The quickest way to restart your Samsung tablet
A restart clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops all running programs, which often fixes freezing, slow performance, or apps that won't respond. On most Samsung tablets, you restart by holding the power button (usually on the right edge or top) until a menu appears, then tapping "Restart" or "Reboot." The whole process takes about 30 seconds, and your tablet will turn off and back on automatically.
If your tablet is completely frozen and won't respond to the power button, you can force a restart by holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black. This works even when the tablet seems stuck, though you should only use it when a normal restart won't work.
After the restart completes, your tablet will show the Samsung logo, then the lock screen. Wait for all background processes to finish loading before opening apps — this usually takes one to two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- A normal restart uses the power button menu and takes about 30 seconds; your tablet turns off and back on on its own.
- A forced restart (holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds) works when your tablet is frozen and won't respond to taps.
- After restarting, wait one to two minutes for the tablet to fully load before opening apps or checking email.
- Restarting clears temporary memory and stops all running programs, which fixes most freezing and performance problems.
- Your files, photos, and settings stay on your tablet after a restart — nothing is deleted.
How to do a normal restart using the power button menu
Locate the power button on your Samsung tablet. On most models, it is on the right edge about halfway down, though some older models have it on the top. Press and hold the power button until a menu appears on your screen — this usually takes two to three seconds.
Look for the word "Restart" or "Reboot" in the menu that appears. Tap it once. Your tablet will turn off when ready, then turn back on automatically. You will see the Samsung logo appear, then the lock screen. Do not press any buttons while this is happening.
Once you see the lock screen, your tablet is restarting but not fully loaded yet. Wait one to two minutes before opening apps, sending messages, or checking email. If you open an app too soon, it may freeze or load slowly because the system is still starting up background processes.
When to use a forced restart instead
Use a forced restart only when your tablet is completely frozen — when the screen does not respond to taps, the power button menu will not appear, or apps are stuck and will not close. A forced restart is harder on your tablet than a normal restart, so only do it when nothing else works.
To force a restart, hold down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds without letting go. Your screen will go black and stay black for a few seconds. Keep holding the button even after the screen goes dark. The tablet will vibrate or show the Samsung logo, then turn back on. This process takes longer than a normal restart — up to 30 seconds total.
After a forced restart, your tablet may take two to three minutes to fully load because it is checking the file system. Do not turn it off again during this time. If your tablet freezes again after the restart completes, the problem may be with a specific app or a deeper system issue.
What happens to your files and settings after a restart
A restart does not delete any of your files, photos, messages, or settings. Everything stays on your tablet exactly as it was. The restart only clears temporary files that programs create while they are running — these are stored in your tablet's RAM (temporary memory) and are not important after the program closes.
Your apps will still be installed, your email accounts will still be connected, and your home screen will look the same. If you had an app open when you restarted, it will not be running when the tablet turns back on — you will need to open it again.
Common reasons to restart your Samsung tablet
Restart your tablet when apps freeze or stop responding. If an app crashes or becomes unresponsive, a restart clears it from memory and usually lets you open it again without problems. You do not need to uninstall the app — just restart the tablet.
Restart when your tablet feels slow or sluggish, especially if you have had it on for several days without turning it off. Over time, apps collect temporary files and background processes pile up, which slows down performance. A restart clears all of this away.
Restart after installing a major system update. Samsung sometimes releases updates that require a restart to finish installing properly. Your tablet may prompt you to restart, or you can do it manually to make sure the update is fully applied.
Restart if your internet connection is dropping or WiFi keeps disconnecting. A restart resets your tablet's network settings and often fixes connection problems without requiring you to forget and re-enter your WiFi password.
Troubleshooting when a restart does not fix the problem
If your tablet still freezes after a normal restart, try a forced restart instead. Sometimes a normal restart does not fully clear stuck processes, and a forced restart will. Wait at least five minutes after the first restart before trying the forced restart.
If the problem happens only with one app, restart your tablet, then uninstall and reinstall that app. Open the Google Play Store, search for the app, and tap "Uninstall." Then tap "Install" to read it fresh. This fixes problems caused by corrupted app files.
If your tablet continues to freeze even after restarting and reinstalling apps, the problem may be with your system storage. Go to Settings, then Storage, and check how much space is available. If you have less than 1 GB free, delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use. A tablet with very little free space will slow down and freeze frequently.
If restarting does not help and you cannot identify a specific app causing the problem, you may need to do a factory reset. This erases everything on your tablet and returns it to its original state. Before doing this, back up your photos and important files to Google Drive or a computer. A factory reset should be your last option after trying everything else.
How often you should restart your Samsung tablet
You do not need to restart your tablet on a schedule. Restart it only when you notice a problem — freezing, slowness, or an app that will not work. Many people restart their tablets once a week or once a month, but this is not required.
If you use your tablet heavily every day, restarting it once a week can help keep it running smoothly. If you use it lightly, you may only need to restart it a few times a year. Pay attention to how your tablet performs and restart when you notice it slowing down.
Turning your tablet off at night is not the same as restarting it. Turning it off and back on does clear temporary memory, but a restart through the power button menu is more thorough. If you want to turn your tablet off at night, go ahead — this is fine for your tablet and may even help it last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will restarting my tablet delete my photos or messages?
No. A restart only clears temporary memory and does not touch your files, photos, messages, or any data stored on your tablet. Everything will be exactly where you left it after the restart completes.
How long does a restart take?
A normal restart takes about 30 seconds from the moment you tap "Restart" until you see the lock screen. A forced restart takes longer — up to 30 seconds to turn off, then another one to two minutes for the tablet to fully load. Wait one to two minutes after either type of restart before opening apps.
What if the power button is broken and I cannot restart my tablet?
If your power button does not work, you can still force a restart on most Samsung tablets by holding the volume down button and the power button together for 10 to 15 seconds. If that does not work, your tablet may need repair. Contact Samsung support or visit a repair shop.
Can I restart my tablet while it is charging?
Yes, you can restart your tablet while it is plugged in. Restarting while charging will not damage your tablet or battery. If your tablet is frozen and you cannot turn it off, you can force a restart even while it is charging.
Why does my tablet take so long to restart sometimes?
If your tablet is very full or has a lot of apps installed, the restart may take longer because the system is checking files and loading everything. If you have less than 1 GB of free storage, restart times will be slower. Deleting old files and apps can speed up future restarts.