Chromebook Function Keys: How to Use F1 to F12

Chromebook function keys are hiding in the top row. Hold the Search key (or the Launcher key) and press a top-row key to get F1 through F10. F11 and F12 take one extra step, because most Chromebooks don’t have keys for them. You can also make the top row act as function keys all the time.

Before you start

• Applies to: Chromebooks running ChromeOS. Not version-specific.
• Your keyboard: The Search or Launcher key sits where Caps Lock is on most laptops. Some newer Chromebooks also have a Quick Insert or Everything key.
• See every shortcut: Press Ctrl + Alt + / to open the full list of keyboard shortcuts. Google’s Chromebook keyboard shortcuts page has the same list.

How do I use the function keys on a Chromebook?

The top row has keys like Back, Refresh, and Volume. Each one doubles as a function key.

1. Hold down the Search key (or Launcher key).
2. Press the top-row key you need. The first key after Esc is F1, the next is F2, and so on up to F10.
3. Let go of both keys.

So Search + Back gives you F1, and Search + Refresh gives you F2 or F3, depending on your keyboard. Count from the left, starting with the key right after Esc.

Can I make the top row work as function keys all the time?

Yes. This is handy if you use F keys a lot, like in spreadsheets or games.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Device, then Keyboard and inputs.
3. Under Built-in Keyboard, turn on Treat top-row keys as function keys.

Now the top row types F1 to F10 on its own. To change the volume or brightness, hold Search and press the key. It works the opposite way from before.

How do I get F11 and F12 on a Chromebook?

F11 and F12 are off by default. Turn them on first.

1. Open Settings and go to Device, then Keyboard and inputs.
2. Click Customize keyboard keys.
3. Find F11 and F12, and pick a key combination for each one.

The choices use the Back key for F11 and the Refresh key for F12. For example, you can pick Shift + Back, Alt + Back, or Ctrl + Shift + Back for F11. If the top row is not set as function keys, you also need to hold Search with that combination.

What about an external keyboard?

If you plug in a regular PC keyboard, its F keys usually work as F keys right away. ChromeOS gives external keyboards their own settings in the same Keyboard and inputs page. Look for Use function keys as top row keys if you’d rather have the F keys control volume and brightness instead. Our guide to using a Windows keyboard with a Chromebook covers the other keys too.

Why aren’t my function keys working?

• Wrong key held: Make sure you’re holding Search or Launcher, not Ctrl or Alt.
• Setting is flipped: If the top-row setting is on, you don’t need Search at all. Holding it reverses the keys again.
• F11 or F12 does nothing: They stay off until you assign them in Customize keyboard keys.
• The app ignores it: Some web apps catch F keys before ChromeOS does. Try the same key in another app to check.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Chromebook have an Fn key?

Most don’t. The Search or Launcher key does the same job.

How do I press F5 to refresh on a Chromebook?

You don’t need F5. The Refresh key in the top row reloads the page, and so does Ctrl + R.

How do I go full screen without F11?

Press the full-screen key in the top row. It looks like a box with corners.

The short version

Hold Search or Launcher and press a top-row key to get F1 to F10. Turn on Treat top-row keys as function keys if you use them often. F11 and F12 need to be set up first in Customize keyboard keys.

Related guides

• 100+ Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts: The Complete List
• How to Use a Windows Keyboard With a Chromebook
• How to Turn Caps Lock On and Off on a Chromebook

Last verified: November 9, 2026