How to Disable Securely on a School Chromebook in 2025

As schools increasingly rely on Chromebooks to provide students with digital tools for learning, monitoring student activity has become an essential aspect of maintaining a safe online environment. Securly is one such tool used by schools to filter internet content and monitor students’ online behavior.

However, there are instances when disabling Securly may be necessary, such as for troubleshooting, personal use, or when students are using their devices outside of school hours. In this ehallpass securly guide, we will walk you through how to disable Securly on a school Chromebook in 2024, discuss potential risks, and provide alternatives.

Why Schools Use Securly on Chromebooks

Securly is an online safety and monitoring platform widely used in schools to ensure that students are accessing appropriate content while using school-issued devices. With its web filtering capabilities, Securly can block harmful websites, track online behavior, and monitor social media activity.

It helps schools comply with legal regulations such as CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) and protects students from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and other online dangers. While Securly is an essential tool for student safety, there are valid reasons why students may want to disable it temporarily, such as to troubleshoot device performance or use the Chromebook for non-school activities.

Reasons You Might Want to Disable Securly

Before attempting to disable Securly, it’s important to consider why you want to make this change. Some valid reasons include:

Troubleshooting: Sometimes, Securly may cause performance issues or conflicts with certain websites. Temporarily disabling it may help troubleshoot and resolve these issues.
Personal Use: Students may wish to use the Chromebook for personal activities that fall outside the purview of school monitoring, such as accessing personal email or streaming content.
Remote Learning: When using a school Chromebook at home for remote learning, students may need to adjust settings for better performance or access specific websites.

It is important to note that disabling Securly without permission could violate school policies, so it is always best to consult with school officials or IT staff before making any changes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Securly on a School Chromebook

If you have the necessary permissions, follow these steps to disable Securly on a school Chromebook. Please note that these steps may vary slightly depending on your specific Chromebook model and the settings configured by your school.

Step 1: Access Chromebook Settings

To begin, click on the clock at the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the system menu. From here, click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu. This will allow you to access the network and device settings required to disable Securly.

Step 2: Log Into Admin Console (If You Have Admin Access)

To make changes to Securly or other security settings, you need administrative access. If you are an administrator, you can log into the Admin Console. Here, you can adjust or disable the monitoring system for the devices under your management. Students without admin access will need to seek assistance from the school’s IT department to modify these settings.

Step 3: Modify DNS Settings to Disable Securly

Securly operates by routing traffic through its own DNS servers to filter web content. To disable Securly, you can change the DNS settings on the Chromebook. Follow these steps:

In the Settings menu, scroll down to the Network section.
Click on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
Under the Network settings, click Advanced.
Locate the DNS settings and change the DNS from Securly’s DNS to a different one, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS.
Save the changes and restart the Chromebook to ensure the new DNS settings take effect.

Step 4: Using Developer Mode (If Applicable)

For users with advanced knowledge or those who have permission, entering Developer Mode on a Chromebook can give more control over system settings. This allows access to the system files, enabling the removal or modification of pre-installed software, including Securly. Please note that this method should only be used with explicit permission from the school, as it may void warranties or violate school policies. To enter Developer Mode:

Power off the Chromebook.
Press and hold Esc + Refresh and then press the Power button.
When the recovery screen appears, press Ctrl + D to enable Developer Mode.
Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

Step 5: Revert Settings and Re-enable Securly (If Necessary)

If you decide that disabling Securly was a temporary solution and want to restore monitoring, simply revert the DNS settings back to the default or contact your school’s IT department to reinstate the platform. It’s essential to ensure that all security measures are restored to avoid exposure to inappropriate content.

Risks of Disabling Securly on a School Chromebook

While there may be legitimate reasons for disabling Securly, there are also significant risks involved:

Violation of School Policy: Disabling Securly without permission may violate school regulations, which could result in disciplinary action or loss of access to the Chromebook.
Loss of Protection: Disabling Securly leaves the device unprotected from harmful content and online threats, including cyberbullying, explicit material, and phishing attacks.
Loss of Accountability: Without Securly’s monitoring, students may not be held accountable for their online activities, which could lead to misuse of the Chromebook for non-educational purposes.

Alternatives to Disabling Securly on School Chromebooks

If you are facing issues with Securly on your Chromebook, there are alternatives to disabling the system:

Contact IT Support: If you are having trouble with Securly affecting your device’s performance or blocking necessary websites, reach out to your school’s IT department. They can adjust the settings or troubleshoot the issue for you.
Request Temporary Disabling: If there’s a legitimate reason for disabling Securly, such as for a school project or personal use, your school’s IT team may be able to temporarily disable it.
Use Remote Learning Features: If you are using the Chromebook for remote learning, ensure that the school has configured the device to handle both in-class and at-home usage effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Securly Issues on Chromebooks

Students and educators may encounter issues with Securly on Chromebooks from time to time. Below are some common problems and solutions:

Slow Chromebook Performance: If Securly is causing slow performance, check if the DNS settings are correct or if there are other processes running that may be affecting the device’s speed.
Blocked Websites: Occasionally, websites that should be accessible may be flagged by Securly’s filtering system. You can submit a request to the school’s IT department to have the site unblocked.
Login Issues: If you’re unable to log into your Securly account or if the system is not recognizing your credentials, try resetting your password or contact IT support for assistance.

FAQs About Disabling Securly on School Chromebooks

1. Can I disable Securly on my Chromebook without admin access?
No, you will need administrative access to modify the settings and disable Securly. If you do not have admin rights, you must contact your school’s IT department for assistance.

2. What happens if I disable Securly without permission?
Disabling Securly without permission can result in disciplinary action, as it violates the school’s technology policies. Always seek permission before making any changes.

3. Will disabling Securly affect my ability to access educational websites?
In most cases, disabling Securly will not affect access to educational websites, but it may expose you to less secure content. It’s important to ensure the device remains safe for browsing.

4. How can I troubleshoot issues with Securly on my Chromebook?
If you’re having issues with Securly, try clearing your browser’s cache, restarting your device, or contacting your school’s IT department for support with performance or blocking issues.

Conclusion

Disabling Securly on a school Chromebook can be a useful tool for troubleshooting or for temporary non-school activities. However, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps and always seek permission from school authorities before making any changes. With the correct permissions and understanding of the risks, students can manage their Chromebook’s security settings effectively. Remember, Securly is there to ensure a safe and productive digital environment, so use caution when adjusting its settings.

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How to Disable Securely on a School Chromebook