The Delete key is in the top row, where the Backspace key would be on a regular keyboard

On a Chromebook keyboard, the Delete key sits in the top row, typically in the far right area. It looks like a key labeled "Del" or shows a trash can symbol, depending on your model. The exact position varies slightly between Chromebook brands — some place it next to the power button, others put it after the search key — but it is always in that top row of function keys.

The Delete key on a Chromebook works differently than on a Windows or Mac computer. On most Chromebooks, pressing Delete removes the character to the right of your cursor, just like the Delete key on other computers. If you need to delete text to the left of your cursor (what a regular Backspace key does), you use the Backspace key, which is also in the top row and usually labeled with a back arrow.

Some older Chromebook models do not have a dedicated Delete key at all. If yours does not, you can use keyboard shortcuts instead: Ctrl + Delete removes the word to the right of your cursor, and Alt + Backspace removes the word to the left.

Key Takeaways

  • The Delete key is located in the top row of your Chromebook keyboard, usually near the right side or next to the power button.
  • Delete removes the character to the right of your cursor, while Backspace removes the character to the left.
  • If your Chromebook has no physical Delete key, use Ctrl + Delete to remove the word to the right of your cursor.
  • The exact position of the Delete key varies by Chromebook model, but it is always in the top function key row.

How Delete and Backspace work differently

The Delete and Backspace keys do opposite things. Backspace deletes the character or space immediately to the left of where your cursor is blinking. Delete removes the character or space immediately to the right of your cursor. This matters when you are editing text in the middle of a sentence or document.

For example, if you type "the qick brown fox" and your cursor is between "q" and "i" in "qick", pressing Backspace removes the "q", while pressing Delete removes the "i". Both keys work in text fields, documents, emails, and anywhere else you type on your Chromebook.

Finding Delete on different Chromebook models

Chromebook keyboards vary by manufacturer. On HP Chromebooks, the Delete key is usually in the top right corner, next to the power button. On Lenovo Chromebooks, it often sits to the right of the search key in the top row. ASUS Chromebooks typically place it in the far right of the function key row. Dell Chromebooks usually put it between the search key and the power button.

If you cannot find your Delete key, look at the top row of your keyboard and check for a key labeled "Del" or showing a trash can icon. If you still cannot locate it, check your Chromebook's user manual or search online for your specific model number — you can find this by going to Settings, then About ChromeOS.

Using keyboard shortcuts when there is no Delete key

Some Chromebook models, particularly older or budget versions, omit the Delete key entirely to save space. If your keyboard does not have one, you can accomplish the same task with keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + Delete removes the entire word to the right of your cursor, which is often faster than pressing Delete multiple times for single characters.

Alt + Backspace removes the entire word to the left of your cursor. These shortcuts work in most text fields and documents on your Chromebook. If you find yourself using Delete frequently, these shortcuts can actually be more efficient than reaching for a physical key.

Delete in Google Docs and other web apps

The Delete key works the same way in Google Docs, Gmail, and other web applications as it does in regular text fields. You can delete characters to the right of your cursor, and the keyboard shortcuts for deleting entire words work identically. If you are working in a Google Doc and need to delete a large block of text, you can also select it by clicking and dragging, then press Delete or Backspace to remove the selection.

Some web apps have their own delete functions — for example, in Gmail, you might use a Delete button in the toolbar to move an email to trash rather than using the Delete key. But for typing and editing text within documents and emails, the Delete key behaves as expected.

Accidentally pressing Delete and recovering text

If you press Delete by accident and remove text you wanted to keep, you can undo the action immediately. Press Ctrl + Z to undo your last action on most Chromebooks. This works in Google Docs, Gmail, text fields, and most web applications. If you have already closed the document or app, the text may not be recoverable, so undo right away if you realize the mistake.

In Google Docs specifically, you can also use the version history feature to recover older versions of your document. Click File, then Version History, to see previous edits and restore an earlier version if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Delete and Backspace on a Chromebook?

Backspace removes the character to the left of your cursor, while Delete removes the character to the right. Both are in the top row of your keyboard, usually near each other. Which one you use depends on where your cursor is positioned in the text.

My Chromebook does not have a Delete key. How do I delete text to the right?

Use Ctrl + Delete to remove the word to the right of your cursor, or use Backspace and retype if you only need to remove a few characters. Some older Chromebook models skip the Delete key, but the keyboard shortcuts work just as well.

Can I use Delete in Google Docs the same way as in other programs?

Yes. Delete works identically in Google Docs, Gmail, and web-based text editors. It removes the character to the right of your cursor. You can also select text and press Delete to remove the selection.

What do I do if I accidentally delete something important?

Press Ctrl + Z immediately to undo the deletion. In Google Docs, you can also use File > Version History to restore an earlier version of your document if the undo does not work.

Where exactly is the Delete key on my specific Chromebook model?

The Delete key is always in the top row of your keyboard. Check your Chromebook's user manual or search online for your model number (found in Settings > About ChromeOS) to see the exact position. If it is not there, your model likely uses keyboard shortcuts instead.