What a Factory Reset Does and When to Use It

A factory reset erases all data on your Samsung tablet and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means your apps, photos, contacts, messages, and any files you've saved will be deleted. Your tablet will restart with only the default Samsung and Android apps installed.

A factory reset is useful when your tablet is running slowly, freezing repeatedly, or behaving unpredictably. It's also the right choice if you're selling or giving away your tablet and want to remove your personal information. However, a reset is permanent — once you start, you cannot undo it. Back up anything you want to keep before you begin.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up your photos, files, and any data you want to keep before starting a reset, because everything will be deleted.
  • You can reset your tablet through Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, or by using the hardware button combination if your tablet won't turn on.
  • A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on your tablet.
  • After the reset completes, your tablet will ask you to sign in with a Samsung or Google account to set it up again.
  • If you forget your Samsung or Google password, you may not be able to use the tablet after a reset.

Back Up Your Data Before You Reset

Before you do anything else, save copies of the files and information you want to keep. The easiest way is to sign in to your Samsung account or Google account on your tablet — both will automatically back up your contacts, calendar, photos, and some app data to the cloud.

To back up through your Samsung account, go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud, then tap Backup. To back up through Google, go to Settings > Google > Manage Your Google Account > Backup, then tap Back Up Now. If you have files stored only on your tablet (not in the cloud), connect your tablet to a computer and copy them to a folder on your computer before you reset.

Reset Through Settings (The Standard Method)

This is the method to use if your tablet turns on and responds normally. Open Settings on your tablet. Scroll down and tap General Management (on some models it may be called System or Device Management). Tap Reset or Reset Options. Select Factory Data Reset.

Your tablet will show you a warning that all data will be erased. Read it carefully. If you're sure you want to continue, tap Reset or Delete All. You may be asked to enter your PIN, pattern, or password to confirm. Once you do, the reset begins. Do not turn off your tablet or remove the battery during this process — let it run until it restarts on its own.

The reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. When it's done, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, just like a new tablet. You'll be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Samsung or Google account.

Reset Using Hardware Buttons (If Your Tablet Won't Start)

If your tablet won't turn on, won't respond to touch, or is stuck on a boot screen, you can reset it using the physical buttons. The exact button combination varies by model, but the most common method is to hold the Volume Up button and the Power button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the Samsung logo appears, then release.

Your tablet will boot into Recovery Mode, which shows a menu with white text on a black background. Use the Volume Down button to scroll to "Wipe Data / Factory Reset" and press the Power button to select it. You'll see another confirmation screen. Scroll to "Yes" and press Power to confirm. The reset will begin. When it finishes, scroll to "Reboot System Now" and press Power.

If the button combination doesn't work for your model, search online for "[Your tablet model] recovery mode" to find the correct buttons. Different Samsung models use different combinations — some use Volume Down and Power, others use all three buttons.

What Happens After the Reset Completes

When your tablet restarts after a factory reset, it will show the Welcome screen. You'll need to choose your language, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. If you have a Samsung account, signing in will restore your Samsung Cloud backup, including contacts and some photos. If you use Google, signing in will restore your Google account data.

Your apps will not automatically reinstall — you'll need to read them again from the Google Play Store. However, if you signed in with the same Google account you used before, the Play Store will remember which apps you had and offer to reinstall them for you. This can take a while if you had many apps.

Troubleshooting a Stuck or Failed Reset

If your tablet gets stuck during the reset (the screen doesn't change for more than 20 minutes), try a force restart. Hold the Power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, then release and wait 30 seconds before pressing Power again to turn it back on. If it's still stuck on the same screen, try the hardware button reset method described above.

If you see an error message during reset, the most common cause is low battery. Plug your tablet into a charger and wait for the battery to reach at least 50% before trying again. If the reset fails a second time, your tablet may have a hardware problem that requires service — contact Samsung support with the error message you saw.

What to Do If You Forget Your Password After a Reset

After a factory reset, your tablet will ask you to sign in with a Google or Samsung account. If you don't remember the password, you can reset it on another device or computer before you set up your tablet again. Go to accounts.google.com or samsung.com/account and use the "Forgot password" option. Once you've reset your password, use the new one to sign in on your tablet.

If you can't reset your password (for example, if you no longer have access to the recovery email address), you may not be able to use the tablet. Samsung and Google have security measures that prevent someone else from using a tablet if they don't know the account password. Contact Samsung or Google support with proof of purchase if you're locked out of your own device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my tablet?

A factory reset will remove most malware because it deletes all apps and files. However, if malware is in the system firmware itself (which is rare), a reset may not remove it. If your tablet is behaving strangely, a reset is worth trying, but if problems continue after the reset, contact Samsung support.

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

No. Once you confirm the reset, it begins when ready and cannot be stopped. This is why backing up your data first is so important. If you change your mind before you tap the final confirmation button, you can still cancel.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. If your tablet has a lot of data on it, it may take longer. Do not turn off your tablet or interrupt the process — let it run until it restarts on its own.

Do I need a Samsung account to use my tablet after a reset?

No. You can sign in with a Google account instead, and your tablet will work normally. However, if you want to use Samsung-specific features like Samsung Cloud backup or Samsung Find Mobile, you'll need a Samsung account. You can create one for free on samsung.com/account.

Will my apps come back after I sign in with my Google account?

Your apps won't reinstall automatically, but Google Play will remember which apps were on your account. When you open the Play Store after signing in, you can view your library of previously installed apps and reinstall them. This is faster than downloading them one by one.