Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

The nook Barnes and Noble tablet is a line of e-reader and color tablet devices sold under the Nook brand, which Barnes and Noble has run since 2009. Most confusion comes from the fact that “Nook” covers both black-and-white e-ink readers and full-color Android-based tablets, and the two behave very differently. Identify your exact model number first, then match your fix or purchase to that model.

Why the Nook Name Causes So Much Confusion

Barnes and Noble has released several generations of Nook hardware, and some of them were built by partners rather than the company itself. The original Nook and Nook Simple Touch are e-ink readers with no app store. The Nook Color and Nook Tablet are LCD color devices that run a modified version of Android. Later models, including the Nook GlowLight line, return to e-ink. If you search for help without knowing which of these you own, you will often find instructions that simply do not apply.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Lenovo Idea Tab Tablet Review: Is It Worth It?.

Factors That Determine Which Fix or Model Fits

Three details settle most questions about a Nook:

  • Screen type: E-ink screens look like printed paper and only refresh when you turn a page. LCD screens look like a regular tablet and show video and animation.
  • Operating system: Color Nooks run Android in a Barnes and Noble shell. Readers run a proprietary system with limited apps.
  • Model number: Printed on the back cover or in Settings under About Device. This is the only reliable way to match troubleshooting guides and firmware updates to your hardware.

If you cannot find the model number, note the screen type and whether the device has a home screen with app icons. That combination narrows the list quickly.

Practical Steps to Identify and Maintain Your Nook

  1. Locate the model number on the back or open Settings and check the device information screen.
  2. Check the battery level and charge for at least 30 minutes with the original or a known-good cable before assuming a hardware fault.
  3. Confirm the software version and install any available update over Wi-Fi.
  4. If the device will not power on, hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds to force a restart.
  5. Register the device to your Barnes and Noble account so your library and purchases sync correctly.

What We’d Use

For reading on the go, a dedicated e-ink reader with a front light is easier on the eyes than a color tablet. Look for a model with a protective case that fits your exact Nook size.

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For a color screen that supports video and apps, a standard Android tablet with a Barnes and Noble app can cover the same use cases.

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FAQ

Is the Nook still supported by Barnes and Noble?

Support varies by model. Older Nooks may no longer receive major software updates, so check the official Barnes and Noble support pages for your exact model before expecting new features.

Can I read Kindle books on a Nook?

Generally no. Nook devices use the EPUB format and sync with Barnes and Noble accounts, while Kindle books use Amazon’s own formats and DRM. Some EPUB files from other stores can be loaded through USB on many Nook readers.

What should I do if my Nook will not charge?

Try a different cable and wall adapter first, then clean the charging port with compressed air. If the device still will not respond, contact Barnes and Noble support. For battery replacement, consult a qualified repair service rather than opening the device yourself.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our consumer tech how-to & troubleshooting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.