.png)
The Barnes & Noble Nook Color, once one of the most popular e-readers on the market, has long been overshadowed by the rise of more advanced tablets. But did you know that you can breathe new life into your Nook Color and transform it into a fully functioning Android tablet? With a few easy steps and some technical know-how, you can upgrade your old Nook Color into a versatile device, capable of running the latest Android apps, browsing the web, and even playing games.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of turning your Nook Color into an Android powerhouse. Whether you have an old Nook Color gathering dust or just want to experiment with an older device, this transformation will make it feel fresh and functional again.
Before diving into the technical details, let’s first discuss the appeal of turning your Nook Color into an Android tablet:
- Cost-Effective: If you're not ready to invest in a brand-new tablet, transforming your Nook Color is a great alternative that requires little to no investment.
- Upcycling: It’s an eco-friendly way to reuse old tech and give it a new purpose.
- Enhanced Functionality: The Nook Color’s hardware, while dated, is still capable of running basic Android apps, which makes it a practical and low-cost alternative to newer devices.
Let’s get started on how you can do this yourself!
The first step is to prepare your Nook Color for the transformation. The device originally runs a modified version of Android, but to unlock its true potential, you'll need to perform a “rooting” procedure.
What You Need:
- A Nook Color(of course!)
- A microSD card(at least 4GB)
- A computer(for downloading files and transferring them to your Nook Color)
- A USB cable(for connecting the Nook Color to your computer)
- A USB keyboard and mouse(optional but recommended for easier navigation)
- The right software tools(more on this in the next step)
Before proceeding, it’s crucial to back up any data you want to keep. The rooting process will wipe your device clean, so ensure that everything important is saved elsewhere.
Rooting your Nook Color is the key step in transforming it into a fully functional Android tablet. This gives you administrative control over the operating system, allowing you to install custom Android versions. Here's how you do it:
1. Install ClockworkMod Recovery
ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery is a popular tool used to manage Android devices. To install it on your Nook Color, you’ll need to download a recovery image file onto your computer and then transfer it to the device.
2. Install CyanogenMod
CyanogenMod is a custom Android ROM (Read-Only Memory) that works on the Nook Color. This ROM gives you a clean and modern version of Android, optimized for your device. To install it, you’ll follow these steps:
- Download the CyanogenMod ROM onto your computer.
- Transfer the ROM to the Nook Color using the microSD card.
- Boot your Nook Color into CWM Recovery mode, where you’ll flash the new ROM.
This process will allow you to bypass the original Nook operating system and start fresh with Android.
3. Install Google Apps (Optional)
Once you have CyanogenMod installed, you can add the Google Apps package (known as GApps). This includes important Android apps like the Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, and more. Without GApps, you won’t be able to access the Play Store, which is essential for downloading Android apps.
With CyanogenMod up and running, your Nook Color is officially an Android tablet! Now, let’s set up the device for everyday use:
1. Connect to Wi-Fi
You’ll need a Wi-Fi connection to access the internet, download apps, and sync your Google account. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings in the Android menu and connect to your network.
2. Sign into Google
Next, sign in with your Google account to access the Play Store and sync your apps and settings.
3. Install Essential Apps
Start by downloading some essential Android apps:
- Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- Communication: WhatsApp, Skype, Gmail
- Productivity: Google Docs, Evernote, Microsoft Office
- Entertainment: Netflix, YouTube, Spotify
- Games: Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Asphalt 8
You’ll now have access to thousands of Android apps, from games to productivity tools, all available at your fingertips.
Although the Nook Color has decent hardware for its age, there are ways to improve its performance. Here are a few tips:
1. Adjust Performance Settings
In the Android settings menu, you can adjust certain settings to improve speed and responsiveness, such as:
- Enabling “developer options” and adjusting the animation settings.
- Limiting background processes to reduce strain on the CPU.
2. Use a Launcher
The default Android launcher on the Nook Color may not be as responsive as you'd like. Consider installing a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher, which will give your Nook Color a smoother interface and more customization options.
3. Install a Custom Kernel
For those comfortable with advanced configurations, you can install a custom kernel to overclock your device’s CPU for better performance.
4. Expand Storage
If you need more storage for apps, photos, and music, you can use a larger microSD card for extra space.
Once your Nook Color is up and running with Android, it's time to personalize your device. Add custom wallpapers, widgets, and app icons to give your device a fresh look.
Optional Accessories
- Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse: If you plan on using your Nook Color for productivity, consider pairing a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for a better typing experience.
- Tablet Stand: A tablet stand can help turn your Nook Color into a mini workstation or media hub.
Turning your Nook Color into an Android tablet is a fun and rewarding project that’s perfect for tech enthusiasts or anyone looking to extend the life of an old device. By following the steps outlined above, you can transform your Nook Color into a fully functional tablet, ready for everything from browsing the web to streaming your favorite shows.
With the ability to run Android apps, access Google services, and customize your device, your old Nook Color can easily find a second life. It’s an ideal solution if you’re looking for a budget-friendly tablet or want to repurpose an old gadget that’s been collecting dust in your drawer.
So go ahead—give your Nook Color a second chance and unlock its full potential with Android!
Support.com is committed to your privacy
We do not share or sell your data to third parties. We do use cookies and other third-party technologies to improve our site and services. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives you the ability to opt out of the use of cookies, third-party technologies and/or the future sale of your data. Do not sell my personal information.
Support.com is committed to your privacy
Read our Privacy Policy for a clear explanation of how we collect, use, disclose and store your information
