Chromebooks are some of the most affordable laptops money can buy. The flexible laptops offer excellent performance for web-based tasks like watching Netflix and browsing your favorite websites, and office work using the suite of Google connected services. One of their major drawbacks, though, is the lack of ports. With many of even the best Chromebooks offering just USB-C connectors, it's not always obvious how to connect your Chromebook USB-C to Ethernet, HDMI, and more.
Fortunately, there are a whole host of accessories that can help you connect just about anything to your Chrome OS laptop, whether you want a Chromebook USB-C HDMI connection, or something more exotic.
Works with Chromebook
To make the process of buying compatible Chromebook accessories easier, Google launched its Works with Chromebook program, which guarantees that products with that label have been proven to meet certain Chromebook compatibility standards. From the first time you get them out of the box, you'll know they'll work flawlessly and give you the expanded Chromebook experience you're looking for.
Cable Matters is a proud Works With Chromebooks program member, offering a number of cables, adapters, and docks to connect your Chromebook to just about anything through the Chromebook USB-C port.
For a look at a selection of the Works with Chromebook range of Cable Matters products, there is a dedicated landing page here. That's not the only USB-C cables and adapters which can expand your Chromebook's functionality though.
Making a Chromebook HDMI to TV Connection
Since finding a Chromebook with HDMI port is so rare, one of the most oft-requested accessories for Chromebooks is a Chromebook HDMI output. The simplest way to achieve this is with a USB-C to HDMI cable, which lets you easily do a Chromebook HDMI to TV connection for gaming, or connect to a larger monitor for more screen space while working.
Using a Chromebook Ethernet Adapter
USB-C offers enough bandwidth to also enable a powerful Ethernet connection. There are no USB-C to Ethernet cables, but there are plenty of Chromebook Ethernet adapters to consider. There are USB-C to Gigabit options, which carry the Works with Chromebook certification and support up to 1Gbps network speed.
Want both high-speed networking and a Chromebook HDMI connection? Then use an all-in-one multiport adapter that includes everything, including legacy VGA and USB-A ports.
Powering a Chromebook With USB-C Charging
Most Chromebooks are natively charged by USB-C Power Delivery. It helps cut back on proprietary cables and power bricks, as well as making for a versatile connector for all sorts of Chromebook adapters. The one downside to connecting some Chromebook HDMI cables and Chromebook Ethernet adapters is that they fill up a Chromebook USB-C port you might need for charging.
There's a solution to that issue. To continue powering your Chromebook with USB-C charging, while taking advantage of Chromebook HDMI to TV connections and more, you need to use an adapter with USB Power Delivery built-in, with as high a wattage connection as you can find.
This USB-C hub includes support for 60W USB Power Delivery alongside a 4K HDMI port for connecting to TVs and monitors, 480Mbps Ethernet, and a pair of USB-A 2.0 ports for accessory connection. Just connect a compatible USB-C charger, like the one the Chromebook shipped with, and this multiport-adapter offers charging, Chromebook HDMI, and Chromebook Ethernet connections at the same time. A USB-C hub with DisplayPort ports is also available.
Chromebook USB-C Hard Drives and Peripherals
Connect your Chromebook to the latest peripherals with USB-C data cables. Certified USB-C data cables, like Cable Matters’ USB-C to USB-C cable and USB-C to Micro USB cable, offers up to 10Gbps data transfer speed.
Chromebook HDMI to TV or Monitor Not Working? Check Settings for Mirroring Chromebook Display
The mirroring Chromebook to TV or monitor process is relatively straightforward with the right adapters and cables, but if it doesn't work, there are some things you can try. If you're sure that all the cables are properly connected and you've selected the right input on your display, it's possible that you need to adjust your Chromebook's display settings.
To do so, in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook's screen, select the time, and then the settings cog icon. Under the section labeled "Device," select Displays. Select Mirror Built-in Display. That should start mirroring your Chromebook to the display.
This section of the Settings menu is also where you'll find details like picture size, sharpening, and rotation, so if any of those can improve the picture on your attached display, consider making those adjustments now.