If you use multiple keyboard languages on your Chromebook, you’ve probably noticed the Input Method icon near the clock. It’s very useful if you frequently switch between languages. But if you mainly use just one language, that icon can feel unnecessary. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Space to switch between input methods, so the Shelf icon isn’t always required.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to hide or remove the Input Method option from your Chromebook shelf in just a few simple steps.
Hide the Input Method Option on Your Chromebook Shelf
The Input Method option lets you quickly switch between different keyboard languages or layouts directly from the Shelf.
For example, if you’ve added English (US), Hindi, or any other language, ChromeOS displays a small language indicator (such as US) in the chromebook shelf.
If you don’t need this shortcut, you can easily turn it off from the Settings menu. Below are the steps to hide the Input Method option on your Chromebook.
1. Click on the App Launcher icon located in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Alternatively, you can press the Search key on your keyboard to open it instantly.
2. From the Launcher, click on Settings to open the Settings window.
3. Inside Settings, select Device from the left sidebar, then click on Keyboard and inputs.
4. Scroll down and choose Input settings.
5. Look for the toggle labeled Show input options in the Shelf. Turn this toggle off.
As soon as you disable the toggle, the Input Method icon will immediately disappear from your Chromebook’s Shelf. That’s it, no restart required.
Hiding the Input Method option takes less than a minute and helps keep your Chromebook Shelf clean and minimal. ChromeOS gives you full control over what appears on your Shelf, and this small adjustment can make your device feel more organized and personalized.
