Use a Chromebook as a Mac monitor

A Chromebook's screen makes a great second display for a Mac, and you don't need to install anything on it. With SpareScreen on your Mac, the Chromebook just opens a link in Chrome and shows an extra Mac screen.

How to set it up

1. Install SpareScreen on your Mac with the line above. It opens in the menu bar.
2. Allow Screen Recording when macOS asks. That lets SpareScreen show the extra screen on your Chromebook.
3. Open the link in Chrome. Click SpareScreen in the menu bar to see the link and its QR code, then open it on the Chromebook. Both need to be on the same Wi-Fi.
4. Click Allow on the Mac. An extra screen appears, shaped exactly like your Chromebook. Drag windows onto it like any monitor.

Press the full-screen key on the Chromebook's top row (or F11 on a regular keyboard) so Chrome fills the screen. Then arrange it left or right of your Mac in System Settings → Displays → Arrange.

Which Chromebooks work?

Any Chromebook that still opens modern websites in Chrome, including school-issued and older models. Nothing is installed on it, so a managed school Chromebook that blocks apps and extensions still works, as long as it can open websites on the same Wi-Fi as your Mac.

Good to know

• Stop the Chromebook dimming: Settings → Device → Power → When idle: Keep display on.
• Managed school Chromebooks work as long as they can open local websites; nothing is installed.
• Touch control is optional. Turn it on in the SpareScreen menu (it asks for Accessibility permission) to tap, drag, right-click and scroll on the device. Typing still happens on the Mac.
• Everyday work feels instant. Video and fast scrolling are heavier and can stutter on slow Wi-Fi; 5 GHz Wi-Fi helps.
• Streaming services stay black. Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ block screen capture in every app like this.
• Use Wi-Fi you trust. The picture travels over your local network, never through the internet.

Questions

Can a Chromebook be a second monitor for a Mac?

Yes. SpareScreen runs on the Mac and the Chromebook only opens a link in Chrome on the same Wi-Fi.

Do I need a Chrome extension or app on the Chromebook?

No. It's a normal web page, so nothing is installed on the Chromebook.

What does SpareScreen cost?

It's free for 7 days, then $7.99 once. It's a one-time purchase with no subscription, and one key works on up to 3 Macs.

Which Macs does it work on?

Any Mac running macOS 13 Ventura or later, with Apple Silicon or Intel.

More guides

• Use your iPad as a second monitor for Mac
• Use an Android tablet as a second monitor for your Mac (wireless
• Use an old laptop or Chromebook as a second monitor for your Mac
• Use your phone as a second screen for your Mac
• Sidecar alternative for iPads Sidecar doesn't support
• Sidecar not working or iPad not supported? Use any device as a Mac second screen
• Duet Display alternative with no subscription
• Luna Display alternative
• spacedesk for Mac? Here's what works on macOS instead
• Wireless second monitor for your MacBook
• Use an Amazon Fire tablet as a second monitor for your Mac
• Use a Samsung Galaxy Tab as a second monitor for your Mac
• Use a Windows laptop as a second monitor for your Mac
• Add a second monitor to your Mac mini using a tablet or laptop you own
• Use an old iPad as a second monitor for your Mac (iPad Air 2
• Best ways to add a second screen to your Mac

Last updated October 2026.