Chromebooks are known for being fast, simple, and affordable, but did you know they often come with exclusive perks? I recently bought a new Chromebook Plus and found out that many Chromebook models come with special offers. These perks include things like a 3-month Adobe Photoshop subscription, a 12-month Gemini Generative AI Premium Plan, a 3-month YouTube Music subscription, and more. The exact perks can vary depending on the model and your location.
Curious if your Chromebook comes with perks? Follow this guide to learn how to claim your Chromebook perks. We’ll also go over how to troubleshoot any issues in case you run into problems while redeeming them.
What is Chromebook Perks?
Chromebook perks are special promotional offers from Google and its partners. Google often teams up with various companies to bring you these perks, which usually include free or discounted access to popular apps, services, and entertainment options. Some offers might be available for a limited time, so it’s important to grab them while you can. Depending on your Chromebook model and when you purchased it, the perks you get may vary.
However, the process for claiming these perks is the same. You can either claim them through the official Chromebook Perks website or use the Explore app on your Chromebook to access offers and discounts that are specifically available for your device.
How to Claim Chromebook Perks
By now, you probably have an idea of what Chromebook perks are and why you should claim them. To get started, the first thing you’ll need to do is set up your Chromebook and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Gmail account, you can easily create one during the initial setup. Since you need a Google account to use the Chromebook, this step is a must.
To claim your Chromebook perks:
1. Click on the App Launcher icon on your Chromebook.
2. In the search bar, type Explore and open the application.
3. Once the Explore app is open, click on the Perks tab. Here, you’ll find a list of available perks specifically tailored for your Chromebook.
4. Browse through the list and choose the perk you want to claim. After that, click the Get button next to the perk.
5. A new window will pop up with the offer details and terms and conditions. Carefully read the information and click Continue to proceed.
6. After accepting the terms, you’ll be asked to verify that you’re using an eligible ChromeOS device. Just click on the Allow button to proceed.
7. If you’re eligible, you’ll see the offer details. Simply click Join Now and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the redemption process. You need to enter payment information for renewal, since these are promotional free trials.
8. After that, click on the Subscribe button.Â
You’re all set to enjoy the service for free during the trial period. You can also claim other Google Chromebook perks the same way. Just keep in mind, if you don’t plan to continue using the service after the trial, make sure to cancel it to avoid any renewal charges. To stay on the safe side, cancel before the trial period ends to prevent any unexpected fees.
Fix Problems Redeeming Perks
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still having problems with the redemption process, make sure you’re not using a work or school Chromebook. Some perks might be unavailable due to restrictions set by the admin. If you’re using a brand-new Chromebook and still can’t redeem an offer, try the following fixes.
1. Check if you’re eligible
Not all Chromebooks qualify for perks, and the offers and discounts may vary depending on your region and Chromebook model. To check if your Chromebook is eligible, visit Google’s official site. The site will show you the perks you can claim.
Once you’ve confirmed your Chromebook is eligible, make sure it’s updated to the latest version. Here’s how:
1. Click on the App Launcher icon and open the Settings.
2. In the Settings window, select the About ChromeOS tab.
3. Click the Check for Updates button to check for the latest Chrome OS update and security patches.
4. After that, restart your Chromebook.
2. Sign in to your Chromebook
Chromebook perks are linked to your Google Account, so make sure you’re not using your Chromebook in Guest mode or browsing in incognito mode on Chrome. When you click the Get Perk button, it will redirect you to your Chrome browser to finish the process. Just make sure you’re logged into Chrome with your Google Account and that your Chromebook is connected to the internet.
Also, you can only redeem perks once per device. If you’ve already claimed a perk with one Google Account and are trying to claim the same perk with a different account, you won’t be able to do that. You also can’t redeem the same perk on a different Chromebook using the same account.
If you run into any issues while redeeming a perk, double-check your account settings, and the problem should be resolved.
3. Ensure your Chromebook is brand new
If you have a refurbished or manufacturer-repaired device, you won’t be able to redeem the perks. These offers are only available to new Chromebook users with eligible devices.
However, if you have a brand-new Chromebook and still can’t redeem the offer, make sure there are no external monitors connected to your Chromebook. Google’s servers might mistake it for a refurbished or repaired device.
Also, sometimes the servers experience temporary outages. If that happens, just wait a few hours and try claiming the perks again.
Enjoy your Chromebook Perks
If you’ve followed the steps and troubleshooting methods, you should be able to claim all the perks on your Chromebook. But if you’re still having trouble, try disabling any extensions you have on Chrome. Sometimes, these can interfere with or block certain offers.
