Press and hold the power button for three seconds

The power button on a Nook tablet is located on the right edge of the device, near the top. Press and hold it for about three seconds until you see the Nook logo appear on the screen. You will feel a slight vibration, which signals that the tablet is starting up. Do not release the button before the logo appears — if you let go too early, the tablet will not turn on.

The first time you power on a Nook tablet, the startup process takes longer than usual, sometimes up to two minutes. The screen may appear black or show the Nook logo for an extended period. This is normal. Let the tablet complete its startup sequence without pressing any buttons or touching the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is on the right edge of the tablet near the top, and you must hold it for three seconds to turn the device on.
  • The first startup can take up to two minutes, and the screen may stay black or show only the logo during this time.
  • If the tablet does not respond after holding the power button for ten seconds, the battery may be completely drained and you should charge it for at least 30 minutes.
  • Once the tablet is on, you may see a setup screen asking you to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Nook account.

What to do if the tablet does not turn on

If nothing happens after you hold the power button for ten seconds, the battery is likely completely empty. Connect the tablet to a power adapter using the charging cable that came in the box. The charging port is usually located on the bottom edge of the device. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet and let the tablet charge for at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again.

While charging, you may see a small light on the tablet or a charging icon on the screen. This confirms that power is reaching the device. If you see no light or icon after five minutes of charging, try a different power outlet or a different cable if you have one available. Some outlets or cables can fail without obvious signs.

Recognizing when the tablet is fully powered on

Once the Nook logo disappears, you will see either the home screen or a setup screen, depending on whether the tablet has been set up before. The home screen shows your library, reading apps, and other shortcuts. If this is your first time using the tablet, you will see a setup wizard that asks you to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Nook account or create a new one.

The tablet is fully on when you can touch the screen and see it respond to your taps. Try tapping an icon or swiping across the screen to confirm the device is responsive. If the screen is on but does not respond to touches, hold the power button again for ten seconds to force the tablet to shut down, then try turning it on once more.

Charging your Nook tablet before first use

Even if your Nook tablet is brand new, the battery may not have enough charge to turn on. Charge it for at least one hour before attempting to power it on for the first time. Use only the charging cable and adapter that came in the box, as third-party chargers can sometimes damage the battery or prevent the tablet from charging properly.

The charging cable connects to a port on the bottom or side of the tablet, depending on your model. Push the connector in firmly until you hear or feel a click. The tablet should show a charging indicator — usually a light or an icon on the screen — within a few seconds of being plugged in.

Turning the tablet back on after it has been shut down

If you have already set up your Nook tablet and turned it off, turning it back on follows the same process: press and hold the power button for three seconds until the Nook logo appears. The second and later startups are much faster than the first one, usually taking 30 to 60 seconds. You will not see the setup wizard again unless you perform a factory reset.

If you have not used your Nook tablet in several weeks, the battery may have drained completely. In that case, charge it for 30 minutes before trying to turn it on. Tablets with depleted batteries sometimes take longer to show any sign of life, so be patient and let the charger work for a full half hour before assuming something is wrong.

Troubleshooting a tablet that will not respond

If your Nook tablet turns on but the screen is frozen or will not respond to touches, perform a force restart. Press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, even if the screen does not change. The tablet will shut down, and then you can press the power button again to turn it back on. This clears temporary problems that sometimes prevent the tablet from working normally.

If the tablet still does not respond after a force restart, try charging it again for at least one hour. A low battery can sometimes cause the screen to appear on but unresponsive. If the problem continues after charging, the tablet may have a hardware issue that requires service from Nook support or the retailer where you purchased it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a Nook tablet to turn on?

The first startup takes up to two minutes. Later startups usually take 30 to 60 seconds. If your tablet is taking longer than five minutes, try holding the power button for 10 seconds to force it to shut down, then turn it on again.

Can I turn on my Nook tablet while it is charging?

Yes. You can turn on your Nook tablet at any time, whether it is plugged in or not. Charging does not prevent the tablet from powering on. In fact, if the battery is completely dead, you may need to charge it for 30 minutes before it will turn on at all.

What if the power button is stuck or broken?

If the power button does not click or feels stuck, do not force it. Contact Nook support or the retailer where you purchased the tablet. A broken power button usually requires professional repair or replacement of the device.

Is it normal for the screen to stay black during startup?

Yes, especially on the first startup. The Nook logo may appear and disappear, or the screen may stay black for up to two minutes. This is normal. Do not press any buttons or try to force the tablet to respond during this time.

How do I know if my Nook tablet is charging?

Look for a light on the tablet or a charging icon on the screen. Most Nook tablets show a small LED light near the charging port or display a battery icon with a lightning bolt when plugged in. If you see neither after five minutes, try a different outlet or cable.