Won't Charge / Not Charging
Barnes & Noble Nook
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
A Nook that does not charge is most often caused by a damaged micro-USB cable or a dirty charging port. Clean the port gently with a dry toothbrush to remove lint. If the battery is fully depleted, leave it connected for 30 minutes before expecting the screen to show the charging indicator.
Affected Models
- Nook GlowLight 3
- Nook GlowLight Plus
- Nook Tablet 7
- Nook Tablet 10.1
- Nook Simple Touch
- All Barnes & Noble Nook models
Common Causes
- Charging cable damaged or not rated for data/power
- Lint or debris in the micro-USB port preventing full contact
- Battery fully depleted — needs extended time before screen responds
- USB charger wattage too low for the Nook to charge
- Charging port on the Nook damaged from wear or bent connector
How to Fix It
-
Try a different USB cable and charger.
Use a known-good micro-USB cable and plug it into a wall charger (not a PC USB port, which may not supply enough current). Use a 5V/1A or higher charger. A bad cable is the most common cause of charging failure.
-
Clean the charging port.
Use a dry toothbrush or a can of compressed air to gently clean the micro-USB port on the bottom of the Nook. Lint and pocket debris compact over time and prevent the connector from seating fully. Do not use metal tools or water.
-
Perform a hard reset while charging.
Plug in the Nook, then hold the power button for 20 seconds. Release and wait 30 seconds. Press the power button briefly to turn on. This resets a firmware state that can occasionally prevent the charging circuit from activating.
-
Leave it charging for 30–60 minutes.
A completely depleted Nook battery may not respond at all for the first 15–30 minutes of charging. Leave it plugged in for at least 60 minutes before concluding it is not charging. After this time, the charging indicator should appear on the screen.
-
Check the port for physical damage.
Look into the micro-USB port with a flashlight and check that the centre pin is straight. A bent centre pin means the port is damaged and needs professional repair. Forcing a connector into a damaged port will make the damage worse.
When to Call a Professional
If the Nook still does not show a charging indicator after 1 hour with a known-good cable and wall charger, and the port appears undamaged, the battery or charging circuit may need replacement at a repair shop.