The three ways to reset a Samsung tablet

A Samsung tablet can be reset in three ways, depending on whether you can still access the settings menu and whether you remember your PIN or password. The most common route is through Settings, which works if your tablet turns on and you know your security code. If you cannot get past the lock screen, you can use the hardware button combination to force a reset. If you are selling the tablet or passing it to someone else, a full factory reset erases all your data, accounts, and apps — this cannot be undone, so back up anything you need first.

The reset process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how much data is on the device. Your tablet will restart several times during the process. After a factory reset, the tablet returns to the state it was in when it left the factory — no apps, no files, no accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset through Settings is the safest method if your tablet powers on and you know your PIN or password.
  • The hardware reset (holding Power and Volume Down together) works when you cannot access Settings, but you will lose all data.
  • Back up photos, documents, and any files you want to keep before starting a factory reset, because the process cannot be reversed.
  • After a reset, your tablet will ask you to sign in with a Samsung account or Google account to set it up again.
  • A reset does not fix software crashes or app problems in most cases — restarting the tablet or clearing the cache for a single app usually solves those issues instead.

Reset through Settings when you know your PIN or password

This is the standard method and the one Samsung recommends. Open Settings, scroll down to General Management, then tap Reset. You will see three options: Reset Network Settings, Reset App Preferences, and Factory Data Reset. Tap Factory Data Reset.

The tablet will show a warning that all data will be erased. It will ask you to confirm your PIN, password, or pattern lock. Enter it, then tap Reset or Delete All (the button name varies by model and Android version). The tablet will restart and begin erasing data. Do not turn it off during this process. When it finishes, it will show the initial setup screen as if it were brand new.

Hardware reset using the button combination

If your tablet will not turn on, will not respond to touch, or you cannot remember your security code, use the hardware reset. Power off the tablet completely. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds until the Samsung logo appears or the recovery menu shows.

Release both buttons. You will see a menu with options in white text. Use the Volume Down button to highlight Wipe Data/Factory Reset, then press the Power button to select it. The tablet will ask you to confirm by highlighting Yes and pressing Power again. The reset will begin. This process takes longer than the Settings method — up to 30 minutes — and the screen may go black for extended periods. Do not interrupt it.

What to do before you reset

A factory reset erases everything: photos, videos, documents, messages, email accounts, app data, and browsing history. If you need any of this, back it up first. Photos and videos can be backed up to Google Photos, OneDrive, or Samsung Cloud. Documents can be moved to Google Drive or OneDrive. Contacts are usually stored in your Google account automatically, but you can check by opening Contacts, tapping the menu, and selecting Settings to see which account they are synced to.

If you have apps you paid for, note their names before resetting. You can reinstall them from the Google Play Store after the reset using the same Google account. Your purchase history is tied to your account, not the device, so you will not have to pay again.

What happens after the reset is complete

When the reset finishes, the tablet will show the initial setup screen. You will be asked to select a language and connect to Wi-Fi. Then you will be prompted to sign in with a Google account or a Samsung account. Use the account you want to use on this tablet going forward. If you sign in with Google, your contacts, calendar, and Gmail will sync automatically. If you use a Samsung account, you can restore some data from a previous Samsung backup if one exists.

After sign-in, the tablet will read and install system updates if any are available. This can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not turn off the tablet during this step. Once updates are finished, the tablet is ready to use. You can then read apps from the Google Play Store and set up email accounts as needed.

When a reset will not fix your problem

A factory reset solves problems caused by corrupted data, conflicting apps, or a full storage drive. It does not fix hardware problems like a broken screen, unresponsive buttons, or battery issues. If your tablet is freezing, crashing, or running slowly, try these steps first before resetting: restart the tablet by holding Power until the shutdown menu appears, then tap Restart; clear the cache for the app that is misbehaving by going to Settings > Apps, selecting the app, and tapping Storage > Clear Cache; or uninstall recently downloaded apps that might be causing conflicts.

If the tablet still does not work after trying these steps, a factory reset is worth attempting. If it still does not work after the reset, the problem is likely hardware-related and the tablet may need repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my Google account from the tablet?

Yes. After a factory reset, the tablet will ask you to sign in again with a Google account during setup. You can use the same account you had before, and your contacts, calendar, and Gmail will sync back to the device. Your account itself is not deleted — only the sign-in on that tablet is removed.

Can I stop a factory reset once it has started?

No. Once you confirm the reset in Settings or select Yes in the hardware reset menu, the process cannot be stopped. Turning off the tablet during a reset can corrupt the system and make it unusable. Let it finish, even if it takes a long time or the screen goes black.

What if I forgot my PIN and cannot access Settings?

Use the hardware reset method with the Power and Volume Down buttons. This bypasses the lock screen entirely. You will lose all data on the tablet, but you will be able to set it up again with a new PIN.

Do I need a Samsung account to set up the tablet after a reset?

No. You can use a Google account instead, which is often simpler. A Samsung account is optional and mainly useful if you want to use Samsung Cloud for backups or restore data from a previous Samsung device.

How long does a factory reset take?

A reset through Settings usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. A hardware reset can take 20 to 30 minutes because it does not have access to the normal shutdown process. The tablet may appear frozen or show a black screen during the process — this is normal. Do not turn it off.