File types and external devices that work on Chromebooks

• Microsoft Office files: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt (read-only), .pptx (read-only). Learn more about viewing and editing Office documents.
• Media: .3gp, .avi, .mov, .mp4, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3, .mkv, .ogv, .ogm, .ogg, .oga, .webm, .wav
• Images: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp
• Compressed files: .zip, .rar
• Other: .txt, .pdf (read-only; you won't be able to edit these files)

Container	Video codec	Audio codec
ogv	Theora	--
webm	VP8 VP9	Opus Vorbis
mp4	H264	--
	MPEG4	--
mov	MPEG4	--
	H264	--
avi	MPEG4	MP3
	DIVX	MP3
	XVID	MP3
3gp	H264	AAC
	MPEG4	AMR-NB

You can access files on external devices connected to your Chromebook if they use the following types of filesystems:

• FAT (FAT16, FAT32, exFAT)
• HFS+ (read-only on journaled HFS+)
• ISO9660 (read-only)
• MTP
• NTFS
• UDF (read-only)

• USB hard drives and thumb drives
• USB CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives (read-only)

Remove a storage device safely by clicking Eject .

In addition to Google Drive, Chromebooks support other cloud storage systems, such as Box or SMB. To add, go to Files > Add new services.

Chromebooks can connect to the following devices:

• MTP devices (can read & write files)
• USB keyboards (Windows and Mac versions)
• USB mice with the following features: left button, right button, scrollwheel
• USB hubs
• Certain Bluetooth devices
• Monitors with DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA connections
• USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI audio devices
• Headset with a 3.5 mm jack
• Webcam with a USB cable
• MP3 player or mobile phone with a USB cable (can be used for charging)
• Huawei mobile dongle

This error means that this file type isn't working on your Chromebook at this time.

Instead, try saving the file to Google Drive or another web application, then opening it in your browser.

Your Chromebook might not support the external storage device you're trying to use. Make sure your external storage device's format is supported.

If your storage device is supported, make sure your Chromebook is using the latest version of Chrome OS.

If your Chromebook is using the latest version, and no updates are available, try using Google Drive to view the files:

1. Plug your storage device into another computer.
2. Upload the files from the device to a cloud file system, such as Google Drive.
3. Open your Chromebook, then open Google Drive to view the files.

You'll need to reformat your external storage device before you can use it with your Chromebook. Follow the steps below.

Important: These steps will erase all your files stored on the storage device. Make sure to back them up somewhere else before erasing.

1. Click the Launcher .
2. Select Files .
3. On the left, select the external storage device.
4. In the window that appears, click Format.