Enrolling Your First ChromeOS Device
Getting Started with Chromebook Tracking in Senturo
Introduction
This article guides you through enrolling your first ChromeOS device (Chromebook) in Senturo. Once enrolled, you'll be able to track your device's location, monitor its status, and manage it through the Senturo dashboard. ChromeOS devices can be enrolled either individually or through Google Admin Console integration.
Prerequisites
Before enrolling your ChromeOS device:
System Requirements:
- Chrome OS version 80 or later
- Internet connection (WiFi required for location tracking)
- Administrator access to the device or Google Admin Console
Location Services:
- Location services must be enabled on the device
- Device must be connected to WiFi for location tracking
Steps to Enroll a ChromeOS Device
1. Navigate to Device Enrollment
Access Enrollment Page:
- Sign in to your Senturo dashboard
- Click Device Enrollment in the left navigation menu
- Select ChromeOS from the platform options
- Choose Single Device enrollment
2. Enter Device Details
Provide Required Information:
- Device Serial: Enter the Chromebook's serial number (required)
- Find this in Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details
- Device name: Provide a friendly name for the device (required)
Optional Information:
- Select groups: Assign the device to specific groups
- Assignee name: Enter the name of the device user
- Assignee email: Add the user's email address
3. Enroll the Device
Complete Registration:
- Review the entered information
- Click Enroll Device
- Wait for the success confirmation
4. Install Senturo Extension
Add Chrome Extension:
- After successful enrollment, you'll see a success message
- Click Open Chrome Web Store button
- This will open the Senturo for Enterprise extension page
- Alternatively, visit the Senturo extension URL directly here
On the Chrome Web Store page:
- Click Add to Chrome
- Click Add Extension when prompted
- The extension will install automatically
5. Configure Location Settings
Enable Location Access:
- Open a new tab and type chrome://settings/content/location in the address bar
- Press Enter to navigate to location settings
- Ensure "Sites can ask for your location" is enabled
- This allows Senturo to request location access when needed
6. Verify Device Enrollment
Check Device Status:
- Return to the Senturo dashboard
- Navigate to the Devices page
- Your Chromebook will appear in the device list
- Location data will begin populating within a few minutes
Configuring ChromeOS for Location Tracking
Enable Location Services:
- Configure Chrome Location Settings:
- Open a new tab in Chrome
- Type chrome://settings/content/location in the address bar
- Press Enter
- Ensure "Sites can ask for your location" is enabled
- Verify WiFi Connection:
- Ensure device is connected to WiFi
- Location tracking requires WiFi connectivity
Troubleshooting
Device Not Showing Location:
- Verify WiFi connection is active
- Check that location services are enabled
- Confirm extension is installed and active
- Wait 5-10 minutes for initial location data
Extension Not Working:
- Ensure extension is enabled in Chrome
- Check for conflicting extensions
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Reinstall extension if needed
Device Not Appearing in Dashboard:
- Refresh the Devices page
- Verify enrollment was successful
- Check serial number accuracy
- Confirm network connectivity
Best Practices
Before Enrollment:
- Document Chromebook serial numbers
- Ensure Chrome OS is updated
- Plan device naming conventions
- Configure WiFi connectivity
After Enrollment:
- Verify location tracking is working
- Assign devices to appropriate groups
- Set up relevant geofences
- Configure automation rules
Conclusion
Your ChromeOS device is now enrolled in Senturo and will begin reporting its location and status. The device will check in every 10 minutes by default, or every 60 seconds if marked as missing. You can now monitor the device, set up geofences, and manage it through the Senturo dashboard.
FAQs
Q: Where do I find my Chromebook's serial number? A: Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details. The serial number is also usually on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
Q: What's the difference between the extension and a regular app? A: The Chrome extension runs in your browser and tracks the device through Chrome, while regular apps run separately. The extension is specifically designed for ChromeOS tracking.
Q: Can I use Senturo on a Chromebook in guest mode? A: No, you need to be signed in with a Google account to install extensions and maintain persistent tracking. Guest mode doesn't support extensions.
Q: Will Senturo work if I powerwash (factory reset) my Chromebook? A: No, you'll need to re-enroll the device and reinstall the extension after a powerwash, as all local data and extensions are removed during the reset.