The three ways to restart a tablet, and when to use each one
A restart clears your tablet's memory and stops all running programs without erasing your files or settings. A soft reset (the simplest restart) takes 30 seconds and fixes most freezing and lag. A hard reset forces the tablet off when ready if it is unresponsive. A factory reset erases everything and returns the tablet to its original state — use this only if you plan to sell it or give it away, or if nothing else fixes a serious problem.
Most of the time, a soft reset is all you need. If your tablet is frozen and will not respond to taps, a hard reset will force it off. A factory reset is permanent and should be your last option.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset stops all running programs and clears memory without erasing files, and works for most freezing and slowness problems.
- A hard reset forces the tablet off when ready if the screen is frozen or unresponsive, and takes less than a minute.
- A factory reset erases all files, photos, and settings and returns the tablet to the state it came in — only do this if you are selling the tablet or nothing else has fixed the problem.
- Before a factory reset, back up your photos and documents to cloud storage or a computer, because the reset cannot be undone.
How to do a soft reset on any tablet
A soft reset is the safest restart. It closes all open programs and clears the tablet's working memory, which often fixes lag, freezing, and apps that crash. Your files, photos, and login information stay on the tablet.
On most tablets, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see a power menu with options like "Power off" or "Restart". Tap "Restart" or "Reboot". The tablet will turn off and back on in about 30 seconds. If you see a power menu with only "Power off", tap that, wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
If the screen is responsive but the tablet is slow, a soft reset usually fixes it within a few minutes of restarting. If the tablet is still slow after a soft reset, close apps you are not using and clear the cache (see below).
How to do a hard reset when the tablet is frozen
A hard reset forces the tablet off when ready, even if the screen is frozen or will not respond to taps. It does not erase anything. Use this when a soft reset does not work or when the tablet will not turn off normally.
On most tablets, hold the power button and the volume-down button at the same time for 10 to 20 seconds until the screen goes black or you see a boot menu. Release both buttons. The tablet will restart on its own in about 30 seconds. On some tablets (particularly older iPads), you may need to hold power and the home button instead.
If the tablet still does not respond after a hard reset, plug it into power for 15 minutes, then try the hard reset again. A completely drained battery can prevent the tablet from responding to button presses.
How to clear the cache without erasing files
Clearing the cache removes temporary files that apps create while running. This frees up storage space and can speed up a slow tablet without erasing your photos, documents, or login information.
On Android tablets, go to Settings, then Storage or Device Care, then look for "Cache" or "Cached data". Tap "Clear cache" or "Delete". On iPads, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage), and look for apps using large amounts of space. Tap an app and choose "Offload App" — this removes the app but keeps your data, and you can reinstall it later from the App Store.
Clearing the cache takes a few minutes and is safe to do regularly. If your tablet is still slow after clearing the cache and doing a soft reset, a factory reset may be necessary, but back up your files first.
How to do a factory reset and erase everything
A factory reset erases all files, photos, documents, and settings and returns the tablet to the state it came in from the manufacturer. This is permanent and cannot be undone. Only do this if you are selling or giving away the tablet, or if a serious problem cannot be fixed any other way.
Before you start, back up your photos and documents. On Android, go to Settings, then Google Account (or Samsung Account), then Backup, and make sure "Back up to Google Drive" is on. On iPad, go to Settings, then [Your Name], then iCloud, and turn on iCloud Backup. Wait for the backup to finish — this can take 30 minutes or more depending on how much data you have.
Once your files are backed up, go to Settings, then System (on Android) or General (on iPad), then Reset or About. Look for "Factory reset", "Erase all data", or "Reset all settings". Tap it, then confirm. The tablet will erase everything and restart. This takes 5 to 15 minutes. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen you saw when the tablet was new.
What to do if your tablet still will not restart
If a soft reset and hard reset do not work, the tablet may have a hardware problem or a battery that is too drained to respond. Plug the tablet into power using the original charger and wait 30 minutes without touching it. Then try a hard reset again.
If the tablet still will not turn on or restart, try plugging it into a computer and using the manufacturer's recovery tool. For iPads, connect to a Mac or Windows computer with iTunes or Finder open, then look for an option to restore or recover the iPad. For Android tablets, the process varies by brand — search "[Your tablet brand] recovery mode" for specific steps.
If none of these steps work, the tablet may need service. Contact the manufacturer's support line or visit a repair shop. Do not attempt to open the tablet yourself, as this can damage it further and void any remaining warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft reset erase my photos and documents?
No. A soft reset only clears the tablet's working memory and closes running programs. All your files, photos, documents, and login information stay on the tablet. A factory reset is the only restart that erases files.
How often should I restart my tablet?
Restart your tablet once a week or whenever it feels slow or an app crashes. Regular soft resets keep the tablet running smoothly and prevent memory buildup that causes lag. A weekly restart takes 30 seconds and is good maintenance.
What is the difference between a hard reset and a factory reset?
A hard reset forces the tablet off when ready and does not erase anything — use it when the screen is frozen. A factory reset erases all files and settings and returns the tablet to its original state — use it only before selling the tablet or if a serious problem cannot be fixed.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is why you must back up your files before starting. If you backed up to cloud storage or a computer, you can restore your files after the reset is complete.
Why is my tablet still slow after a restart?
A slow tablet after a restart usually means too many apps are running in the background or storage is nearly full. Go to Settings and close apps you do not use regularly. Clear the cache, delete old photos and videos, or move files to cloud storage to free up space.