Chrome OS Setup
CAC Setup for Chrome OS
Complete installation guide for Chromebooks with USB smart card support.
Requirements
- Chromebook with USB port (USB-C adapter if needed)
- Chrome OS version 90 or later
- USB smart card reader
- Active internet connection
Good News for Chromebook Users!
Chrome OS has built-in smart card support through extensions. Setup is simpler than other operating systems and doesn't require installing system-level software.
1
Install Smart Card Connector
Install the official Smart Card Connector extension from the Chrome Web Store:
Installation Steps:
- Open Chrome browser on your Chromebook
- Visit the Chrome Web Store
- Search for "Smart Card Connector"
- Click "Add to Chrome" for the official Google extension
- Confirm installation when prompted
2
Install DoD Certificates
Chrome OS manages certificates through the browser. You'll need to import DoD root certificates.
Download Certificates
Import Certificates to Chrome OS:
- Download DoD certificates bundle (look for .zip file)
- Extract the certificate files
- Open Chrome Settings (three dots → Settings)
- Navigate to Privacy and Security → Security → Manage certificates
- Go to the "Authorities" tab
- Click "Import" and select each DoD root certificate (.cer or .crt files)
- Check "Trust this certificate for identifying websites"
- Click OK for each certificate
3
Connect CAC Reader
Connect your USB smart card reader to your Chromebook. If using USB-C only Chromebook, you may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Reader Compatibility
Most standard USB smart card readers work with Chrome OS. The Smart Card Connector extension supports common reader chipsets automatically.
Verify Reader Connection:
- Click the Smart Card Connector extension icon in Chrome
- Your reader should appear in the extension's status window
- Insert your CAC - the extension should detect it
4
Configure Smart Card Connector
The Smart Card Connector extension may require initial configuration:
- Click the Smart Card Connector extension icon
- If prompted, grant permission to access smart card readers
- The extension should show "Connected" status when CAC is inserted
- You may be asked to install additional readers - this is optional for most users
Extension Updates
Keep the Smart Card Connector extension updated. Chrome automatically updates extensions, but you can manually check for updates in chrome://extensions
5
Test Your Setup
- 1. Ensure your CAC is inserted in the reader
- 2. Verify Smart Card Connector shows "Connected" status
- 3. Navigate to a CAC-enabled website (e.g., my.af.mil)
- 4. You should be prompted to select a certificate
- 5. Choose your authentication certificate
- 6. Enter your PIN when prompted
Success Indicators
- Smart Card Connector extension shows green "Connected"
- Certificate selection dialog appears on CAC-enabled sites
- You can successfully log in after entering PIN
Common Chrome OS Issues
Reader Not Detected
If your card reader isn't detected:
- Try a different USB port
- Restart the Chromebook with reader connected
- Check if reader requires external power
- Verify Smart Card Connector extension is enabled
Certificate Errors
If you see certificate trust errors:
- Verify DoD certificates are imported under "Authorities" tab
- Each certificate should show "Trust this certificate" is checked
- Clear browser cache and try again
- Re-import certificates if they expired
Chromebook Limitations
While Chrome OS supports CAC for web authentication, some specialized DoD applications may require Windows or other desktop operating systems. Check with your organization for specific requirements.