Question:

How can I update or repurpose an old Nook Color device?

I have a Nook Color that I bought several years ago, but I have not used it for a long time. I wanted to read Kindle books on it, but I found out that it is not compatible with the Kindle app. I also noticed that the Nook store has very limited content and that there was a mandatory update in 2018 that I missed. Is there any way to get that update now, or is my device obsolete? If so, are there any alternative uses for my Nook Color that I can explore?

Thank you for your help.

Answer:

If you have an old Nook Color device that you have not used for a while, you might be wondering if it is still useful or not. The Nook Color was released in 2010 as a tablet-like e-reader that could also run some Android apps. However, it has been discontinued by Barnes & Noble since 2016, and the Nook store has very few books and apps available for it. Moreover, there was a critical software update in 2018 that you had to install manually, otherwise your device would lose access to the Nook services. If you missed that update, you might think that your device is bricked, but there is still hope.

Updating your Nook Color

The first thing you should try is to update your Nook Color to the latest software version, which is 1.4.4. This update will restore your access to the Nook services, such as the library, the shop, and the cloud. To do this, you will need a computer, a micro-USB cable, and a microSD card with at least 4 GB of space. You can follow these steps:

• Download the update file from [this link](https://help.barnesandnoble.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4210).
• Unzip the file and copy the .zip file (not the folder) to the root directory of your microSD card. Do not rename the file.
• Turn off your Nook Color and insert the microSD card into the slot at the bottom of the device.
• Press and hold the power button for about 3 seconds, then release it. The device will boot from the microSD card and start the update process. Do not turn off the device or remove the card during this process.
• When the update is complete, the device will reboot and display a message saying “Successfully updated”. You can then remove the microSD card and turn on the device normally.
• You should see the software version 1.4.4 in the settings menu. You can now access the Nook services and sync your device with your account.

Repurposing your Nook Color

If you have updated your Nook Color, but you still find it limited or outdated, you might want to repurpose it for other uses. One option is to root your device and install a custom ROM, which is a modified version of the Android operating system. This will allow you to run more apps and features on your device, such as the Kindle app, Google Play Store, Netflix, YouTube, and more. However, this process is not for the faint of heart, as it involves some technical skills and risks. You could potentially brick your device, void your warranty, or lose your data. Therefore, you should only attempt this if you are confident and willing to take the responsibility. You can find some guides and resources on how to root and install a custom ROM on your Nook Color on [this website](https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nook-color).

Another option is to use your Nook Color as a digital photo frame, a music player, a clock, a weather station, or a remote control for your smart home devices. You can download some apps that can turn your device into these functions, such as [Dayframe](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cloudtv.dayframe), [Poweramp](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maxmpz.audioplayer), [Clock](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.deskclock), [Weather Live](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apalon.weatherlive.free), or [Google Home](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app). You can also use some widgets or live wallpapers to customize your device’s appearance. You can find some examples of how to use your Nook Color for these purposes on [this blog post](https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/repurpose-old-android-tablet/).

Conclusion

Your

old Nook Color device does not have to be a paperweight. You can either update it to the latest software version and enjoy the Nook services, or you can repurpose it for other functions by rooting it or installing some apps. Either way, you can give your device a new life and make the most of it. We hope this article was helpful and informative. Thank you for reading.