Kobo Aura H20 battery won't charge

IcecreamLtDan · 03-10-2017, 06:52 PM

Hello everyone, bought a H20 on ebay from Japan a few weeks ago, no returns accepted of course and everything's been great with it until yesterday. I woke up that morning with the "Please charge your eReader" message and thought, ok no problem. I plugged it into my computer to charge it and was surprised that it didn't get the "connect to computer" message, or any response at all for that matter, nor did my computer recognize it was connected. At that point I went to work figuring it'd be fine when I got home. Nope, still the please charge message. At that point I plugged it to the cable I charge my tablet with plugged into the wall adapter and left it overnight. Still no change.

At this point I've tried various reset methods, paperclip in hole, holding power button for 30 seconds, hold power button for 30 seconds while tapping bottom corner of screen, different cables, wall adapters and usb ports but no change. Am I out of options here, is it the battery and can I obtain one? I have no real issue with opening the case, even though it ruins the water resistance of it if I can obtain a battery for it, if that's even the problem? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

davidfor · 03-10-2017, 09:39 PM

That sounds more like a connection problem than the battery. Even with a battery that doesn't charge, the device should power up shortly after being plugged in. I have an old Touch that does this. Plug it in, it starts and I can use it. Unplug it after an hour, and it turns off as the battery isn't holding any charge. But, people have reported that they leave the device on charge overnight and find the device has started or will start when they come back.

One thing you haven't mentioned is, does the light next to the power switch do anything when you plug it in or turn it on? It doesn't light up to indicate the device is charging, but it should when you try to turn it on. And checking my H2O, when it was off and I plugged it in, the light came on. The device started up, so I think that's why rather than to indicate charging.

As you have tried a couple of cables, it might be the USB socket on the device. Is there any play when you connect the cable? At this point, I'd probably leave it plugged in for a day or so and what happened. After that, I don't think you have anything to lose in pulling it apart and seeing what can be seen seen. Maybe something has become disconnected or you will be able to see some damage.

The only other thing is the screen. We get a lot of reports of devices not working and when we see a picture of the screen, it's obvious the screen is damaged. Unfortunately, e-ink screens used in all these device are more delicate than we would like. Sometimes the damage doesn't appear immediately and the black please charge screen doesn't show the damage well.

IcecreamLtDan · 03-11-2017, 10:15 AM

Hi David, no, the light next to the power button is not coming on, didn't even think to look for that, the usb socket "seems" fine, I've only ever charged it once and loaded my library from my old Kobo on it so it's only been plugged in the one time. The screen seems fine, after reading your response I took a close look at it, even took a flashlight and shined it on the screen at different angles.

At this point, I'll probably just pull it apart when I get the time. I've got a lot of experience working on electronic devices as it's part of my job so hopefully I may find something as simple as a bad solder joint on the usb port or something. I hope so anyway.

JSWolf · 03-11-2017, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IcecreamLtDan

At this point, I'll probably just pull it apart when I get the time. I've got a lot of experience working on electronic devices as it's part of my job so hopefully I may find something as simple as a bad solder joint on the usb port or something. I hope so anyway.

If you do open your H2O, can you please post about the battery? Thanks.

RAH · 03-11-2017, 10:34 AM

I am having EXACTLY the same problem with my recently purchased H20. I also have only charged it once, after purchase. It has been working fine till I recharged it at about 35%. When I plugged it into the computer USB, I connected briefly to copy/move some files (which worked fine), then I disconnected it (via the computer) but left it plugged in and charging (the new books I sent to it showed up correctly in the library).

Checked it after awhile and the charge was up to about 40%. Then, after awhile, the H20 went to sleep, as expected. Turned it on later and it showed 0% battery, then changed and showed 65% (which seemed low - I had left it connected for over 2 hours), and then it blinked a few times and I got the black screen with a battery on it and the same message, "Please Charge your ereader". It is dead now and won't do anything.

A flaw in new H20s??

oren64 · 03-11-2017, 10:41 AM

Quote:

At this point I've tried various reset methods, paperclip in hole, holding power button for 30 seconds, hold power button for 30 seconds while tapping bottom corner of screen

If you try all this methods and LED didn't flash, it probably faulty USB socket, If you open the reader, the first thing you need to try is disconnect reconnect the battery.

EDIT: Opening H2O is not that easy, look in youtube for guide, and the H2O will not be waterproof after.

RAH · 03-11-2017, 01:45 PM

I did manage to get it back to life with the reset press, but it says it is at 0% power (I have to have it plugged into a wallwart to get this far). Even though I can use it like this (it is clearly getting power from the wall connection) , it never charges - it just stays at 0%. I tried doing a synch but it eays it cannot finish it because I have less than 20% and that I should plug it in and charge it. Duh !

So, I will send it back - should still be under warranty. Damn!

IcecreamLtDan · 03-11-2017, 02:49 PM

Alright, so I was able to open it up easy enough. A quick once over with a multi-meter shows me that my usb port is working ok. Even though I have no idea of the board design, there are test points located throughout the board and reading some of those I get 5 volts, which shows me the power from the usb is coming in ok. Reading 0 volts at the battery terminals on the board and at other test points. Didn't see any obvious signs of a blown fuse or anything so it appears this unit is dead.

I bought it on ebay from Japan, the seller has them listed with no returns so I can't send it back. Am I correct in assuming that even if I hadn't opened it, there would be no warranty? JSWolf, what kind of info on the battery were you looking for?

JSWolf · 03-11-2017, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IcecreamLtDan

JSWolf, what kind of info on the battery were you looking for?

I'm looking for model, power specs, size so if I ever need a new battery, I'll have the info to try to find one.

RAH · 03-11-2017, 04:02 PM

Kobo support is giving me a hard time that the device is charging because it says on the screen that it is charging. But it says that FOREVER and it STAYS at 0% (they seem unable to understand this concept). Am I going to have a battle on my hands here? Anyone have any experience with Kobo technical support?

greens · 03-12-2017, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAH

Kobo support is giving me a hard time that the device is charging because it says on the screen that it is charging. But it says that FOREVER and it STAYS at 0% (they seem unable to understand this concept). Am I going to have a battle on my hands here? Anyone have any experience with Kobo technical support?

Try to contact them again. If they wont help report it back here and contact the closest free consumers association.
it is incredible.... and I can assure the suppot problem is maybe the first reason why people does not choose kobo in my country, because if you read the product reviews there are people who have had a very bad experiences with kobo support. I'm in Italy.

issybird · 03-12-2017, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAH

Kobo support is giving me a hard time that the device is charging because it says on the screen that it is charging. But it says that FOREVER and it STAYS at 0% (they seem unable to understand this concept). Am I going to have a battle on my hands here? Anyone have any experience with Kobo technical support?

Kobo support can require persistence. Sometimes posting to its Facebook page can get a response.

RAH · 03-12-2017, 10:21 AM

OK, thanks folks. I'll see what they have to say on Monday. They seem to think the issue is closed, based on the email I received from them. The fact that I have a device (a "brick") that has 0% power and won't charge I guess is beside the point? We shall see...

ottdmk · 03-12-2017, 03:22 PM

I ran into the same situation with my Aura HD. My experience with Customer Support was a lot smoother though. Five days later I had a new Aura HD.

RAH · 03-12-2017, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottdmk

I ran into the same situation with my Aura HD. My experience with Customer Support was a lot smoother though. Five days later I had a new Aura HD.

That's very encouraging! Maybe just one more call will do the trick ...

03-10-2017, 06:52 PM	#1
IcecreamLtDan Groupie Posts: 178 Karma: 1928980 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: North Carolina Device: JetBook Lite, Kobo wireless, Kobo Glo	Kobo Aura H20 battery won't charge Hello everyone, bought a H20 on ebay from Japan a few weeks ago, no returns accepted of course and everything's been great with it until yesterday. I woke up that morning with the "Please charge your eReader" message and thought, ok no problem. I plugged it into my computer to charge it and was surprised that it didn't get the "connect to computer" message, or any response at all for that matter, nor did my computer recognize it was connected. At that point I went to work figuring it'd be fine when I got home. Nope, still the please charge message. At that point I plugged it to the cable I charge my tablet with plugged into the wall adapter and left it overnight. Still no change. At this point I've tried various reset methods, paperclip in hole, holding power button for 30 seconds, hold power button for 30 seconds while tapping bottom corner of screen, different cables, wall adapters and usb ports but no change. Am I out of options here, is it the battery and can I obtain one? I have no real issue with opening the case, even though it ruins the water resistance of it if I can obtain a battery for it, if that's even the problem? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

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03-10-2017, 09:39 PM	#2
davidfor Grand Sorcerer Posts: 24,905 Karma: 47303824 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Device: Kobo:Touch,Glo, AuraH2O, GloHD,AuraONE, ClaraHD, Libra H2O; tolinoepos	That sounds more like a connection problem than the battery. Even with a battery that doesn't charge, the device should power up shortly after being plugged in. I have an old Touch that does this. Plug it in, it starts and I can use it. Unplug it after an hour, and it turns off as the battery isn't holding any charge. But, people have reported that they leave the device on charge overnight and find the device has started or will start when they come back. One thing you haven't mentioned is, does the light next to the power switch do anything when you plug it in or turn it on? It doesn't light up to indicate the device is charging, but it should when you try to turn it on. And checking my H2O, when it was off and I plugged it in, the light came on. The device started up, so I think that's why rather than to indicate charging. As you have tried a couple of cables, it might be the USB socket on the device. Is there any play when you connect the cable? At this point, I'd probably leave it plugged in for a day or so and what happened. After that, I don't think you have anything to lose in pulling it apart and seeing what can be seen seen. Maybe something has become disconnected or you will be able to see some damage. The only other thing is the screen. We get a lot of reports of devices not working and when we see a picture of the screen, it's obvious the screen is damaged. Unfortunately, e-ink screens used in all these device are more delicate than we would like. Sometimes the damage doesn't appear immediately and the black please charge screen doesn't show the damage well.

03-11-2017, 10:15 AM	#3
IcecreamLtDan Groupie Posts: 178 Karma: 1928980 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: North Carolina Device: JetBook Lite, Kobo wireless, Kobo Glo	Hi David, no, the light next to the power button is not coming on, didn't even think to look for that, the usb socket "seems" fine, I've only ever charged it once and loaded my library from my old Kobo on it so it's only been plugged in the one time. The screen seems fine, after reading your response I took a close look at it, even took a flashlight and shined it on the screen at different angles. At this point, I'll probably just pull it apart when I get the time. I've got a lot of experience working on electronic devices as it's part of my job so hopefully I may find something as simple as a bad solder joint on the usb port or something. I hope so anyway.

03-11-2017, 10:34 AM	#5
RAH Guru Posts: 615 Karma: 575652 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hampton, NH Device: Kobo Aura H20; Kobo ClaraBW	I am having EXACTLY the same problem with my recently purchased H20. I also have only charged it once, after purchase. It has been working fine till I recharged it at about 35%. When I plugged it into the computer USB, I connected briefly to copy/move some files (which worked fine), then I disconnected it (via the computer) but left it plugged in and charging (the new books I sent to it showed up correctly in the library). Checked it after awhile and the charge was up to about 40%. Then, after awhile, the H20 went to sleep, as expected. Turned it on later and it showed 0% battery, then changed and showed 65% (which seemed low - I had left it connected for over 2 hours), and then it blinked a few times and I got the black screen with a battery on it and the same message, "Please Charge your ereader". It is dead now and won't do anything. A flaw in new H20s??

03-11-2017, 01:45 PM	#7
RAH Guru Posts: 615 Karma: 575652 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hampton, NH Device: Kobo Aura H20; Kobo ClaraBW	I did manage to get it back to life with the reset press, but it says it is at 0% power (I have to have it plugged into a wallwart to get this far). Even though I can use it like this (it is clearly getting power from the wall connection) , it never charges - it just stays at 0%. I tried doing a synch but it eays it cannot finish it because I have less than 20% and that I should plug it in and charge it. Duh ! So, I will send it back - should still be under warranty. Damn!

03-11-2017, 02:49 PM	#8
IcecreamLtDan Groupie Posts: 178 Karma: 1928980 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: North Carolina Device: JetBook Lite, Kobo wireless, Kobo Glo	Alright, so I was able to open it up easy enough. A quick once over with a multi-meter shows me that my usb port is working ok. Even though I have no idea of the board design, there are test points located throughout the board and reading some of those I get 5 volts, which shows me the power from the usb is coming in ok. Reading 0 volts at the battery terminals on the board and at other test points. Didn't see any obvious signs of a blown fuse or anything so it appears this unit is dead. I bought it on ebay from Japan, the seller has them listed with no returns so I can't send it back. Am I correct in assuming that even if I hadn't opened it, there would be no warranty? JSWolf, what kind of info on the battery were you looking for?

03-11-2017, 04:02 PM	#10
RAH Guru Posts: 615 Karma: 575652 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hampton, NH Device: Kobo Aura H20; Kobo ClaraBW	Kobo support is giving me a hard time that the device is charging because it says on the screen that it is charging. But it says that FOREVER and it STAYS at 0% (they seem unable to understand this concept). Am I going to have a battle on my hands here? Anyone have any experience with Kobo technical support?

03-12-2017, 10:21 AM	#13
RAH Guru Posts: 615 Karma: 575652 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hampton, NH Device: Kobo Aura H20; Kobo ClaraBW	OK, thanks folks. I'll see what they have to say on Monday. They seem to think the issue is closed, based on the email I received from them. The fact that I have a device (a "brick") that has 0% power and won't charge I guess is beside the point? We shall see...

03-12-2017, 03:22 PM	#14
ottdmk Wizard Posts: 1,220 Karma: 3804496 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Device: Kobo Libra 2, Lenovo Tab M10 FHD Plus, Lenovo Tab M9	I ran into the same situation with my Aura HD. My experience with Customer Support was a lot smoother though. Five days later I had a new Aura HD.

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