Have you been meaning to find out how to use the USB-C port of your Chromebook to connect to HDMI? At first, the prospect seems a bit out of range, but little do many know that it’s possible. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this in simple-to-understand terms, so keep reading for a detailed tutorial.
As the top-ranking Chromebook manufacturers release more and more devices across the spectrum, we see a diverse port selection. For example, enterprise models such as the Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook pack an extra HDMI port for video conferencing and such, while other high-quality devices like the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 are also blessed with a generous amount of ports.
So, what do you do if you want to form an HDMI connection with your Chromebook, but your model only has a USB-C port to its name? Let us dive into the answer to this question straight away.
Connecting Chrome OS to HDMI from a USB-C port
If you have a Chromebook that only comprises USB-C or USB-A ports, but you need to connect the device to an external monitor with an HDMI cable, don’t fret. You do not need to buy a Chromebook with a dedicated HDMI port for this. Instead, what you can do is get yourself a USB-C to HDMI adapter, and you’ll be good to go.
However, make sure that this accessory you’re buying works with Chrome OS and isn’t stated to be incompatible. Our specialized guide on the best USB-C hubs for Chromebooks only comprises compatible picks, so do check that out for more. For now, we’ll talk about two of the best USB-C to HDMI adapters so that you can get started with the process ideally.
Best USB-C to HDMI adapters for Chrome OS
Let’s take a close look at a couple of some fine USB-C to HDMI adapters for your Chromebook below.
QGeeM USB-C to HDMI adapter
QGeeM USB-C to HDMI Adapter
Our first cherry-picked selection is the QGeeM USB-C to HDMI Adapter that works like a charm right out the gate and poses plug-and-play functionality. It’s a top-rated product on Amazon with more than 7,400 ratings and an excellent 4.4/5.0 overall rating. People who have reviewed the device say that it is easy to use and does a great job fulfilling its purpose. In addition to that, the build quality of this QGeeM peripheral is also something to vouch for.
It’s got a reinforced and durable design that allows it to withstand over 21,000 different cycles while resisting wear and tear. The terminal is gold-plated, while the wiring is copper-made. Please note that you need a separate HDMI cable to connect to your Chromebook and external monitor. It is not included within the QGeeM adapter. If you want a 4K (3840 x 2160p) video resolution at 30 frames per second, we recommend getting a cable that’s HDMI 2.0.
This item also stands exceptionally strong on Amazon by being the “#1 Best Seller” in its category at the time of writing. Apart from its high quality, its affordability makes the QGeeM USB-C to HDMI adapter desirable. The product costs a shade under $14 and packs the level of standard that will keep you hooked for days (no pun intended). Additionally, we can confirm that the device works with Chromebooks, among other devices.
Grab it straight away from Amazon using this link.
Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter
Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter
The Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter is part of the “Works With Chromebook” initiative by Google. This certification is given to a particular product, guaranteeing it will work on Chrome OS. There is official testing in this regard, and one cannot go wrong with an item that houses the “Works With Chromebook” label. If you’re overly concerned about getting a product that might not work with your device, consider the Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter for some peace of mind.
This is one of the finest products in its respective category that boasts advanced shielding to keep electromagnetic interference to a minimum and a 60 Hz refresh rate. However, it is costly and will set you back somewhere around $45. Belkin claims to be one of the pioneers in technology and innovation, having surfaced more than three decades from now. This is one of the reasons why the USB-C to HDMI Adapter is praised so highly on Amazon.
It comprises a 4.3/5.0 overall rating on Amazon, with 70% of the customers leaving a 5-star review lauded with compliments. People reviewing this nifty little gadget say that it worked immediately and paved the way to a seamless experience. It’s compatible with a wide variety of devices, and Chromebooks, of course, are no exception. We highly recommend investing in a high-end product such as this one to relieve yourself of potential hassles and get sorted for the years to come.
Grab the Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter directly from Amazon.
How to use the Chromebook USB-C port to connect to HDMI
To use the USB-C port of your Chromebook to connect to HDMI, you’re going to need the following if your device does not have an HDMI port already:
- A USB-C to HDMI adapter
- A separate HDMI cable
- A Chromebook (duh)
- An external monitor or a TV with a working HDMI port
Get started by connecting the USB-C terminal of your USB-C to an HDMI adapter to the Chromebook. Examine your Chromebook for available ports and insert the USB-C end accordingly. For your convenience, here’s what a USB-C port on a Chromebook looks like. It comprises rounded edges and a smaller size than a USB-A port.
USB-C port in a Chromebook
Once done, take the separate HDMI cable that you have and insert it into the USB-C to HDMI adapter that’s now hooked to your Chromebook. As soon as you are finished with that, take the other end of the HDMI port and plug it into the external monitor you need to connect your Chromebook to.
Turn the monitor or television on if it was off previously and get it on the right channel, depending on the number of the HDMI port you’ve hooked the adapter to. Make sure that your Chromebook is also powered up side by side. As soon as you switch to the correct medium on your television, you’ll see its display being the same as Chrome OS.
With that said, if you find the display of the monitor static and it does not match the movements made in the Chromebook’s display, try pressing the “Ctrl” and the “Full Screen” key together. The latter is shaped like a square housing two small triangles inside placed diagonally. In addition, the key is in place of F4 if you’re looking at the Chromebook’s keyboard in terms of a regular keyboard.
After pressing the shortcut key, you should be able to mirror the display on both ends effortlessly. If not, look at our specialized guide on connecting an external monitor to a Chromebook. You’ve now successfully used your Chromebook’s USB-C port to connect to HDMI.
With that being said, we have now arrived at the article’s conclusion.
Conclusion
Chrome OS has become one of the best operating systems in the world today due to its firm grip on the fundamental principles of speed, stability, and security. The devices that have this operating system preinstalled and configured are called Chromebooks, and they too are being subjected to advancement with time.
In 2022, we have an excessive amount of Chromebooks, even to the point where it can get hard deciding which one to buy since we’re faced with so many great choices. However, suppose you’re purely after port selection for accommodating your business and workspace requirements. In that case, you can either purchase an HDMI-sporting Chromebook or a USB-C to HDMI adapter, as we’ve shown you in this tutorial.
Do let us know down in the comments section if you’ve found the guide helpful! Chrome Ready wishes you good luck!
- On a side note, check out our definitive guide to the Chrome OS developer mode and know all about this unique feature.
