The Delete key is in the top row, where the Backspace key usually sits on other keyboards

On a Chromebook, the key labeled Delete or Backspace is located in the top row of keys, typically in the upper right area near the number keys. It looks like a left-pointing arrow or says "Backspace" on it. This is the key you press to erase text to the left of your cursor — the same function as Backspace on a Windows or Mac keyboard.

Chromebooks don't have a separate Forward Delete key (the one that erases text to the right of your cursor on other computers). Instead, you use keyboard shortcuts to delete text in front of your cursor, which we'll cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • The Delete or Backspace key is in the top row of your Chromebook keyboard, usually near the number keys on the right side.
  • Pressing Delete removes one character to the left of your cursor, just like Backspace on other keyboards.
  • To delete text to the right of your cursor, hold Alt and press the Delete key instead.
  • In Google Docs and other web apps, you can also use Ctrl+Backspace to delete an entire word at once.

How to delete text to the right of your cursor

Since Chromebooks don't have a dedicated Forward Delete key, you need to use a keyboard shortcut. Hold down Alt and press the Delete key (the one with the left arrow). This will erase one character to the right of your cursor, which is what the Forward Delete key does on Windows or Mac computers.

This shortcut works in most places on your Chromebook — in the search bar, in text fields, and in web-based apps like Gmail or Google Docs. If you're typing in a document or email and need to delete something ahead of where you're typing, Alt+Delete is your go-to combination.

Deleting entire words instead of single characters

If you want to erase a whole word at once instead of pressing Delete multiple times, Chromebooks offer a faster option. Hold Ctrl and press Delete to remove the entire word to the left of your cursor. This works in Google Docs, Gmail, and most text fields across the web.

To delete a whole word to the right of your cursor, hold Ctrl+Alt and press Delete. This combination erases the next word forward, which is useful if you've typed something and want to remove it without backspacing character by character.

Deleting text in Google Docs and other Google apps

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides all respond to the same Delete shortcuts as the rest of your Chromebook. The Delete key removes text to the left, Alt+Delete removes text to the right, and Ctrl+Delete removes a word to the left. These shortcuts are consistent whether you're typing an email in Gmail, editing a document, or filling out a form.

One difference: in Google Docs, you can also use Backspace (which is the same key as Delete on a Chromebook) to delete formatting or empty paragraphs. If you press Backspace at the start of a line, it will merge that line with the one above it, which is helpful when you're editing and reorganizing text.

Why Chromebooks don't have a separate Forward Delete key

Chromebooks were designed to be simpler and more streamlined than traditional laptops. By removing the Forward Delete key and using Alt+Delete as a shortcut instead, Chromebook keyboards are smaller and take up less space. This design choice makes Chromebooks lighter and more portable, which is one reason they're popular in schools and for travel.

If you're used to a Windows or Mac keyboard, this takes a little getting used to. But once you memorize Alt+Delete for forward deletion and Ctrl+Delete for deleting words, the shortcuts become automatic. Most people find they rarely need forward deletion anyway — backspacing is more common in everyday typing.

Recovering deleted text if you made a mistake

If you delete something by accident, you can undo it immediately by pressing Ctrl+Z. This works in Google Docs, Gmail, and most web apps. Pressing Ctrl+Z multiple times will undo your last several actions, so you can step backward through your edits until you find what you deleted.

If you've closed the document or app and want to recover deleted text, your options depend on where you were working. In Google Docs, you can open the version history by clicking "File" and then "Version history" to see all the changes made to the document and restore an earlier version. In Gmail, deleted drafts go to your Trash folder for 30 days before they're permanently removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remap the Delete key to do something different?

Chromebooks don't allow you to remap individual keys the way Windows or Mac computers do. The Delete key will always function as Backspace. If you need different keyboard behavior, you can use browser extensions in Chrome that remap keys, but these only work within Chrome and not across the entire system.

Why does my Chromebook keyboard say "Backspace" instead of "Delete"?

Chromebook manufacturers label the key as "Backspace" because that's its primary function — it deletes text behind your cursor. The label reflects how the key actually works on a Chromebook. Some older or international Chromebook keyboards may show different labels, but the key in the top row always does the same thing.

Does Alt+Delete work in all apps on my Chromebook?

Alt+Delete works in most web-based apps and text fields, including Gmail, Google Docs, and most websites. However, some specialized apps or older web tools might not recognize the shortcut. If Alt+Delete doesn't work in a particular app, try using Ctrl+Z to undo instead, or check the app's help menu for its own delete shortcuts.

What if my Chromebook keyboard is broken and the Delete key doesn't work?

If your Delete key is stuck or unresponsive, restart your Chromebook first — sometimes a soft reset fixes keyboard issues. If that doesn't work, you can use the on-screen keyboard by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Z, which brings up a virtual keyboard you can click with your trackpad or mouse. For a permanent fix, you'll need to contact your Chromebook manufacturer or take it to a repair center.