PhoneHub is a ChromeOS feature that allows you to access and control your Android devices from your Chromebook. Phone Hub lets you view your phone’s display, unlock your Chromebook without a password, and use the Internet on your phone.
This guide walks you through setting up Mobile Hub. Also, learn how to use the Phone Hub feature.
Need phone space
It’s easy to share and sync information across devices in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, Apple TV, etc.). Because the same company produces its own operating system (and hardware).
Chrome books and Android phones run operating systems developed by Google (Android and Chrome OS). Therefore, you can easily connect two devices if you meet the OS requirements.
First, Phone Hub works with Chromebooks running Chrome OS v71 and higher. So, check your Chromebook operating system version by going to Settings > About Chrome OS.
Additionally, the partner’s Android phone must have Android version 5.1 or higher.
Go to Settings > About phone and check your device’s operating system and Android version line.
The final requirement is to connect your Chromebook and your Android phone to the same (personal) Google account.
Notice: If you have a work or school Google account on any device, you won’t be able to connect your Chromebook to your Android phone.
How to set up Phone Hub?
Connect your Android phone to your Chromebook. Open the Chromebook Settings app and do the following:
- Select Connected Devices in the sidebar and tap the Settings button.
- Setup Assistant automatically detects and displays devices connected to your Google Account. Accept and select Continue.If you have connected multiple Android phones to your Google Account, select the device you want to use, accept and click Continue.
- Put your Google account password and select Done.
- Select Done to continue.
Your phone is now connected to your Chromebook. So, you should be informed about this over the phone.
Similarly, the phone icon (Phone Hub) appears in the Chromebook’s status bar (right side of the screen). This is a quick settings menu to access PhoneHub features and manage your Android smartphone.
If you don’t see the Phone Hub icon in your notification bar, do it in the settings menu. Go to Settings > Connected devices, select your phone, and launch Phone Hub.
Use PhoneHub shortcuts to find remote locations, check battery life and lock your phone. Make sure your device (notebook and phone) is connected to the Internet. Problems can delay scanning and connecting the two devices. Some features may not be available if your device is not connected to the Internet.
Use and customize the Phone Hub feature on your Chromebook
Open your Chromebook’s Settings app, select Connected Devices in the sidebar, and make sure your phone is turned on. Then touch Phone to set up the Phone Hub feature.
Wi-Fi Sync transfers the Wi-Fi network settings on your Chromebook to your phone.
Automatically share your phone’s internet with your Chromebook
You can connect your Chromebook to the Internet via a mobile data network or a cellular network.
Select the phone icon in the status bar of your Chromebook, then select Turn on Hotspot.
You can also select your phone by going to Settings > Connected Devices. Then tap Quick Connect, turn it on and select your phone again.
Depending on your carrier, your Android phone may ask you to allow a hotspot connection to your Chromebook. Select Continue again at the confirmation prompt to proceed.
Open the Phone Hub shortcut menu from your Chromebook’s status bar and check the “Hotspot On” status. When connected, your Chromebook can still use your phone’s Internet.
Remove your Chromebook and phone.
When you sell or give away your Chromebook and Android phone, you need to separate them. If you haven’t used the Phone Hub features in a while, turn your phone off (temporarily) instead.
- Open the Phone Hub shortcut from the status bar and tap the gear icon.
- To temporarily disconnect from your Chromebook, turn off your phone’s status.
- To permanently disconnect your phone, scroll down the page and select Disconnect in the “Forget Phone” line.
- Once confirmed, select Disconnect again.
Explore the Phone Hub
You can do even more with the Phone Hub on your device. For example, you can send and receive text messages on your Chromebook without holding your phone. You also have the option to view your recent Chrome tabs (open on your Chromebook) on your phone.
If you have problems using Phone Hub, please update your phone and Chromebook operating system to the latest version. Restarting your device can also fix connection issues.