Document Editing Problems

Fix Cannot Insert Pictures in OneNote on BOOX Devices

Steve K Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to insert screenshots or other images into the OneNote app on a BOOX device.

How to Fix Cannot Insert Pictures in OneNote on a BOOX Device

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: BOOX 10.3 Go (Android)
Scenario: Editing notes in the OneNote Android app and attempting to add local images or screenshots.
Observed behavior: Pictures fail to insert into the OneNote document, even though image insertion works normally in other apps like PowerPoint on the same device.

Before you start

Verify that your BOOX device is connected to Wi-Fi to sync any background OneNote updates, and ensure you have granted OneNote permission to access your device's photos and storage.

Solution 1Recommended

Place the Cursor Before Inserting the Picture

OneNote requires a designated text insertion point to anchor images correctly, especially when running on Android-based e-ink devices.

Unlike PowerPoint, which allows free-floating objects anywhere on a slide, OneNote uses a text-based container system. If the app doesn't know exactly where to put the image, the insertion command may simply fail without an error message.

Open your note

Launch the OneNote app on your BOOX device and navigate to the page where you want to add the screenshot or picture.

Set the insertion point

Tap anywhere on the blank canvas or inside a text box to bring up the blinking text cursor. This tells OneNote exactly where the image should be anchored.

Insert the image

Tap the 'Insert' tab on the top menu ribbon, select the 'Camera' or 'Picture' icon, and choose your image to insert it at the cursor's location.

Place the Cursor Before Inserting the Picture

Capture Error Messages: If the picture still will not insert after placing the cursor, pay attention to any pop-up alerts. Take a screenshot of the exact error message to help diagnose potential storage or app compatibility issues.

Solution 2

Check OneNote Storage Permissions

If the cursor is placed but images still fail to load, the OneNote app may lack the Android system permissions required to access your BOOX device's image gallery.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Editing on BOOX Devices

If OneNote continues to experience compatibility issues with image insertion on your e-reader, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for viewing, editing, and adding images to your documents on Android and e-ink displays.

1. Create a new document: Open the WPS Office app on your BOOX device and tap the '+' icon to create a new Document or Note.
2. Access the insert menu: Tap the 'Tools' icon at the bottom of the screen, then navigate to the 'Insert' tab.
3. Add your picture: Select 'Picture', choose the screenshot from your device gallery, and insert it instantly into your document.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPointEasily insert pictures, screenshots, and graphics into documents without cursor placement glitchesLightweight and optimized for Android tablets and e-ink devices like BOOXFree to use with a clean, user-friendly interface that requires zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I insert pictures in PowerPoint but not OneNote on my BOOX e-reader?

PowerPoint and OneNote handle media differently. PowerPoint allows free-floating objects anywhere on a slide, so it doesn't require a specific cursor placement. OneNote uses a text-container layout, meaning it needs an active blinking text cursor to anchor the image. If the cursor isn't active, the insertion fails.

How do I take a screenshot on a BOOX device to insert into my notes?

You can take a screenshot on most BOOX devices by swiping down from the top edge of the screen to open the Control Center, then tapping the 'Screenshot' icon. The image will be saved to your local gallery, which you can then browse when using the Insert Picture feature in OneNote.

Does Microsoft OneNote fully support Android e-ink devices?

OneNote runs on Android, the operating system that powers BOOX devices. While it functions normally for most tasks, it is primarily optimized for standard tablets and phones. Certain features, like stylus input processing or image insertion, may occasionally require manual workarounds like tapping the screen to force cursor placement.

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