Introduction
Chromebooks may not have a dedicated right-click button, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the touchpad to do a right-click on chromebook. If you don’t have a mouse handy, there are still options for doing a right-click.
A Right-Click Guide for the Chromebook
When using a Chromebook, how do I right-click? Right-clicking on a Chromebook is most conveniently accomplished using the keyboard. While holding the Alt key, tap the touchpad with another finger. Right-clicking on a Chromebook may be performed in some ways, including using the mouse, using two fingers on the touchpad, or activating the Automatic Right-Click option.
How is a Chromebook different from any other laptop?
Yes, this has to be discussed before we proceed. A Chromebook and a regular laptop are essentially interchangeable, despite common misconceptions.
Of course, as time went on, we all began utilizing laptops while surfing the web, and what do you think happened? Apps on Chromebooks may be used without an internet connection.
Where’s the catch, then? Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, a lightweight version of Google’s Android mobile operating system that allows for frequent software upgrades and increased security against malware.
The Chromebook Right-Click Guide
Let’s check out the several options available when you right-click on a Chromebook.
Double-tap the touchpad.
You have undoubtedly figured out by now that tapping your touchpad with a single finger acts as a left click, and it’s impossible to get a right-click by tapping twice with the same finger.
Two fingers are required for it. Chromebook right-clicking requires a two-finger tap on the touchpad.
Indicator Pad for Chromebooks
This Chromebook’s Trackpad
Click the Mouse
I have fantastic news for you if you prefer using a mouse over other input methods. It doesn’t matter what kind of mouse you have, any of them may be attached to your Chromebook, and Chromebooks often include Bluetooth and USB connections.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key distinctions between a Bluetooth mouse and a radio-frequency (RF) mouse in case you own a Chromebook without Bluetooth support (very improbable, but still conceivable).
Bluetooth-enabled wireless mouse
Optical trackpad with Bluetooth wireless mouse
Where are Bluetooth and USB ports relevant in hooking up the mouse? Now, before we go any further, I should clarify that there are essentially two kinds of wireless mouse:
No-dongle wireless mouse designed specifically for use with a Chromebook.
If your Chromebook has a USB port, you may use an RF (Radio Frequency) mouse with a transmitter and receiver and plug it into the computer through a little USB dongle.
If you prefer to utilize the keyboard, you can hold down the Alt key and touch the touchpad with one finger. Right-clicking requires hovering the mouse over the desired target.
You undoubtedly already know that there are wired and wireless keyboards and that your wireless keyboard may be either Bluetooth or USB (just like a mouse).
Turning On the Right-Click Auto-Complete Function
Another option exists, but it’s one that I find particularly annoying, so I only use it sometimes. However, you need not be a weirdo like myself to benefit from this approach. You may configure your Chromebook to do the same action as a right-click whenever the cursor completely stops.
To activate this default right-click behaviour:
To see the time, use the shortcut key combination Alt + Shift + S or click the clock icon in the lower right corner.
Find the gear-shaped Settings button and click it.
Accessibility, then touchpad and mouse settings (or Mouse and Touchpad).
Click the “Automatically click when the mouse pointer stops” box to activate it.
Chromebooks also allow you to modify your default settings for automated clicking, so you can:
When using a Chromebook, you may prolong the time it takes for the automated click to occur.
If you click anywhere and leave the ring there until you move the cursor outside of that area, it will be your stable click location from then on.
After performing an alternative action, such as a right or double click, you may have control to revert back to the default left click.
Is There a Problem with Your Bluetooth Mouse or Keyboard?
The caveat with Chromebook and Bluetooth devices is that they must be paired, and that is something other than what happens on its own. If your Chromebook isn’t responding to your mouse or keyboard, you should ensure they are correctly connected.
Choose the Clock symbol in the lower right corner to access the menu.
Go to Settings and find the Bluetooth section.
Look at what’s listed in “Presently linked.”
Your device has to be paired if it still needs to be shown. Getting where you want to go takes no time and only a few mouse clicks.
To access the settings, go to the Clock in the bottom right and click it.
Choose Bluetooth from the menu.
Select “Add New Device” from the drop-down menu.
Pick the input device that you want to link, whether a mouse or keyboard.
The work is complete! It’s normal for the device you just connected to appear in the “Currently connected” gadgets list.
How to Configure the Touchpad on a Chromebook
If right-clicking on your Chromebook is causing you unnecessary frustration, you may adjust the settings.
There is a simple method:
In the lower right, you’ll see a clock symbol; tap it or press Alt + Shift + S on your keyboard to access it.
Find the gear-shaped Settings button and click it.
Select the touchpad and mouse option under the device.
There, you may make changes by toggling options on and off, adjusting a slider, or picking from the following menu items:
Tap-to-click
The Speed of a Dragging Tap on a Touchpad
Swap the main mouse button with another
Modify the pointer’s speed
Alter the scrolling style as you see fit.
Useful Alternative Chromebook Commands
Here’s a table with some of the most essential Chromebook instructions in case you’ve mastered right-clicking but need help with others (Yeah, Chromebook can be a little odd).
Normal Question and Answer
Why can’t I right-click on a Chromebook?
Although this may seem like a philosophical inquiry, Chromebook is just following the herd. The Windows PC and Macintosh touchpads likewise lack right-click buttons, as I’m sure you’re well aware. When mice became commonplace, they quickly disappeared. Thankfully, there are other ways to right-click.
Conclusion
It’s common knowledge that Chromebooks have flaws (there is, after all, no such thing as perfection), and users have been particularly vocal about their displeasure with the device’s End of Life Policy. Right-clicking may be a pain at first, but after you’ve gotten accustomed to it using the techniques I outlined above, you’ll be able to get the most out of your Chromebook.
