The tablet market doubled in size in 2012. Apple’s iPad range is still dominant, but the 7-inch Android tablet space has sparked a fierce battle between countless manufacturers and prices are getting surprisingly low. The undisputed king of the hill when it comes to small Android tablets is Google’s Nexus 7, manufactured by Asus. It has been selling well since its July 2012 release and estimates suggest that Google shifted between 5 and 8 million units last year with over 1 million Nexus 7 sales in December alone.
While the diminutive tablet has been well received by critics and consumers alike, no product is perfect. That’s why we’ve dug up a list of Nexus 7 problems and tried to find potential solutions and workarounds for anyone suffering.
Problem: Nexus 7 will not turn on or charge
Have you ever found that your Nexus 7 won’t turn on at all and it won’t charge when you plug it in? Don’t worry. You are not alone. There are a couple of things you can try to bring it back to life. This problem seems to occur frequently if you allow your Nexus 7 battery to run completely down or leave it idle for long periods.
Possible solutions:
- Hold down the Power button for a full 30 seconds. The Nexus 7 should start up.
- If that didn’t work then try this: Plug in the charger and press the Power button and the Volume Down button together. You should see a menu pop up. Use the Volume rocker to go down to Power Off and press the Power button to select it. When the Nexus 7 turns off, remove the charger from the device and then plug it back in again. You should see the battery sign appear if it worked.
Problem: Lag, reboots, or brightness issues after installing Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
A lot of Nexus 7 owners reported serious problems after updating the tablet to Android 4.2. Some people encountered general lag or sluggish performance, others complained of brightness issues for the display, and worst of all, some people encountered random reboots. There was also a bug introduced in the People app that removed the month of December, but Google rolled out an update to fix that bug quickly.
Possible solutions:
- First of all try going to the Google Currents app (if you have it), open up the Settings menu, and unchecking Enable Background Sync and then reboot your Nexus 7.
- If that doesn’t work then try a factory reset, but keep in mind that you will lose all data on the device, including all your apps (a lot of data will be backed up in your Google account so you can restore it afterward). Go to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset > Reset tablet and then enter your pattern, PIN, or password if prompted. Then tap “Erase everything.”
Problem: Screen separation
Some Nexus 7 tablets shipped with a screen defect which means that the screen lifts slightly away from the plastic bezel, which can create some creaking noises. It’s generally caused by screws that haven’t been properly tightened, or in some cases, screws that are completely missing. It’s relatively easy to fix and you’ll find guides online, but you shouldn’t have to fix yourself and you could void your warranty so we don’t recommend that course of action.
Solution: If you bought your Nexus 7 from Google Play then call Google customer support. If you bought it elsewhere, then you need to contact Asus directly. In both cases you should get a replacement free of charge because this is a known issue.
Problem: Microphone doesn’t work
You may find that the Nexus 7 microphone is failing to pick up any sound. This could be because of a fault; it could be because of the placement or the cover; or it could be because something got in there and blocked it.
Possible solutions:
- Use compressed air or, if you’re in the mood, suck on the microphone hole. If there’s a dust blockage then this should fix it.
- Some people have reported that it isn’t aligned properly with the hole or that the rubber edging is covering it. You could open the back cover and take a look, but you may void your warranty by poking around so be very cautious.
- The hole for the microphone could be completely missing or you might have a faulty microphone. In either case, you’ll want to return it and get a replacement unit by calling Google customer support if you purchased it from Google Play or contacting Asus directly if you got it somewhere else.
Problem: Headphone jack doesn’t work
There have been quite a few reports of people getting no sound at all when they plug in their headphones, or getting crackly intermittent sound. Before you panic, make sure to try your headphones in another device so you know they aren’t the problem. You should also check that the volume is turned up on the Nexus 7 and not very low or even muted. If that doesn’t help, there are a couple of other potential solutions.
Possible solutions:
- The port is very tight. Push harder and wait until you hear the headphones click into place. You may have to apply more pressure than expected, but this will often solve the problem.
- If it’s a hardware failure then you’ll need to contact Google or Asus for a replacement.
Problem: Wi-Fi won’t connect or repeatedly drops out
You may find that your Nexus 7 refuses to connect to your Wi-Fi network or drops it frequently. There are various potential causes for this and not all of them are Nexus 7 related, but if the tablet is your problem then you can try a few things.
Possible solutions:
- Check the date and time settings on your Nexus 7 and make sure they are correct. Some people reported an issue with the date being wrong.
- Turn NFC off via Settings > More, and then uncheck the box next to NFC. This has worked for some people.
- Turn Wi-Fi off and on again or turn your router off and on again. This will often temporarily fix the problem.
- You may have to consult your ISP or router troubleshooting guide to identify the issue.
Problem: Touchscreen is not responsive
If you are unlucky enough to find that your touchscreen doesn’t respond or that it sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t then you can try the standard troubleshooting steps.
Possible solutions:
- Soft reset the Nexus 7 by holding down the power button for 30 seconds.
- Factory reset without the touchscreen by pressing and holding the Power button and Volume Down then press Volume Down twice and hit the Power button to select Recovery Mode. Hold the Power button down and hit Volume Up and then use the volume rocker to select the “wipe data/factory” reset option and press the Power button to select it. Use the volume rocker again to select “Yes – erase all user data” and press the Power button to activate.
- If the reset doesn’t work then you should contact Google, Asus, or the retailer, depending on where you bought the device, and request a replacement.
Problem: Crackling speaker or loss of sound
The Nexus 7 speaker can sound distorted, especially at high volumes, and sometimes people report loss of sound completely. If you find that your sound is fine through headphones, but problems with the speaker persist, then it’s likely to be a hardware fault.
Solution: You’ll need to request a replacement from Google, Asus, or the retailer where you bought the Nexus 7.
That’s it for now, but if you have another Nexus 7 problem you’d like to share then post a comment. Even better, if you have a solution that isn’t listed here then please share it.
ive had my nexus for just under 2 months and it wont turn on it goes fuzzy or just light blue and i really need it please help ive tried to press all the buttons it just doesnt work help
I definitely suggest sending it to Asus for repair. They picked up,fixed and returned my Nexus in 7 days.
As an owner of the nexus 7, I don’t have any of these problems nor know anyone that does. How about writing ipad problems since you guys are always so quick to write something bad about any platform that isnt iOS? Like lag issues, sync issues, wifi issues and the alike.
That’s great if you haven’t encountered any issues, there’s no doubt the Nexus 7 is a great device, but this is designed to help people who do run into problems. We’ve done exactly the same kinds of articles for the iPad and the iPhone – http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-5-problems-what-users-complain-about-the-most/
+1
Shaine Alexander .. Nexus 7 is a great device i agree that. aprt frm that there is some issue which simon mentioned above. i have problem with speakers exact what he said. and i got replacement from asus within two days…
I’ve had my Nexus 7 for two months, and I’ve never experienced any of these problems.
+1
A new Nexus 7 competitor launched last week priced at an impressive $139 — The new Novo 7 Venus compares to the Nexus 7 -matching key features, including a Quad Core processor, a high resolution multi-touch 1280×800 IPS screen, 16GB memory, a front camera, performance battery (4000 mAh), Android O/S and Google Play Store preinstalled — while also featuring number of great options the Nexus 7 doesn’t – including a 2-megapixel rear camera, a MicroSD memory card slot, an HDMI 1080p port to download and watch movies directly from the tablet on to a large screen TV; plus more ways to connect to the internet, including Ethernet as well as 3G/4G Wireless connection through its USB port with a USB adapter.
The Novo 7 Venus is made by Ainol Electronics – which won runner-up for “Best Tablet of the Year” at CES 2012
It looks impressive on paper, we need to get a hands-on look to see if it lives up to that promise.
but will it get all the updates first?
I have tried all of the suggestion my nexus 7 won’t turn on. Held volume button for 30 seconds, plugged it in and held volume and power button for 30 seconds. still a back lit screen. I bought it from Staples couple weeks before christmas so my 30 days are up. Will Google replace it. I really like the tab, just need it to work and I don’t have another 200 dollars to replace it. Any suggestions?
Sorry this is a question rather than comment, I brought my two young lads a nextus, I am unable to find out how to put on parental control any ideas.
I use this Kid Mode app by Zoodles – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zoodles.kidmode which allows you to dictate what they have access to and create profiles. There are a few alternatives depending on what you want, Kids Place is good too – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kiddoware.kidsplace
Thank you, my Nexus would not fire up and your fix corrected my problem
Wow, just as I thought of getting one today.
please don’t make your decision based one THIS alone. REALLY look into it. I was literally one of the first people in Vancouver to pick up the Nexus 7 and I don’t have any of those issues.
Got 3 Nexus 7′s for my family members no problems what so ever best tablet on the market…
Now that I’ve had our Nexus 7 a few months, I think that battery run down and didn’t start bit us. But I didn’t do what was written. I do remember unplugging and plugging in the power a few times but then I thought “give some time to get some juice into the battery.” Came back in a hour and it powered right up.
So there is something about that, so I can see why some folk in today’s instant world may think that’s a bug.
Overall, a well executed unit.
Parting note. I added a keyboard/cover/stand unit and my old bluetooth mouse has found a new companion.
I encountered the lagging performance after Jellybean — I didn’t know it was Jellybean that caused it but the past few months my Nexus 7 has slowed to a crawl. Then a small drop cracked my screen. Now I am going to have to buy a new one.
I just got my Nexus 7 today (2/25/13) and it will not let me anywhere near the home screen. Got the “Welcome” screen then immediately, the WiFi set up screen. It won’t accept my ad hoc WiFi set up from my PC laptop, just keeps saying that the network is “out of range”.
I searched the web – and since 2011 people have been complaining to Google about this (the tablet’s out of range of the WiFi) issue! Frustrating!
I can’t even swipe away from WiFi set up to see anything else! I’ve tried hard and soft restarts, nothing – a Google rep asked me to try using the Nexus 7 with WiFi at say, Starbucks, just to see if the tablet actually will work. That b*tes. I won’t be travelling to Starbucks to use the thing, I brought it to use AT HOME.
BTW, my niece has a Samsung Galaxy 3 and that won’t work on my WiFi either – but will work on her Mom’s! To say I am ready to get my money back would be an understatement….it’s too late for the money back on the PC ;)
I bought a google nexus7 tablet from currys in coleraine ni on the 10 th jan
2013 in febuary this year while plugging in my war phones the screen cracked
from yhe jac socket too the top of the screen could this be a fault
yours jkd
@Shaine Alexander – I have a Nexus 7 that I’d like to toss off a bridge! It takes almost as long to boot as my laptop does (portable device fail!), it takes about 5 painful minutes to search for anything through Google, if not to just type in the query – and I’ve tried other search engines to no real effect – and the screen is constantly “quivering” in terms of brightness. For all the Android customization, I enjoyed my iPod Touch 4 much more and will be getting a new one to replace my Nexus very soon.
good for you.
I changed my nexus 7 2 times because of the screen problem, there is light bleeding on the side.
BTW, I changed my ipad2 1 time because the first one has bright pixels.
Now both my nexus 7 and ipad works perfect. So if you got problems with your gadgets, don’t be shame to change it, nobody can guarantee you are the lucky one.
Google nexus devices are flawed
Laying the device on a table can crack it.
The majority of cracks happen on the left middle side, buyer beware.
Google then says it is not our problem.
Asus states you ahve to send it it, we fix it and bill you.
They state you have to agree to that before sending it in.
EXTORTION BUYER BEWARE.
Tafari
my nexus reeboots every 15 seconds so i dont have time to factory reset it
Really helpful, thanks a lot. Love the Nexus and was distraught when it wouldn’t start after running it flat, your solution of pressing the volume rocker and power button sorted it out immediately. This tablet is a bargain especially if you buy from google play, if you haven’t already BUY ONE!!
What’s the real reason that the Square Register app is not compatible with the Nexus 7? I should have researched before I purchased but I’m considering returning it strictly because of this issue.
Pry open the back of the Nexus 7 (be careful – Google instructions on how to do this). Press down on the battery on all corners and in the middle, making sure the battery is firmly in place. Put the back cover back onto the Nexus 7. Turn on the Nexus 7, and voila, problem is solved. Nexus 7 is now fully charged!
I put my 3g sim in device and what happened after, was that the wifi didn’t work… each time that I did it, I came acroos the same story… I finally decided to do a reset factory to see if it’d work but the 4.2 andorid’s been stuck to wifi searching level of installing… whenever i restart the device the same story happens and my device can’t find any wifi netowork(although there are a lot of available networks around)… now I have a nexus 7 that does NOTHING… Any idea about what to do?
Good afternoon, I have my asus nexus 7 for about 2 months and never having fallen to the ground or hit anywhere the screen appeared one day cracked already sent for warranty and they say it was misuse and ask for the repair 209, but as I confirmed they see on the screen with defects including missing bolts and crack it in an area where they normally lack a screw what I do.
thank you greetings
I have had my Nexus 7 for about 4 months now and am very disappointed in the battery life. I have a Motorola Xoom which has excellent battery life. I could go almost an entire week of usage without having to charge it. On my Nexus 7 it’s 3 O’clock and I’m down to 30%. I barely used it. I have to leave it in airplane mode in order to actually make it through the day. No problems with performance but if it dies on me in the middle of the day it’s useless to me.
Nexus 7 is horrible product with the worst customer service that I have ever experienced. My tablet stopped charging with the charger at 6 mnths and they “repaired it” and it lasted 8 hrs when I got it back. I have been battling with this company for the past month and they are excruciating to deal with, even at the management level. It is garbage (has now died) and the company knows it and avoids dealing with the product. Don’t ever purchase an Asus product if you value your money and time.
I’ve just run into this problem over the last few days. I plug my N7 at night, and have a desk top clock set to launch. The clock stays on all night, very dim. Lately when i wake up in the morning it has turned off and the battery is at zero. When i pull up the battery history, it shows that it was charging the whole time, but the chart is still on a steep decline. I’ve never had this problem before. I’ve tried different chargers, and different clock apps, including the built in Google one. Any ideas?
I’m a little green to the tablet thing, so I was wondering what would be the best wireless router to get? I’m beingtold Netgear isn’t as compatible, do you find that to be true?
My daughters Nexus 7 will not charge. Been trying for days. Fluctuates between 6% and 18%. We have tried the fixes in several forums with no luck. Are we SOL? We already paid ASUS once (160.00) to fix a broken screen. Any help is appreciated. I’d never buy one again, that is for sure. Joyous.
I goggled seems can’t find any site selling the unit case (not protective casing) I dropped my unit twice and dented on both corner thinking of buy new case and switch the board to new case is it possible?
my device can not connect to WIFI.i reboot device but when turn on the device in searching for WIFI and cannot go other step for setop
please send your comments
regards
I hve a nexus 7, i had it on the charger overnight and when i got up the next morning, the screen had a huge crack! nobody was around to knock it or whatever. what do you reckon my chances of getting a replacement/fix under warrenty is?
Thanks your advice about the power button worked.
I dropped my tablet n its chiped on the glass part n tje glass is cracked n it wont turn on ..
My son’s Nexus 7 has a problem with the Launcher, and won’t start up. The on screen message says “Unfortunately Launcher has stopped” and there are no other courses of action. Any ideas?
Thanks
Dave
Is it the stock launcher? If you can’t get into it to clear the cache then you could try a factory reset from the bootloader. Plug it in and hold volume down and power until you see the bootloader menu and use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select perform a factory reset, it will wipe everything off the tablet, but it should also fix the problem.
Thanks for the reply Simon, it is the standard launcher. I think we’ll try that as a last resort, he’s loathe to lose everything he has on there at the mo.
I’ve had my Nexus 3 months and use it constantly, but had to get an x-mini speaker to get volume to where I could hear my radio apps. It’s worked fine for months but suddenly the volume won’t stay up with or without the speaker. The volume goes to top then drops down to way low. It no longer asks “permission” to go above safe listening volume.
I am having the problem with my Nexus 7 not turning on which started about 4 weeks ago I couldn’t turn it on. I just let it sit for about 2 weeks and then plugged it in and it finally charged and started to turn. then about a week later I could not turn it on as the case I had it in put it into sleep mode and then I have never been able to turn it on since. I have tried the solutions listed above but have not worked for me so does anyone know If there is anything else I can try to do?
Try plugging in the charger and leaving it for a while then repeat the steps above. If it still doesn’t turn on then you should contact customer support.
I am dealing with the battery problem, it won’t urn on. I have tried both solutions but still won’t turn on. So what would e the next step??
I’m not an Apple fan am Android through & through (Galaxy Note 2 main phone after S2, Atrix, Note 1, Desire etc) but my Nexus 7 has been nothing but rubbish since first use.
Had succession of start up problems (really felt like chucking it at a wall on more than one occasion) won’t boot, boots with screen fault, boots with crackling sound & screen fault then refused to boot(that was the worse) boots then shuts off virtually straight away (with plenty of battery left)
Now it won’t boot with official Asus power adapter connected.
This is the straw that broke the camels back (so to speak)
They missed a trick or two with this device – no card storage (without OTG cable & app) no HDMI connection (big big fail)
It’s got to go.
Very unhappy with nexus I bought for. Y daughter asus not helpful still awaiting replacement, not charging
Thanks, my sons nexus would not power up and your info solved it. I also have another problem if you can help. Both my boys have a nexus and they are both having same issue. When they have them in their cases and you press power button to take out of standby so they can play on them they just flash on then go straight back into standby(black screen. This does not happen when not in case and i can not figure out why this is happening.
Some cases have a magnetic sleep/wake function that’s meant to turn the tablet off when you close the case and turn it on when you open it, that could be your problem.
Didn’t know that the screen cracking sound when pressing on the sides was a problem. Will not RMA my N7 though, seeing as the shipping on my Asus laptop’s first RMA was pretty expensive.
my camera is saying it is not connected on my nexus 7 how do i fix it????
My Nexus 7 comes on and suddenly wants a password.it rejects my wireless password and google account password.i am at a loss as to what to do .i
tried to see if it would work on a train but had no connection and since then
i’m having this problem.Please advise.Thank you
My Nexus 7 will not turn on. I have tried the suggestions and nothing happens. It was working with no problems in the morning. Now there is nothing. I applied a screen protector this afternoon. Would that have anything to do with the problem?