Your old Nook tablet has several practical paths forward
An old Nook tablet sitting in a drawer has real value — either as cash, as a working device for someone else, or as recyclable material. The best choice depends on whether the device still powers on, what condition it is in, and whether you want money back or would rather donate it. A working Nook can sell for $20 to $80 depending on the model and age. If it no longer turns on or the screen is cracked, recycling keeps it out of a landfill and recovers materials like copper and glass.
Before you do anything, back up any personal files stored on the device and perform a factory reset to wipe your account information. This takes about ten minutes and protects your privacy whether you sell, donate, or recycle the tablet.
Key Takeaways
- A working Nook tablet typically sells for $20 to $80 on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Swappa, depending on the model and condition.
- Donating to a school, library, or nonprofit gives the device a second life and may be tax-deductible if you itemize deductions.
- Always perform a factory reset before handing over the tablet to remove your account, passwords, and personal files.
- Broken or non-functional Nooks can be recycled through Best Buy, manufacturer programs, or local e-waste facilities at no cost.
Selling a working Nook tablet online
Facebook Marketplace and eBay are the fastest routes for local or shipped sales. List the model (Nook Tablet, Nook Color, Nook GlowLight, or Nook Tablet 7, for example), the storage capacity, the condition of the screen and casing, and whether the charger is included. Tablets with original chargers sell faster and for slightly more money. Price it $10 to $20 below what the same model is listed for elsewhere — buyers notice, and you will move it faster.
Swappa is a dedicated marketplace for electronics and has lower fees than eBay (around 10 percent versus 12.9 percent plus shipping). The site handles payment and holds it until the buyer confirms the device arrived in the condition described, which reduces the risk of disputes. Shipping a tablet typically costs $8 to $15 depending on weight and distance.
Local pickup through Marketplace or Craigslist avoids shipping costs and gets you cash the same day, but meet in a public place during daylight and bring someone with you. Never give out your home address in the listing.
Donating to schools, libraries, or nonprofits
Schools and libraries often accept working tablets for classroom use or lending programs. Call the principal's office or the head librarian and describe the model and condition. Some districts have formal donation programs; others accept devices on a case-by-case basis. Bring the tablet and charger together, and ask for a receipt if you plan to deduct the donation on your taxes.
Nonprofits that serve seniors, people with disabilities, or low-income families also take tablets. Organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local community centers accept electronics donations. Some nonprofits refurbish devices and distribute them; others sell them to fund their programs. Either way, the device stays in use rather than in a landfill.
If you itemize deductions on your tax return, keep the receipt and note the fair market value of the tablet at the time of donation. The IRS allows you to deduct the value of donated goods, though you cannot claim more than what the device would reasonably sell for.
Recycling a broken or non-functional Nook
Best Buy accepts old electronics for recycling at no charge, including tablets that no longer power on. Drop it off at the customer service desk with or without the charger. Best Buy recovers materials like aluminum, copper, and glass, and responsibly disposes of the battery and screen.
Many manufacturers, including Barnes & Noble, have mail-back recycling programs. Check the manufacturer's website for instructions — you may need to print a shipping label or pay a small fee depending on the device. Some programs are free; others charge $5 to $10.
Local e-waste facilities accept tablets for free or a small fee. Search "[your city] e-waste recycling" to find a facility near you. Bring the tablet and any cables. Do not throw a tablet in the regular trash — the battery can catch fire in a garbage truck, and the materials are toxic to soil and water.
How to prepare your Nook before you hand it over
Power on the tablet and go to Settings. Look for an option called "Reset" or "Factory Reset" — the exact name varies by Nook model and Android version. Tap it and confirm. The tablet will erase all apps, files, photos, and account information and return to its original state. This takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is stored.
If the tablet will not power on, you cannot perform a reset. In that case, remove any microSD card if the model has one, and note that the device contains your account information when you donate or recycle it. Most recyclers and nonprofits understand this and handle it appropriately.
If you have files you want to keep, connect the tablet to a computer via USB cable before resetting. Copy photos, documents, or other files to your computer first. After the reset, those files will be gone from the tablet.
Comparing your options by time and money
| Option | Time to complete | Money you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sell on Facebook Marketplace (local pickup) | 3 to 7 days | $30 to $80 | Working tablets in good condition; fastest cash |
| Sell on eBay or Swappa (shipped) | 1 to 2 weeks | $20 to $70 | Tablets in any condition; reaches more buyers |
| Donate to school or library | 1 day | Tax deduction (if itemizing) | Working tablets; supporting education |
| Donate to nonprofit | 1 day | Tax deduction (if itemizing) | Working or slightly damaged tablets; supporting community |
| Recycle at Best Buy or e-waste facility | 1 day | None | Broken tablets; no shipping or hassle |
What affects the resale price of your Nook
The model matters most. Older Nook Color tablets from 2010 sell for $15 to $30. Nook Tablet 7 models from 2014 to 2016 typically go for $25 to $50. Newer Nook GlowLight e-readers (which are different from tablets) can sell for $40 to $100 if they are in good condition. Check completed listings on eBay or current listings on Swappa to see what your specific model is actually selling for right now.
Condition is the second factor. A tablet with a cracked screen, worn casing, or battery that does not hold a charge sells for half the price of one in good condition. A tablet that powers on but has minor scratches on the back sells for 80 to 90 percent of the price of a pristine one. Be honest in your listing — buyers will notice damage, and dishonest descriptions lead to returns and disputes.
Whether you include the original charger also moves the needle. A tablet with its charger sells faster and for $5 to $10 more. If you have lost the charger, note that in the listing and expect a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a Nook tablet if I forgot my password?
Yes. You can still perform a factory reset without knowing the password — the reset option is usually available from the lock screen or boot menu. After the reset, the tablet returns to its original state and the password is erased. The new owner will set up their own account.
What if my Nook tablet is stuck and won't turn off?
Hold the power button for 30 seconds to force a shutdown. If that does not work, let the battery drain completely (this may take several days), then plug it in and try again. If the tablet still will not respond, it is a candidate for recycling rather than resale.
Is it safe to mail a tablet through the post office?
Yes, but use a tracked shipping service like USPS Priority Mail with tracking or UPS Ground. Pack the tablet in a padded box with bubble wrap or foam to prevent damage during transit. Insure the package for the sale price so you are covered if it arrives broken.
Can I donate a tablet with a cracked screen?
Some nonprofits and schools will take it if the screen still displays and the device powers on. Call ahead and describe the damage. If the screen is completely shattered or the device does not power on, recycling is the better option.
How much can I deduct if I donate my Nook?
You can deduct the fair market value — what the tablet would sell for on the open market at the time of donation. If similar models are selling for $40 on eBay, you can deduct $40. Keep the receipt from the nonprofit and document the model and condition in case the IRS asks.