Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
If there is one thing that Apple can beat Google, it is the integration of devices. MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices work seamlessly together, sharing files, messages, video calls, and more. Will the Google ecosystem ever reach this kind of integration? It’s not there yet, but things are getting better and Chrome OS Phone Hub is a huge step in the right direction
Chrome OS Phone Hub is Google’s solution for streamlining your Android and Chromebook experience, syncing certain components, and allowing Android and Chrome OS to work together. We’ll tell you all about this feature, so let’s jump straight to it.
Also read: What is a Chromebook and what can it do?
What is Chrome OS Phone Hub?
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Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Chrome OS Phone Hub is a way for Google’s Android and Chrome OS to connect and work together. The feature provides a seamless experience when switching between Google devices, as well as enhancing integration between Chrome OS and Android.
With Chrome OS Phone Hub, your smartphone can automatically share its data connection with your Chromebook. You can also send and receive text through the messaging app and sync the Wi-Fi network across gadgets. It can also drag notifications and recently used Chrome tabs for quick action, or use your phone as a smart lock attached gadget for quick unlocking.
Alternatively, the Chromebook can change a phone’s settings a degree. It is possible to mute your Android smartphone or detect the phone from Chrome OS Additionally, you can view important information from your Chrome OS laptop, such as phone battery status or network status.
More: Chromebook vs. Laptop
How to set up Chrome OS Phone Hub
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Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Chrome OS Phone Hub is a native tool built into Chrome OS. It can be easily configured without the need for additional applications or downloaded tools It’s all built into the operating system, and it’s a breeze to set up. You can do this directly from the settings by meeting the minimum requirements of your Chromebook and Android phone.
Minimum requirements for Chrome OS Phone Hub
- Your Chromebook needs to run M89 or later.
- The phone requires Android 5.1 or later
Any relatively new Chromebook or Android phone should meet these requirements If you have one, set up the Chrome OS Phone Hub using the steps below
How to set up Chrome OS Phone Hub
- On your Chromebook, open Settings App
- Go inside Connected device.
- Under Connected deviceYou should see Android phone. Click Set up Button next to it.
- Click Select a device Select the dropdown menu and the phone you want to connect to. All devices linked to your Google Account should be shown.
- Injury Accept and continue.
- Enter your password and confirm your Google Account by selecting Done.
- Select Done Again
Attach your messaging app:
You’re almost ready for prime time! Unfortunately, Chrome OS Phone Hub does not automatically sync your messaging app. You need to link it yourself. Let us walk you through the process.
- On your Chromebook, open Settings App
- Go inside Connected device.
- Below, tap your smartphone Connected device.
- Next to MessageInjury Set up.
- You will see the instructions on your screen, but we will go through them.
- On your Android phone, open Message App
- Injury Three-point menu Button
- Select Device pairing.
- Tap on QR code scanner Button
- Scan the code displayed on your Chromebook.
- Done! Your message should be synced. Now you can view and send text messages from your Chromebook
How to use Chrome OS Phone Hub
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Now that you’re all set up, you’ll see a phone icon on the right side of the screen in your taskbar. Tap or click on it, and you’ll see a few options. This includes Enable hotspot, Silence the phoneAnd Locate the phone. You will also find network and data information here and your phone notifications will be displayed in this section In addition, you can hurt Gear Icon to enter Chrome OS Phone Hub settings.
This section is quite easy to use. Here you will be able to access all the information and features of your phone
What else can you do with Chrome OS Phone Hub?
The Chrome OS Phone Hub isn’t as specific as we would like, but it does have some Nifty strategies on its sleeve and will continue to add more in the future. You can see all the features from the settings.
How to access Chrome OS Phone Hub settings
- On your Chromebook, open Settings App
- Go inside Connected device.
- Below, tap your smartphone Connected device.
- Here, you will see all the available options and features.
Now that you know where to go, it’s time to talk about how each feature works
What is Smart Lock?
This is a feature that is used to unlock your devices more easily This allows you to bypass lock screen security measures if certain conditions are met For example, you can use it to avoid asking for authentication when carrying your phone, to a specific location (such as your home) or when a trusted device is nearby (such as a smartwatch).
In the case of Chrome OS Phone Hub, this will make it so that your Chromebook doesn’t need any authentication if your phone is nearby.
What is instant tethering?
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Eric Zeman / Android Authority
Instant Tethering makes it possible to share your phone’s Internet connection to your Chromebook This means you can use your Chromebook as long as your handset has a data connection and it’s close to your Chromebook.
About Phone Hub Settings
Under Phone hubHere are some options you should look for: Recent Chrome tabs And Notification. Toggling these allows your Chromebook to pull the specified information from your phone, allowing you to easily access such information while using your Chromebook without having to look at your phone.
What about Wi-Fi Sync?
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Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Instant tethering will keep you connected to mobile data, but what if you have Wi-Fi access? That’s what Wi-Fi sync is all about. This feature will sync Wi-Fi network certificates between both devices. This means that your Chromebook will be connected to a Wi-Fi network when you access it from your smartphone. You do not need to input the password on both devices.
Next: The best Google Chromebook for your needs
FAQs
Unfortunately, it is still not possible to make calls through the Chrome OS Phone Hub This is a very requested feature, though, so chances are it’s in the plan.
While this will be a great feature for our double-phone users, you can link one device at a time with the Chrome OS Phone Hub.
The only requirement is that your phone runs Android 5.1 or higher.
To run Phone Hub you need to run Chromebook version M89 or higher of your Chromebook.