Connect to a mobile data network

If your Chromebook has a data plan, you can connect it to both Wi-Fi and mobile data networks.

Note: Using your mobile phone's data network with your Chromebook is not recommended.

Check if your Chromebook can connect to mobile data

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Settings .
3. In the 'Network' section, look for a 'Mobile data' option. If you see this option, your Chromebook can connect to a mobile network.

Step 1: Activate mobile data

Activate Verizon Wireless

Option 1: Create a new account

1. If you haven't already, sign in to your Chromebook.
2. At the bottom right, select the time.
3. Select your network .
4. Select Activate Verizon Wireless.
5. Sign in to your Verizon account:
   • To add your Chromebook to an existing plan, enter your Verizon account credentials.
   • To create a new plan, follow the steps that appear.
6. Select an amount of data and price.
7. Review the terms and conditions and select I agree.
8. Select Activate service.
9. Wait 3-5 minutes for your Verizon Wireless service to activate. (Don't use your Chromebook during this time.)

When your Verizon service activates, you'll see a confirmation page.

Option 2: Add to an existing Verizon plan

Find out how to add your Chromebook to an existing Verizon plan

Having trouble?

• Make sure that your area is covered by Verizon (select 'prepaid' to see coverage).
• Make sure that you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.
• To use Verizon service with a different account, transfer your service.

For more help, contact Verizon.

Activate T-Mobile®

1. Turn off your Chromebook.
2. Insert your T-Mobile® SIM card securely in the SIM card slot until it locks into place.
3. Turn on your Chromebook.
4. Turn off Wi-Fi:
   1. At the bottom right, select the time.
   2. Select your network .
   3. Turn off Wi-Fi.
5. From the list of available networks, select T-Mobile®.
6. Open a new tab in Chrome.
7. Attempt to go to a website. You'll be redirected to the T-Mobile® activation page.
8. Complete the online registration form.

When your T-Mobile® service activates, you'll see a confirmation page.

Having trouble?

Call T-Mobile® at 800-937-8997.

Note: Chromebook Pixel LTE 2013 can't connect to T-Mobile®.

Activate a SIM card

For Chromebooks purchased in the US

Before you can use a SIM card, you'll need to set up operator information on your Chromebook. Learn how to set up operator information.

For Chromebooks purchased outside the US

1. To activate the SIM card, follow the instructions provided in your Chromebook box.
2. Turn off your Chromebook.
3. Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot.
4. Turn on your Chromebook.

Your SIM card might ask for a personal identification number (PIN) the first time that you use it. If you don't know your PIN, contact your mobile operator.

Note: If you enter the wrong PIN more than once, the SIM card will lock and won't work.

Use a different mobile operator

To connect to a different operator's mobile network, set up the access point name (APN):

1. Turn off your Chromebook.
2. Insert the SIM card.
3. Turn on your Chromebook and sign in.
4. At the bottom right, select the time.
5. Select Settings .
6. In the 'Network' section, select Mobile data.
7. At the bottom, select Network.
8. Next to 'Access Point', select the Down arrow .
9. Select Other.
10. Type the access point name, username and password. If you're not sure what the APN is, contact the mobile operator.
11. Select Save.

Step 2: Connect to mobile data

After you've activated mobile data, you can connect to it:

1. If you haven't already, sign in to your Chromebook.
2. At the bottom right, select the time.
3. Select your network .
4. Turn on Mobile data.

If a Wi-Fi network is available, your Chromebook will always connect to Wi-Fi rather than a mobile network. To only use mobile data, turn off Wi-Fi.

Use mobile data roaming and while abroad

Use a different mobile network (roaming)

If you're in a location not supported by your mobile network, you may be able to use a different mobile network. Some networks will charge you extra money to use roaming. 

1. If you haven't already, sign in to your Chromebook.
2. At the bottom right, select the time.
3. Select Settings .
4. In the 'Network' section, select Mobile data.
5. Turn on Allow mobile data roaming.

Use mobile data abroad

For Chromebooks purchased in the US

You'll need to set up your carrier information:

1. If you haven't already, sign in to your Chromebook.
2. At the bottom right, select the time.
3. Select Settings .
4. In the 'Network' section, turn on Mobile data.
5. Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + t.
6. Change your operator association: type modem_set_carrier Generic UMTS, then press Enter.
7. Type exit, then press Enter.
8. Turn off the Chromebook.
9. Insert the SIM card.
10. Turn on your Chromebook.
11. At the bottom right, select the time.
12. Select your network connection .
13. Select the SIM card operator network.

To switch back to your original mobile operator, open a terminal window and enter this command: modem_set_operator [operator name]

For Chromebooks purchased in Europe

Most SIM cards will work with your Chromebook. Some Chromebook models can also connect to CDMA networks.

For some networks, you'll need to set up the access point name (APN).

Fix problems with mobile data

• Fix problems connecting to mobile data
• Check how much mobile data you use
• Need more help? Contact your mobile operator