What a factory reset does and when to use it
A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung tablet — all apps, photos, documents, passwords, and settings — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After a reset, you will see the initial setup screen, as if you had just unboxed the device.
Reset your tablet when it runs slowly, freezes repeatedly, has a virus or malware, or you plan to sell or give it away. A reset is also the fix when an app crashes constantly or the system becomes unstable. If you have forgotten your PIN or pattern lock, a reset is one way to regain access, though it will erase all your data.
Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Samsung tablets can back up photos, contacts, and app data to a Samsung account or Google account. Once you start a reset, you cannot stop it partway through.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all data and returns your tablet to its original state, so back up photos, documents, and contacts first.
- The fastest method is Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, which takes five to ten minutes.
- If you cannot access Settings because the tablet is frozen or locked, use the hardware button method: power off, then hold Volume Up and Power together until the recovery menu appears.
- After a reset, your tablet will ask you to sign in with a Samsung or Google account and set up the device again from scratch.
- If you are locked out by a Samsung account or Google account, you will need the password to that account to complete setup after the reset.
Back up your data before resetting
Open Settings and tap Accounts and backup (or Cloud and accounts on some models). Look for Samsung Cloud or Google One. Tap the option and sign in with the account you use on the tablet. Select Backup and choose what to back up — photos, contacts, calendar, messages, and app data are usually available.
For photos and videos, you can also use Google Photos. Open the app, tap your profile icon in the top right, go to Photos settings, and turn on Backup and sync. This uploads new photos automatically as you take them. If you have documents in Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or another cloud service, they are already backed up as long as you saved them there.
Write down any passwords you use frequently, especially for email accounts and apps you plan to reinstall. After the reset, you will need these to sign back in.
Reset through Settings (the standard method)
This method works when your tablet turns on and responds normally. Open Settings and scroll down to General Management. Tap it, then look for Reset or Reset options. On some Samsung tablets, this section is called System instead.
Tap Factory Data Reset (or Reset all settings on older models). The tablet will show a warning that all data will be erased. Read it, then tap Reset or Delete all. You may be asked to enter your PIN, pattern, or password to confirm. Do so, and the reset will begin.
The process takes five to ten minutes. Your tablet will restart several times. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time. When it finishes, you will see the initial setup screen asking you to choose a language and sign in.
Reset using hardware buttons (when the tablet is frozen or locked)
If your tablet will not respond to touches, is stuck on a screen, or you cannot access Settings, use the hardware button method. First, turn off the tablet completely. Press and hold the Power button for ten seconds until the screen goes black.
Once it is off, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until you see the Samsung logo or a menu with white text on a black background. This is the recovery menu. Release the buttons.
Use the Volume buttons to move up and down in the menu. Look for an option that says Wipe data / factory reset or Factory reset. Highlight it using the Volume buttons, then press the Power button to select it. A confirmation screen will appear. Highlight Yes and press Power again. The reset will begin and take five to ten minutes.
Set up your tablet after the reset
When the reset finishes, your tablet will restart and show the setup screen. Choose your language and region. You will be asked to connect to a Wi-Fi network — select your network and enter the password.
Next, you will see a sign-in screen. If you have a Samsung account, sign in with it. If not, you can use a Google account instead. Enter the email address and password. The tablet will read your backed-up data — photos, contacts, and app data — over the next few minutes.
After sign-in, you can choose which apps to reinstall. The Google Play Store will open and show apps you owned before the reset. Tap Install next to each one you want back. You can also skip this and install apps later.
Set up your lock method — PIN, pattern, or fingerprint — if you want one. Then you are done. Your tablet is reset and ready to use.
What to do if you are locked out by an account
If you forgot the password to your Samsung account or Google account, you cannot complete setup after a reset. The tablet will ask for the account password and will not let you proceed without it.
Before you reset, try to recover the password. Go to the Samsung account website or Google account recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password. Write down the new password and use it during tablet setup.
If you cannot recover the password, you will need to contact Samsung Support or Google Support with proof that you own the account. They can help you regain access. This process can take several days.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not unplug or turn off your tablet during a reset. Even if it seems to be taking a long time, let it finish. Interrupting a reset can leave your tablet in an unusable state.
Do not reset if you have not backed up your data and you want to keep it. A reset cannot be undone. Once it starts, everything is gone.
Do not forget the password to the account you plan to sign in with after the reset. If you use a Google account, make sure you can sign in to it on a computer first. If you use a Samsung account, test the password before you reset.
Do not assume a reset will fix a hardware problem. If your tablet has a cracked screen, a battery that will not charge, or a speaker that does not work, a reset will not repair it. A reset only fixes software problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove a virus from my Samsung tablet?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the tablet, including any malware or virus. After the reset, install a reputable antivirus app from the Google Play Store and run a scan to make sure nothing was missed. Going forward, only install apps from the official Google Play Store and avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
Can I reset my tablet if I forgot my PIN or password?
Yes, use the hardware button method described above. However, after the reset, you will need the password to your Samsung or Google account to sign back in and set up the tablet. If you do not remember that password, you will need to recover it on a computer before you can use the tablet again.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes five to ten minutes from start to finish. Your tablet will restart several times during this period. Do not turn it off. If it takes longer than fifteen minutes, something may have gone wrong — try restarting the tablet and attempting the reset again.
Will I lose my photos and videos if I reset?
Yes, unless you back them up first. Before you reset, use Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, or another cloud service to back up your photos and videos. Once they are backed up, you can restore them after the reset by signing in to the same account.
Do I need to charge my tablet before resetting?
Yes. Make sure your tablet has at least 50 percent battery before you start a reset. If the battery dies during the reset, your tablet may not restart properly. Plug it in and let it charge fully before you begin.