
Are you a bookworm like me who loves to read their favorite books on their Nook e-reader? Well, have you ever encountered a situation where your Nook won’t turn on?
I know, it can be frustrating and worrisome, especially if you have a lot of books stored in it that you haven’t finished reading yet.
But don’t worry, my friend! here we will dive into the technicalities of why your Nook e-reader won’t turn on and what you can do to fix it.
We will discuss some common causes of Nook not turning on, such as a drained battery, software issues, or hardware malfunctions.
We’ll also go over some troubleshooting steps that you can take to bring your Nook e-reader back to life.
So, if you’re struggling with a Nook that won’t turn on, keep reading!
Why Is My Nook Not Turning On? 6 Common Reasons
1. The battery is Completely Drained
The Nook is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can become completely drained over time or extended use. Should the battery become fully drained, the device will remain inactive until it is recharged.
To recharge the battery, connect the Nook to a power source using the charging cable and adapter provided. If the battery is unable to retain a charge, it may be necessary to replace it.
2. Improper Battery Installation
If the battery is not installed correctly, the device will not receive any power and will not turn on. This issue may arise if the battery has become loose from the connector or if it is not aligned properly with the contacts.
To resolve this problem, simply remove the battery and then reinsert it, ensuring that it is aligned correctly with the contacts.
3. Misplaced Additional Memory
When an additional memory card is not properly placed, it can prevent the device from powering on. An incorrectly inserted memory card has the potential to disrupt the Nook’s booting process or cause it to freeze during startup.
4. Black Lines on Nook Screen
The presence of black lines on the Nook screen may indicate a hardware problem, leading to the device’s inability to power on. This issue can be attributed to a damaged screen, dead pixels, or a malfunctioning display controller.
5. Defective Display
An inadequate display can impede the Nook from powering on. Should the screen sustain damage, the device will fail to boot up properly. This problem can arise due to physical harm or faulty hardware components.
6. Nook Fails to Retain Charge
If the Nook is unable to retain its charge, it may not power on. This issue can be caused by malfunctioning batteries or charging ports. When the battery is defective, it loses its ability to hold a charge, while a faulty charging port can hinder the proper charging of the device.
The Nook Won’t Turn On? Here’s how to fix it.

1. Resetting Your Nook Tablet
If you encounter an issue where your Nook tablet fails to power on, there is a primary troubleshooting step you can take, which is to perform a reset. Before proceeding with the reset, it is crucial to ensure that the battery is fully charged.
To reset your Nook tablet, simply press and hold the power button for about 20 seconds. After the 20-second duration, release the button and observe if your Nook tablet turns on. If it does not, you can proceed to another troubleshooting method.
2. Performing a Soft Reset on Your Nook Tablet
Alternatively, you have the option to perform a soft reset, which involves simultaneously pressing specific buttons on your Nook device. Follow these steps:
- Press and hold both the Power and n buttons for approximately 10 seconds, then release them.
- Subsequently, press and hold the power button for an additional 5 seconds. Your device should power on at this point.
3. Removing the SD Card
A plausible reason for your Nook tablet’s failure to power on could be an incompatible or damaged SD card. It is crucial to ensure that you are using a microSD or microSDHC card, as these are the only compatible card types for Nook tablets.
Begin by removing the SD card and then attempt to turn on your Nook device. If it successfully powers on, it indicates that the issue was related to the SD card.
4. Charging Your Nook Tablet
When your Nook tablet remains unresponsive or fails to turn on, it is worth considering the possibility of a fully depleted battery. Allow your Nook tablet to charge for a minimum of 2 hours before attempting to use it again. Once the tablet has been adequately charged, attempt to power it on.
If your Nook device successfully starts up, it signifies that the problem lies in insufficient battery charge. To ensure thorough charging, consider leaving it connected overnight.
Below Are Some Effective Troubleshooting Methods To Try Before Taking Your Device To A Technician
1. Reboot Method
When faced with an issue, the first course of action is often a reboot. A simple restart can sometimes resolve the problem at hand. However, if your device remains unresponsive, a hard reset might be necessary.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:
- Begin by unscrewing the back panel of your Nook and flipping it over, granting access to the battery.
- Carefully lift the battery out by placing your finger under its top and gently squeezing it.
- Allow thirty minutes to pass before reinserting the battery and securing the plate with screws once again.
- Proceed to restart the Nook and observe whether this method has resolved the issue.
Important note: If your device is still covered by warranty, it is advisable to refrain from attempting this method. Removing the battery can void the warranty. Instead, consider taking your Nook tablet to the nearest Barnes and Noble store for a thorough inspection.
2. Check the AC Adapter
Should rebooting fail to yield positive results, it is worth examining the AC adapter. A malfunctioning charger could be the culprit behind your Nook’s failure to power on.
Before usage, carefully inspect the adapter for any visible signs of damage, such as discoloration or frayed wiring. If such issues are present, it is recommended to replace either the micro USB charging cable or the power adapter if they are found to be defective.
3. Dusty Charging Port
Another potential cause for an unresponsive Nook is a congested charging port. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate within the port, hindering proper charging.
To address this matter, follow these steps:
- Examine the charging port and gently blow air into it, effectively clearing any accumulated dust.
- Alternatively, employ a soft brush to remove the dust particles delicately.
- Once the port has been adequately cleaned, attempt to charge the device and power it on.
4. Factory Reset
If none of the above methods proves successful, it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. It is crucial to note that this procedure will erase all data from your Nook, so ensure that you have a backup before proceeding. Follow these instructions:
- Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds, then press and hold the “n” button to initiate the device.
- The Quick Navigation menu will appear before you.
- Tap on “Settings,” followed by “Device Info.”
- Locate and select the “Erase & Deregister” option to proceed with the factory reset.
- Confirm your action and once again tap on “Erase & Deregister” to initiate the process.

I am the Founder and Senior Editor at TheTablofy. I am an experienced professional in the digital media industry and hold a degree of Bachelor of Science degree in Advance Technology. Meet My Meet