed accidentally. The Search key was placed there instead to make launching apps and searching faster. Many users find this is actually an improvement – accidental Caps Lock activation is a very common frustration on traditional keyboards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Caps Lock is on?

Look at the system tray in the bottom right corner of the screen. When Caps Lock is active, a small upward-pointing arrow icon appears next to the keyboard icon. You will also see all letters you type appear in capitals.

Can I use an external keyboard with a Caps Lock key on my Chromebook?

Yes. A standard USB or Bluetooth keyboard connected to a Chromebook uses its physical Caps Lock key normally. You do not need to remap anything when using an external keyboard.

Does Alt + Launcher work the same as Alt + Search?

Yes. The Search key and Launcher key are the same key. Google refers to it as both names in different contexts.