Connect to a mobile network with a dongle

Chromebooks can connect to mobile networks using dongles, or devices that can connect to wireless broadband networks. Currently, Chromebooks support a few models of dongles, such as Huawei.

Below, you’ll find steps for connecting your Chromebook to mobile networks using an activated dongle. Your dongle may need an additional authentication called Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) so you can use it.

Use a dongle to connect to a network

For dongles that have been PPP pre-authenticated

1. If you haven't yet, sign in to your Chromebook.
2. Insert the dongle into one of the USB ports.
3. Wait for the dongle to start up, then connect to the network.

Your Chromebook should automatically connect to the mobile network. If it doesn't:

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select your Wi-Fi network .
3. Turn on Mobile data.
4. Select the mobile network you'd like to connect to.

For dongles that require manual PPP authentication

Some dongles require you to provide PPP credentials before you can connect to the mobile network. You’ll need to sign in to your Chromebook to enter the credentials and connect to the network.

1. If you haven't yet, sign in to your Chromebook.
2. Insert the dongle into one of the USB ports.
3. On your keyboard, press Ctrl + Alt + t to open the crosh terminal in your browser.
4. Run the following command: set_cellular_ppp -u <userid> -p <password>, replacing <userid> and <password> with the PPP auth credentials.
   • Note: If the above command returns a “No cellular service exists” error, check if your dongle is connected properly. If it is, wait a few more seconds and try the command again.
5. At the bottom right, select the time.
6. Select your Wi-Fi network .
7. Turn on Mobile data.
8. Select the mobile network you'd like to connect to.

Connect to a network while roaming

To connect to a roaming network, first follow these steps, then follow the steps above.

Note: For some dongles, you might need to provide the access point name (APN). Also, people using your Chromebook as a guest can't connect to roaming networks.

1. If you haven't yet, 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.
6. Now follow the steps above, depending on the type of dongle you’re using.

Troubleshoot dongle issues

If you're having trouble connecting to a mobile network using a dongle:

• Try turning your Chromebook off, then on again.
• Try unplugging the dongle from your Chromebook, then plugging it back in.