The two ways to reset a Samsung Galaxy tablet

You can reset a Samsung Galaxy tablet in two ways: a soft reset, which restarts the device without erasing anything, and a factory reset, which erases all your data and returns the tablet to its original state. A soft reset takes about two minutes and fixes most freezing or performance problems. A factory reset takes about 10 to 15 minutes and is the only option if you forgot your password, plan to sell the tablet, or need to clear a serious software problem.

Choose a soft reset first if your tablet is slow, an app keeps crashing, or the screen is frozen. Choose a factory reset only if you have backed up your photos, contacts, and files elsewhere, because the reset will delete everything on the device.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset restarts your tablet without erasing data and fixes most freezing or lag problems in two minutes.
  • A factory reset erases all data and returns the tablet to factory settings, so back up your files first.
  • To soft reset, hold the power button for 10 seconds until the power menu appears, then tap Restart.
  • To factory reset, go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, then confirm twice.
  • If you forgot your Samsung account password, you will need to enter it after a factory reset before the tablet will work.

How to do a soft reset

A soft reset is the fastest fix for a frozen or sluggish tablet. Hold down the power button on the side or top of your tablet for about 10 seconds. You will see a power menu appear on the screen with options like Power Off, Restart, and Emergency SOS.

Tap Restart. The tablet will turn off and turn back on automatically. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once the home screen appears, your tablet should respond normally again. All your apps, photos, and settings stay exactly as they were.

If the tablet is completely frozen and the power button does not work, try holding the power button and the volume down button together for 10 seconds. This forces a restart on most Samsung models.

How to do a factory reset from Settings

Before you start, make sure you have copied your photos, contacts, documents, and any other files you want to keep to a computer, cloud storage, or external drive. A factory reset deletes everything on the tablet permanently.

Open Settings on your home screen. Scroll down and tap General Management. 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. Read it carefully. Tap Reset or Delete All (the exact wording varies by model). You may be asked to enter your Samsung account password or PIN to confirm. Enter it and tap Reset again. The tablet will restart and erase all data. This takes 5 to 10 minutes. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen as if the tablet is brand new.

How to do a factory reset using hardware buttons

If your tablet will not turn on or you cannot reach the Settings menu, you can force a factory reset using the power and volume buttons. This method works on almost all Samsung Galaxy tablets.

Turn off the tablet completely. Hold down the power button and volume up button at the same time for about 10 seconds. Keep holding until you see the Samsung logo or a recovery menu. Release the buttons.

You will see a menu with options in white text on a black background. Use the volume down button to scroll to Wipe Data / Factory Reset. Press the power button to select it. A confirmation screen will appear. Scroll to Yes using the volume down button and press the power button. The tablet will erase all data and restart. This takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What happens after a factory reset

When the reset finishes, your tablet will show the initial setup screen, just like when it came from the store. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to your Samsung account or Google account.

If you have a Samsung account, you will need to enter the email address and password you used before the reset. If you do not remember your password, you can reset it on Samsung's website before you start the factory reset. If you skip this step, the tablet will ask for the password after the reset and will not let you use the device until you enter it correctly.

After you sign in, your tablet will read and reinstall any apps you had purchased from the Google Play Store, but your personal files, photos, and messages will not return. Only restore those from the backup you made before the reset.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not unplug the tablet or remove the battery during a reset. If the power runs out, the reset may not finish correctly and the tablet could become unusable. Make sure the battery is at least 50 percent charged before you start a factory reset.

Do not assume a soft reset will fix a password problem. If you forgot your PIN or pattern, you need a factory reset, and you will need your Samsung account password afterward. If you do not remember that password either, you will not be able to use the tablet until you reset it on Samsung's website.

Do not factory reset if you think your files might still be useful. Once the reset is complete, recovery is very difficult and usually requires professional help. Back up everything first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset delete my photos or apps?

No. A soft reset only restarts the tablet. All your photos, apps, contacts, and settings stay on the device exactly as they were. It is safe to use if you just want to fix a frozen screen or slow performance.

What is the difference between a factory reset and a soft reset?

A soft reset restarts the tablet and keeps all your data. A factory reset erases everything and returns the tablet to its original state. Use a soft reset first for most problems. Use a factory reset only if you forgot your password, plan to sell the tablet, or a soft reset did not fix the problem.

Do I need my Samsung password to do a factory reset?

You may need it to confirm the reset in Settings, and you will definitely need it after the reset is complete to sign back in. If you do not remember your Samsung password, reset it on Samsung's website before you start the factory reset.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The tablet will restart several times. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time. A soft reset takes only 30 to 60 seconds.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset permanently erases all data on the tablet. You cannot undo it. This is why backing up your files before you reset is so important. If you have a backup, you can restore your photos and files after the reset is complete.