If a Chromebook will not charge, Google's guidance points to two tools: the Diagnostics app and a hardware reset. Google's hardware reset article says a hard reset restarts the hardware, such as the keyboard and touchpad, and should be tried after other fixes have failed; for most Chromebooks, turn it off, press and hold Refresh and tap Power, and release Refresh when it starts. For some models the reset means unplugging the power cable or removing and re-inserting the battery.
Diagnostics' battery section reports health, cycle count and current, and its discharge test measures the rate of charge and discharge; if the rate is very low, the battery or the charging port may be at fault. Check the basics first: the outlet, the original Acer charger and cable, and any dirt in the port. Use the port that came with the charger and try the other USB-C port if the model has two.
Differential
Likely causes of “Acer Chromebook Plus 514 will not charge”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A wrong or weak charger
What separates it The Chromebook runs but the battery does not rise
How to confirm Use the original Acer charger and cable; try the other USB-C port
- 2
A damaged cable, connector or outlet
What separates it It charges only when the cable is moved or held at an angle in the port
How to confirm Try another outlet and cable and look into the port with a flashlight
- 3
A hardware state that needs a reset
What separates it Everything looks right and it still will not charge
How to confirm Try Google's hard reset, by holding Refresh plus Power, and charge again
- 4
A failing battery or charging port
What separates it The Diagnostics discharge test shows a very low rate
How to confirm Google says the battery or the charging port may be at fault; contact the manufacturer
- 5
A swollen battery
What separates it The case bulges or the trackpad lifts because of a swollen battery
How to confirm Stop using it and contact Acer, since a hot or swollen battery must not be charged
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The full model number and the charger's printed wattage
- Whether the fault follows the charger, the cable or the Chromebook
- Whether any swelling sign is present
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedTest the outlet and charger
ReversibleTest the outlet and charger, by plugging in another device, and using the original Acer charger and cable.
Try the other port
ReversibleTry the other port, and use another USB-C port if the model has one, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the port
ReversibleCheck the port, by looking into it with a flashlight for dirt or a bent contact.
Run Diagnostics
ReversibleRun Diagnostics, in Settings, About ChromeOS, Diagnostics, Battery, and run the discharge test, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Back up first
ReversibleBack up first, by moving files from Downloads to Google Drive before a hard reset.
Contact Acer
ReversibleContact Acer, and if a known good charger still fails, the battery or the port needs service.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Charging
- Read the charger label for its wattage and connector. Google's Diagnostics battery section is the quickest test of whether the battery is accepting charge.
- Repair cost
- The charger and cable are the cheap suspects. A replacement battery for the CB514-4H is Acer KT.00305.014 (AP23A5L), listed at $99.99 by CDSParts on 2026-09-26, and a shop charges $129 to $179 for a charging-port repair and $129 to $249 for a battery, per BadgerLayer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it charges on another Acer charger, replace the failed charger
- !If it will not charge on a known-good charger after a hard reset, contact Acer Support
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
The battery listing for the CB514-4H, part number KT.00305.014 (AP23A5L).
The hard reset steps and its risk to the Downloads folder.
Battery health and the discharge test.
Google points battery problems to the manufacturer.
The Chromebook and ChromeOS platform.
Shop price ranges for screen, battery, keyboard and charging-port repairs.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the charging light behave differently by model?+
Some Chromebooks use a small light near the port and some only the battery icon. Check Acer's manual for your model number before reading a color as a fault.
How long should I wait before deciding it is not charging?+
Give it at least half an hour on the original charger. A very flat battery may show nothing at first, and a quick look at the charging light and Diagnostics after that tells you more.
What is a hard reset?+
A reset of the hardware, such as the keyboard and touchpad. For most Chromebooks, turn it off, hold Refresh and tap Power, then release Refresh when it starts. It might delete some files in Downloads.
Can I charge with a phone charger?+
It may run but not charge. Use the Acer charger or one rated for your model.
Does Google give battery advice?+
Google's Diagnostics article says to troubleshoot further and, if trouble continues, contact the manufacturer.
Is it safe to use while charging?+
Yes, with ventilation. Heat during charging is normal; excessive heat or swelling is not.
Will Powerwash fix charging?+
Rarely. Charging is a hardware and power matter; try the charger, the port and the hard reset first.
Do I need a part number for a charger?+
The charger's wattage and connector are printed on it. Acer identifies the Chromebook by its full model number.