Blackberry Playbook Troubleshooting

The tablet won’t turn on when I press the power button!

If the device is not getting power, it won’t turn on. This could indicate a dead or broken battery. Try charging the device. If it still does not turn on, or if it does not hold a charge, you may need to replace the battery.

Plug the tablet into a charger. If the battery icon on the screen doesn’t show a lightning bolt or the charging LED does not blink, it is not charging. Try using a different micro-USB charger with the device. If it still does not charge, you may need to replace the battery or repair the USB port using this guide.

Plug the tablet into a charger. If the battery icon on the screen doesn’t show a lightning bolt or the charging LED does not blink, it is not charging. Try gently wiggling the connector. If the device charges only when the connector is held in a specific position, you may need to repair the USB port using this guide.

If the charger does not properly fit into the USB port, remove the connector and check the port and connector for debris, which may be preventing a proper connection. Clean out the debris and try again.

The device may be properly charging and holding a charge, but it still won’t power on if the power button is faulty. Try pressing the power button more firmly. If the device powers on, the power button may be loose; if it does not, the power button may be broken.

The device may be properly charging and holding a charge, but the screen won’t turn on if the panel is broken. If this is the case, try replacing the screen using this guide.

Nothing happens when I touch my screen!

If the device seems to be functioning normally but is unresponsive to touch, the problem may exist due to a build up of dirt on the screen. First, turn the device off so that the display is clear to see. Next, use a microfiber cloth and remove any visible dirt. Apply a drop of water to areas that require more attention. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can hurt the tablet if it touches any of the circuits. Maintaining cleanly hands while using the tablet can maximize the performance of the sensors.

A cracked screen may affect the accuracy of the touch screen. In extreme cases, the screen may need to be replaced.

The computer doesn’t recognize that I connected my tablet!

If the USB cable does not properly fit into the USB port, check the port and connector for debris, which may be preventing a proper connection. Clean out the debris and try again.

If the cable still makes no connection, try connecting it to a different USB port on your computer, as the first port may have been faulty. Alternatively, try connecting a different USB device to that computer port to ensure it is not broken. If the problem seems to be with the device’s port and not the computer’s you may need to repair the USB port with this guide.

Either the computer’s or the device’s software may be non-operational, preventing a proper connection. Try connecting the device to a different computer; if it works, your computer is the problem. Otherwise, you may need to factory reset your tablet. If possible, try to backup your files first.

When I play music, no sound comes out!

Make sure the device is not silenced. The volume can be adjusted under settings or by using the volume buttons on the top of the tablet.

Make sure the speakers are not blocked by a protective case.

Check to see if the speaker areas are clean from any debris. This could cause a muffled, or less clear sound. Clean the debris and check for improved sound.

This troubleshooting guide should help you to identify what is wrong with your Blackberry Playbook and to begin the process of fixing it. Where appropriate, links to repair guides are provided. Remember to read through all possible causes of your issue and choose the repair option which best fits your situation.

Plug in headphones. Ensure the volume is on and try playing some sort of audio from the device. The audio should come out of the headphones when they are connected. If audio doesn't come out of the speakers when the headphones are disconnected, the speakers are likely broken. Try following the replacement guide found here.

The device’s software may be having a problem playing audio. Try playing audio in a different way. If you were listening to music, try a different app or try a game with background music. If it still does not work, try restarting the device and playing some sort of audio after it powers back on. Otherwise, you may need to factory reset your tablet. If possible, try to backup your files first.

I can’t take photos!

Make sure neither of the cameras are not blocked from a protective case. If the images appear blurry, clean the glass with a microfiber cloth to remove any smudges.

If the camera is not blocked and no app works, the component may be broken. Try following the camera replacement guide found here.

The device’s software may be having a problem using the camera. Try taking a picture in a different way. If you were using the Instagram app, try using the default camera app. If it still does not work, try restarting the device and taking a photo after it powers back on. Otherwise, you may need to factory reset your tablet. If possible, try to backup your files first.

The lights on my tablet keep flashing oddly!

If your device's notification light is flashing in odd, repeated patterns, it is indicating some form of error. You can decipher the flashing pattern to discover exactly what the hardware or software issue is. Flashes come in groups; count how many flashes occur and where the interruptions are. Then, refer to this table to diagnose the problem.

For example, suppose the light blinks twice, has a slight pause, then blinks three times. Then the first two blinks correspond to 11, the pause corresponds to 0, and the last three blinks correspond to 111. Combined, the full code is 110111. The table in the link identifies this as a "Password Not Initiated" error.