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 sometimes just showing a trash can or backspace symbol) sits in the top right area of the keyboard, usually in the same spot where you'd find Backspace on a Windows or Mac computer. It's one row above the letter keys, toward the right side. The exact position varies slightly by Chromebook model — some have it as the rightmost key in that row, others place it just before the arrow keys.

The Delete key on a Chromebook works differently than on other computers. When you press it while your cursor is in a text field, it deletes the character to the right of your cursor, not the character to the left. If you want to delete text behind your cursor (the way Backspace works on Windows), you're actually already doing that — Chromebooks call this the Backspace function, even though the key says Delete.

This can feel backwards if you're used to Windows or Mac keyboards. The important thing to remember: on a Chromebook, the Delete key deletes forward, and there's no separate Backspace key. If you need to delete text you've already typed, you'll use that same Delete key.

Key Takeaways

  • The Delete key is in the top row of your Chromebook keyboard, usually where Backspace appears on other computers.
  • Pressing Delete removes the character to the right of your cursor, not the character to the left.
  • To delete text you've already typed, use the same Delete key — Chromebooks don't have a separate Backspace key.
  • If you're coming from Windows or Mac, the Delete key behavior is reversed from what you may expect.
  • Some Chromebooks show a trash can symbol or backspace arrow instead of the word "Delete" on the key itself.

How the Delete key behaves in different situations

The Delete key's behavior changes depending on what you're doing. In a text document or email, it removes one character at a time as you press it. If you hold it down, it will keep deleting characters to the right of your cursor until you release it. In a web form or search box, it works the same way.

When you're not in a text field — for example, if you're looking at a file in your Files app or viewing a photo — the Delete key may trigger a delete action for that entire file or item. This is useful for removing files you no longer need, but it also means you should be careful not to press Delete when you're browsing your computer's contents unless you actually want to remove something.

If you delete something by accident, you can usually undo it by pressing Ctrl+Z on your keyboard. This works in most Chromebook applications and web-based tools.

Finding the Delete key if your keyboard layout is different

Some Chromebooks have non-standard keyboard layouts, especially if you're using an external keyboard or a Chromebook designed for a specific country or language. On these keyboards, the Delete key might be in a slightly different location, but it's almost always in the top row near the right side.

If you can't find a key labeled Delete, look for a key showing a trash can icon, a backspace arrow, or the word "Back." On some international keyboards, it might say "Supr" (Spanish for "Suppress") or use a different label. Pressing any of these keys will perform the same delete function.

If you're using an external keyboard connected to your Chromebook via USB or Bluetooth, the Delete key will be wherever it appears on that keyboard — usually in the same spot as on a standard Windows keyboard. External keyboards work normally with Chromebooks.

Using keyboard shortcuts instead of the Delete key

You don't always have to use the Delete key to remove text. Chromebooks support several keyboard shortcuts that do the same thing. Pressing Ctrl+Backspace (or Ctrl+Delete, depending on your keyboard) will delete an entire word instead of just one character. This is faster when you need to remove multiple words at once.

You can also select text by clicking and dragging, or by holding Shift and pressing the arrow keys, then press Delete to remove everything you've selected. This method works well when you want to delete a specific chunk of text without having to press Delete many times.

If you're working in a Google Doc or Google Sheet, you can also right-click on text or cells and choose Delete from the menu that appears. This gives you more control over what gets deleted, especially in spreadsheets where you might want to delete just the contents of a cell rather than the entire cell itself.

What to do if your Delete key isn't working

If you press the Delete key and nothing happens, first check whether you're actually in a place where text can be deleted. Some web pages and applications don't allow you to edit content, so the Delete key won't do anything. Click inside a text box or document first, then try again.

If the Delete key still doesn't work, try restarting your Chromebook. Press the power button, wait for it to shut down completely, then turn it back on. Most keyboard problems go away after a restart.

If restarting doesn't help and you're using an external keyboard, try unplugging it and plugging it back in, or turning off the Bluetooth connection and reconnecting it. If you're using the built-in Chromebook keyboard and it still won't work after a restart, the key itself may be stuck or damaged. You can contact your Chromebook's manufacturer for repair options, or use the keyboard shortcuts mentioned above as a temporary workaround.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Chromebook Delete key delete the wrong direction?

Chromebooks follow the same Delete key behavior as Mac computers — the Delete key removes characters to the right of your cursor. If you're used to Windows, this feels backwards. There's no way to change this, but you can get used to it quickly by remembering that Delete moves forward and the Delete key is your only option for both directions of deletion.

Can I remap the Delete key to do something different?

Chromebooks don't have a built-in way to remap individual keys through the settings menu. If you need a different keyboard layout, you can change your language and input settings, which will change how some keys behave. For more advanced remapping, you would need to use a third-party tool or external keyboard with its own software.

What's the difference between Delete and Backspace on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks only have one key that does both jobs — the Delete key. It deletes characters to the right of your cursor. There is no separate Backspace key. If you're looking for a way to delete text behind your cursor, you'll use the same Delete key, just with your cursor positioned after the text you want to remove.

Does the Delete key work the same way on external keyboards?

Yes, external keyboards connected to a Chromebook work like they would on any other computer. The Delete key will be in the standard location and will behave the way it does on Windows or Mac, depending on the keyboard's design. Most external keyboards work seamlessly with Chromebooks.

How do I delete files using the Delete key?

Open your Files app, click on the file or folder you want to remove, then press the Delete key. A confirmation message will appear asking if you're sure. Click the confirmation button to delete the file permanently, or click Cancel if you change your mind. Deleted files do not go to a trash folder on Chromebooks — they are removed when ready.