The fastest way: check Settings on your tablet

Open Settings on your Samsung tablet, then tap About tablet (or About device). The screen will show your model number, which looks something like SM-T870 or SM-X700. That model number is the clearest identifier—you can search it online to find the exact tablet name and specs.

If you do not have the tablet in front of you right now, there are other ways to find the model. The information is printed on the device itself and in any paperwork that came with it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your tablet's model number appears in Settings under About tablet or About device, and it starts with SM- followed by letters and numbers.
  • The model number is printed on the back of your tablet, usually near the bottom, and also on the original box if you still have it.
  • Samsung's support website lets you search by model number to confirm the exact tablet name and find manuals or drivers.
  • If your tablet is registered to a Samsung account, you can sign in on Samsung's website to see all your registered devices.

Look at the back of the tablet or the original box

The model number is printed on a label on the back of your Samsung tablet, usually near the bottom edge. It will start with SM- followed by a letter and numbers (for example, SM-T720 or SM-X810). The box your tablet came in also has this number printed on it, along with the marketing name (like Galaxy Tab S9 or Galaxy Tab A8).

If you no longer have the box, the back of the tablet is your best physical reference. Take a photo of the label if you need to keep the information for later.

Use Samsung's website to search by model number

Once you have the model number, go to Samsung's support website and enter it in the search box. The site will show you the exact tablet name, release date, and available manuals or drivers. This is useful if you need to read software updates, find the user manual, or confirm specifications like screen size and storage capacity.

You can also use the model number to search on Samsung's main product pages or on retail sites like Amazon or Best Buy, which often list detailed specs alongside the model number.

Check your Samsung account if the tablet is registered

If you set up a Samsung account on your tablet when you first turned it on, you can sign in to your Samsung account on any computer or phone. Go to your account settings and look for a section called My Devices or Registered Devices. Your tablet will be listed there with its model name and sometimes a photo of what it looks like.

This method works even if you no longer have the tablet, as long as you remember the email address and password you used to set it up.

What the model number tells you

Samsung's model numbers follow a pattern. The first two letters are always SM (Samsung Mobile). The next letter indicates the device type—T for tablets, G for phones. The remaining numbers and letters identify the specific model and regional variant.

For example, SM-T870 is a tablet, while SM-G990 is a phone. Two tablets with similar numbers but different final digits (like SM-T870 and SM-T875) are usually the same model sold in different regions or with different storage options. Knowing this helps you understand why your tablet's specs might differ slightly from another person's, even if the marketing name is the same.

When you need to know your model number

You will need the model number if you are looking for software updates, downloading drivers for a computer, finding the correct charger or cable, or contacting Samsung support about a problem. Having the exact model number saves time because support staff can pull up the right manual and troubleshooting steps when ready.

If you are selling or trading in your tablet, the buyer may ask for the model number to verify the device and its condition. Keeping a record of your model number in a safe place (like a note in your phone or email) makes it straightforward to find later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the Settings menu on my tablet?

Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full notification panel, then look for a gear icon (Settings). If you still cannot find it, try swiping up from the bottom to see all your apps, then search for Settings. On very old Samsung tablets, Settings may be in a different location, but it is always available somewhere in the app menu.

Is the model number the same as the marketing name?

No. The model number (like SM-T870) is what Samsung uses internally. The marketing name is what you see in stores (like Galaxy Tab S9). The model number is more precise because the same marketing name is sometimes sold in different versions with different storage or connectivity options, each with its own model number.

Can I find my tablet model if I lost it?

If you set up a Samsung account, you can sign in on Samsung's website to see your registered devices. If you did not set up an account, check your email for a receipt or order confirmation from where you bought it—the receipt usually lists the model number. Your carrier or retailer may also have a record if you purchased it through them.

Do all Samsung tablets start with SM-T?

Most do, but some older Samsung tablets or international models may use different prefixes. The safest approach is to check the Settings menu or the physical label on your device, since those will always show the correct model number regardless of age or region.