Check the Settings app on your tablet

The fastest way to identify your Samsung tablet is to open Settings and look at the device information. Tap Settings from your home screen or app drawer, then scroll down and tap About tablet (sometimes labeled About device). The screen will show your exact model number, which looks like "SM-T590" or "SM-T870" — this is the identifier Samsung uses internally.

Write down the full model number. You will see it listed as Model or Device name. Some tablets also display a marketing name like "Galaxy Tab S6" or "Galaxy Tab A7" on this same screen, which is the consumer-facing name you will recognize in product listings and reviews.

Key Takeaways

  • Your tablet's model number appears in Settings under About tablet, and it always starts with "SM-T" followed by four digits.
  • The marketing name (Galaxy Tab S6, Galaxy Tab A7) is different from the model number but appears on the same settings screen.
  • The physical back of your tablet prints the model number and sometimes the marketing name, usually near the bottom.
  • Samsung's support website lets you search by model number to find specs, manuals, and software updates for your exact device.

Look at the physical tablet back or box

If your tablet is powered off or you prefer not to turn it on, the model information is printed on the back. Look near the bottom of the device for small text that includes the model number (starting with SM-T) and sometimes the marketing name. The original box also lists this information on a label, usually on the side or bottom.

The printed model number is the most reliable identifier because it does not change and does not depend on software. If you have lost the box but still have the tablet, the back of the device is your second-best source.

Understand what the model number tells you

Samsung model numbers follow a pattern. All tablets start with SM-T, and the four digits after that indicate the screen size, generation, and market region. For example, SM-T590 is a 10-inch tablet, while SM-T870 is a different size and generation. The last digit sometimes changes based on whether the tablet is Wi-Fi only or has cellular connectivity.

Knowing the exact model number matters because it determines which software updates your tablet will receive, which accessories are compatible, and where to find support documentation. A tablet sold in the United States under model SM-T590 may be sold as SM-T595 in Europe with cellular capability, but both are the same tablet otherwise.

Search Samsung's website with your model number

Once you have the model number, visit Samsung's support website and enter it in the search box. Samsung will show you the official specs, available software updates, downloadable manuals, and any known issues for that exact model. This is the most authoritative source for information about your device.

The support page also tells you the official marketing name, release date, screen size, processor, and storage options. If you bought your tablet used or refurbished and are unsure what you have, this search confirms everything about the hardware.

Cross-reference with common Samsung tablet lines

Samsung sells tablets under several brand lines, each aimed at different uses and price points. The Galaxy Tab S series is the premium line with high-refresh displays and powerful processors. The Galaxy Tab A series is the budget-friendly option with basic specs. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and similar "Lite" models sit between the two.

If you see your model number and want to know which line it belongs to, the marketing name on your settings screen or box will tell you when ready. You can also search the model number online — tech review sites and retailer listings will show you which series it is and what year it was released.

Check your Samsung account or purchase history

If you bought the tablet through a Samsung account, your purchase history will list the exact model and marketing name. Sign in to your Samsung account on a computer or phone, go to My Page or Order History, and find the tablet purchase. The order confirmation email also contains this information if you still have it.

This method works only if you bought directly from Samsung or registered your device with them. If you bought from a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, check your email receipt from that purchase — it usually lists the model name or number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my tablet is too old to turn on?

Check the back of the device for the printed model number, or look at the original box if you still have it. The model number never changes and does not depend on power or software. If both are unavailable, a photo of the back sent to Samsung support can sometimes help identify the device.

Is the model number the same as the marketing name?

No. The model number (SM-T590) is what Samsung uses internally and for support. The marketing name (Galaxy Tab A7) is what you see in stores and ads. Both identify your tablet, but the model number is more precise because one marketing name can cover multiple hardware versions.

Why does my tablet show a different model number than what the box says?

This usually means the tablet was sold in a different region than the box suggests, or the box is from a bundle that included multiple devices. The model number on the device itself is always correct. Regional variants (like SM-T590 versus SM-T595) are the same tablet with different cellular bands.

Can I find my tablet model if I only know the screen size?

Not reliably. Samsung makes multiple models in the same screen size across different years and price points. A 10-inch Galaxy Tab A from 2020 is a different model than a 10-inch Galaxy Tab A from 2022. You need the model number or marketing name to identify it precisely.

Where do I use the model number once I find it?

Use it to search Samsung's support website for software updates, manuals, and troubleshooting. You can also use it when buying accessories to make sure they fit your exact device, or when contacting Samsung support so they know which tablet you own.