I'm working at a tech store and we've got a Chromebook that won't stop being in demo mode, even after trying to powerwash it. We can't sell it as an ex-display item while it's still in demo mode. Does anyone know how to reset a Chromebook without using powerwash?
3 Answers
It seems like you're asking how to reset it without using a powerwash, right? That can be tricky! Make sure to follow the steps GagdetGuru mentioned. If those fail, you may need to consider if the Chromebook is locked for some reason—sometimes demo mode can limit certain actions.
I think some of these devices have restrictions in demo mode because they’re meant for display only. Maybe it’s worth checking the manufacturer's documentation for any unofficial methods. Just make sure you’re following their guidelines to avoid any trouble!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll check the documentation to see if there are any specifics on dealing with demo mode.
To reset the Chromebook out of demo mode, try this: Power it on and, at the sign-in screen, press Ctrl + Alt + S. It should prompt you to exit demo mode. If that doesn't work, you can try a hard reset by holding the Refresh key and then pressing the Power button. If you still can't get out of demo mode, you might need to create recovery media from another computer to reinstall ChromeOS. Good luck!
I’ll give that a shot! I didn’t know it had a dedicated demo mode. We might have some recovery USBs hanging around, so I just need to get the ChromeOS sorted. I tried the power button and refresh but no luck, so I'll check again when I'm back at work.

Yep, that's exactly the question! Just trying to figure out a way to reset it without the powerwash since it didn’t work.