The Three Ways to Restart an Android Tablet

A restart clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops all running apps, which fixes most freezing, lag, and app crashes. You have three options: a soft restart (the safest), a forced restart (when your tablet won't respond), and a factory reset (which erases everything). Most of the time, a soft restart solves the problem in under a minute.

The method you choose depends on whether your tablet is still responding to touch. If it's frozen solid and won't react to anything, skip straight to the forced restart. If it's sluggish but still working, a soft restart is faster and safer.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft restart takes 30 seconds and fixes most problems—hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears, then tap "Power off."
  • A forced restart works when your tablet is completely frozen and won't respond to any touch—hold the power button for 10 to 30 seconds until the screen goes black.
  • A factory reset erases all your files, photos, and apps, so use it only as a last resort after other restarts have failed.
  • After any restart, your tablet will take 1 to 3 minutes to boot back up—wait for the lock screen to appear before using it.

Soft Restart: The Standard Method

A soft restart is the normal way to restart your tablet and is safe to do anytime. Your tablet stays on the whole time and straightforward shuts down and boots back up. This method preserves all your files, photos, apps, and settings.

Step 1: Locate the power button. On most Android tablets, it's on the right edge or the top edge. Press and hold it.

Step 2: Keep holding until a menu appears on the screen. This usually takes 2 to 5 seconds. You'll see options like "Power off," "Restart," or "Emergency SOS."

Step 3: Tap "Power off" or "Restart" if that option is available. If you see only "Power off," tap that instead.

Step 4: Wait for the screen to go black. This takes 5 to 10 seconds. Then wait another 10 to 20 seconds for the tablet to power back on. You'll see the manufacturer's logo, then the lock screen.

Step 5: Unlock your tablet as usual. Your tablet is now restarted. All your apps and files are still there.

Forced Restart: When Your Tablet Is Frozen

If your tablet is completely frozen and won't respond to any touch or button press, a forced restart is your next option. This forces the tablet to shut down when ready without the normal shutdown process. It's safe to do and won't erase anything, but it should only be used when the soft restart method won't work.

Step 1: Press and hold the power button. Do not let go.

Step 2: Keep holding for 10 to 30 seconds. The exact time varies by tablet model. Some tablets vibrate or show a message before shutting down—ignore it and keep holding.

Step 3: The screen will go black. Wait another 10 to 15 seconds without pressing anything.

Step 4: Press the power button once to turn the tablet back on. The manufacturer's logo will appear, followed by the lock screen.

If the forced restart doesn't work after two attempts, your tablet may have a hardware problem. Try charging it for 15 minutes, then attempt the forced restart again.

Factory Reset: Erasing Everything and Starting Over

A factory reset returns your tablet to the state it was in when it left the factory. This erases all your files, photos, apps, messages, and settings. Use this method only if your tablet is still broken after a soft restart and a forced restart, or if you're selling or giving away the tablet and want to remove your personal information.

Before you start: Back up any files or photos you want to keep. Once you start a factory reset, there is no way to undo it. If your tablet is frozen and won't let you back anything up, you may lose those files.

Step 1: If your tablet is on, open the Settings app. If it's frozen, do a forced restart first.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap "System" or "About tablet" (the exact name varies by tablet model).

Step 3: Look for "Reset options," "Reset," or "Erase all data." Tap it.

Step 4: Tap "Erase all data" or "Factory reset." Your tablet will ask you to confirm. Tap "Erase" or "Reset."

Step 5: Your tablet will restart and begin erasing. This takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.

Step 6: When the reset is complete, your tablet will show the initial setup screen, just like a brand-new tablet. You'll need to sign in with your Google account to restore your apps and settings.

What to Do If Your Tablet Still Won't Work

If your tablet is still frozen or broken after a forced restart, the problem may be hardware-related rather than software. Try charging your tablet for at least 30 minutes—sometimes a completely drained battery can make a tablet appear frozen or unresponsive.

If charging doesn't help, try connecting your tablet to a computer with a USB cable. Some tablets have a recovery mode that you can access through a computer, but this varies widely by manufacturer and model. Check your tablet's manual or the manufacturer's support website for instructions specific to your model.

If none of these steps work, your tablet may need professional repair. Contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not hold the power button for only 1 or 2 seconds—your tablet will just lock the screen instead of restarting. You need to hold it long enough for the menu to appear (soft restart) or for the screen to go black (forced restart).

Do not unplug your tablet or remove the battery during a restart. Let the restart finish completely before using the tablet again. If you interrupt it, you may corrupt files or damage the operating system.

Do not assume a factory reset will fix a hardware problem. If your tablet has a cracked screen, a broken charging port, or a failing battery, restarting won't help. A factory reset only fixes software problems.

Do not do a factory reset without backing up your files first, unless you're certain you don't need them. Once the reset is complete, your files are gone permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a restart take?

A soft restart usually takes 1 to 3 minutes total—about 10 to 20 seconds to shut down, then 1 to 3 minutes to boot back up. A forced restart takes about the same time. A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes and requires you to set up your tablet again afterward.

Will restarting delete my photos or apps?

A soft restart and a forced restart will not delete anything. A factory reset will erase all your files, photos, apps, and settings. If you're not sure which type of restart you need, start with a soft restart—it's safe and fixes most problems.

What if my tablet won't turn back on after a restart?

Charge your tablet for at least 30 minutes, then try pressing the power button. If the screen stays black, try a forced restart by holding the power button for 10 to 30 seconds. If it still won't turn on, the battery or power button may be broken and you may need professional repair.

Can I restart my tablet while it's charging?

Yes, restarting while charging is safe and sometimes helpful. If your tablet is plugged in and frozen, you can do a forced restart without worrying about the battery draining during the process.

Do I need to close my apps before restarting?

No. When you restart your tablet, all running apps close automatically. You don't need to close them manually first. In fact, if your tablet is frozen, you won't be able to close apps anyway.