How to Find When Your Chromebook Was Made

Finding your Chromebook's manufacture date

Your Chromebook's manufacture date is printed on a label on the bottom or back of the device, usually near the serial number. The label shows a date code that tells you when the device left the factory. You do not need to open the device or dig through settings — the physical label is the fastest way to find this information.

The date format varies by manufacturer. Some Chromebooks show a straightforward date like "2022-03" (March 2022), while others use a longer code where the numbers represent the year and week of manufacture. Once you locate the label, you can cross-reference the code with your device's model number to understand what it means.

Key Takeaways

The manufacture date is printed on a label on the bottom or back of your Chromebook, usually near the serial number and model information.
Different manufacturers use different date formats, so the code may look like "2022-03" or a longer alphanumeric string depending on who made your device.
You can also check the Chrome OS version and first enrollment date in Settings to estimate how old your device is, though these do not show the exact manufacture date.
If the label is worn or missing, contacting the manufacturer with your serial number is the most reliable way to confirm when the device was made.

Locating the label on your device

Flip your Chromebook over and look at the bottom panel. Most manufacturers place the information label here, usually in one corner. The label is typically white or silver with black text and includes the model name, serial number, regulatory information, and the manufacture date.

If you do not see a label on the bottom, check the back panel near the hinge or along the edge where the screen meets the keyboard. Some models, particularly older ones or certain brands, place this information on the back instead. Run your finger along the edges and corners — the label is often small and straightforward to miss if you are scanning quickly.

On some Chromebooks, especially thinner models, the label may be inside the battery compartment or under a removable panel. If your device has a removable battery or a panel you can open without tools, check there before assuming the label is missing.

Understanding the date code format

The date code on your label depends on which company manufactured your Chromebook. ASUS Chromebooks often show dates like "2023-06" or "2023W26" (the W indicates week number). Lenovo devices typically use a format like "20230615" (year-month-day). HP and Dell Chromebooks may show a two-digit year and week code, such as "23W15" for week 15 of 2023.

If the code is unclear or you are unsure how to read it, write down the entire serial number and model name from the label. You can then search the manufacturer's website or contact their support team with this information, and they can tell you the exact manufacture date. This is especially helpful if the label is faded or partially worn away.

Checking Chrome OS version and enrollment date

While the physical label gives you the manufacture date, you can also see when your Chromebook first ran Chrome OS by checking the Settings menu. This does not show the factory date, but it can give you a rough idea of the device's age if the label is missing or unreadable.

Open Settings, then scroll down and click About Chrome OS. The page will show your current Chrome OS version and the date your device was last updated. If you scroll down further, you may see enrollment information that shows when the device was first set up on a network — this is often close to the manufacture date, though not exact.

This method is less reliable than the physical label because the enrollment date depends on when the device was first turned on and connected to the internet, not when it was made. A device could sit in a warehouse for months before being enrolled, so the dates may not match.

What to do if the label is missing or worn

If the label is completely worn away or missing, your best option is to contact the manufacturer directly. You will need the serial number, which may be visible elsewhere on the device or stored in your Chrome OS settings. Go to Settings, click About Chrome OS, and look for the serial number listed there.

Once you have the serial number, visit the manufacturer's support website and use their serial number lookup tool, or contact their support team by phone or email. Provide the serial number and model name, and they can look up the exact manufacture date in their records. This process usually takes a few days to a week.

If you purchased the device through a school or workplace, your IT department may also have records of when the device was ordered and received, which can narrow down the manufacture date even if the label is gone.

Why the manufacture date matters

Knowing when your Chromebook was made helps you understand how long it will receive updates. Google supports Chromebooks for approximately eight years from the manufacture date, after which the device stops receiving security updates and new Chrome OS versions. If your device is approaching or past this date, you may want to plan for a replacement.

The manufacture date also helps when troubleshooting hardware problems. Devices from certain production batches sometimes have known issues, and knowing when yours was made can help you determine if it is affected. If you are selling or donating the device, the manufacture date is useful information for the next owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the manufacture date the same as the enrollment date?

No. The manufacture date is when the device was built at the factory, while the enrollment date is when it was first turned on and connected to a network. A device could be made in January but not enrolled until June if it sat in storage. The physical label shows the manufacture date, which is what you need to know for update support.

What if my Chromebook has a date code I cannot read?

Write down the entire serial number and model name from the label, then contact the manufacturer's support team with this information. They can decode the date code and tell you the exact manufacture date. You can also try searching the model number plus the date code online — other users may have posted what the format means.

Does the manufacture date tell me when my device will stop getting updates?

Yes, approximately. Google supports most Chromebooks for about eight years from manufacture. If your device was made in 2016, it likely stopped receiving updates around 2024. Check Google's official Auto Update Expiration list with your device's model number to see the exact date your device will no longer receive updates.

Can I find the manufacture date without flipping the device over?

Not reliably. The physical label is the most direct source. Chrome OS settings show enrollment and update dates, but these do not match the factory manufacture date. If you cannot access the label, contacting the manufacturer with your serial number is the most accurate way to find out when the device was made.

Why does my Chromebook's label show a week number instead of a regular date?

Some manufacturers use week-based dating because it is faster to print during production. A code like "23W15" means week 15 of 2023. You can convert this to an approximate date by counting weeks from January 1st, or search online for a week-to-date converter. The manufacturer's support team can also convert it for you if you provide the full code.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.