The Basic Power-Off Method for Most Tablets
To turn off most tablets, press and hold the power button until a menu appears on your screen. The power button is usually on the top edge or right side of your device. After you hold it for 2 to 3 seconds, you will see options like "Power off," "Shut down," or "Turn off."
Once the menu appears, tap the option that says "Power off" or "Shut down." Your tablet will then display a countdown or a message saying it is turning off. Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the screen to go black completely. Do not press any buttons during this time.
If your tablet has a physical power button that is hard to find, check the edges carefully. On some models, the button is recessed slightly so you have to press firmly. If you are still unsure where it is, look at the device manual or the manufacturer's website for your exact model number.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold the power button for 2 to 3 seconds until a menu appears on your screen.
- Tap "Power off" or "Shut down" from the menu that appears.
- Wait for the screen to go completely black before assuming the tablet is off.
- If your tablet is frozen or not responding, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force it to shut down.
- Some tablets also turn off when you hold the power button and volume button together, depending on the brand and model.
What to Do If the Power Button Does Not Work
If pressing the power button does not bring up a menu, your tablet may be frozen or the button may be broken. Try holding the power button for a full 10 to 15 seconds without letting go. This forces a shutdown on most devices, even if the normal menu does not appear.
If the power button is physically broken or stuck, you can also try holding the power button and volume down button at the same time for 10 seconds. This combination works on many Android tablets and some iPad models. Check your device manual to confirm whether this method works for your specific tablet.
If neither method works, your tablet will eventually shut down on its own when the battery drains completely. You can speed this up by using the tablet normally until the battery runs out. Once it powers off, plug it in to charge it back up.
Restarting Your Tablet Instead of Turning It Off
If you want to restart your tablet rather than turn it off completely, the process is similar. Press and hold the power button until the menu appears, then look for an option that says "Restart" or "Reboot." Tap that option and wait 10 to 20 seconds for your tablet to shut down and turn back on.
Restarting is useful when your tablet is running slowly, an app is not working correctly, or you are having connection problems. A restart clears the device's memory and closes all running apps, which often fixes minor issues without losing any of your files or settings.
Differences Between iPad and Android Tablets
iPads have a slightly different shutdown process depending on which model you own. On newer iPads with Face ID, press and hold the top button and either volume button together until the power-off slider appears. Then drag the slider to the right to turn off the device.
On older iPads with a home button, press and hold the top button (or the side button on some models) until the slider appears, then drag it to turn off. Android tablets, by contrast, usually just require holding the power button until a menu pops up with a "Power off" option.
If you are unsure which type of tablet you have, look at the home screen. iPads run iPadOS and have an Apple logo. Android tablets have a Google logo or another manufacturer's branding and run Android software. The shutdown method depends on which operating system your tablet uses.
What Happens When You Turn Off Your Tablet
When you turn off your tablet, all running apps close and the screen goes dark. Your files, photos, and settings remain saved on the device. Turning off your tablet does not delete anything.
While your tablet is off, it uses almost no battery power. If you are not planning to use your tablet for several days or weeks, turning it off completely will preserve the battery better than leaving it in sleep mode. When you press the power button again, your tablet will turn back on and return to the home screen.
Sleep Mode Versus Powering Off Completely
Most tablets have two states: sleep mode and powered off. Sleep mode happens automatically when you do not use your tablet for a few minutes. The screen goes dark, but the device is still on and using a small amount of battery power. You can wake it up when ready by pressing any button or tapping the screen.
Powering off completely turns the device all the way off. It uses no battery power at all, but it takes longer to turn back on — usually 10 to 30 seconds depending on your tablet model. Use sleep mode for short breaks during the day and power off completely if you will not use your tablet for several hours or longer.
If your tablet is plugged in and charging, sleep mode and powered-off mode use about the same amount of power, so either option is fine. If you are using battery power, powering off completely will preserve your battery longer than sleep mode.
Troubleshooting a Tablet That Will Not Turn Off
If your tablet will not respond to the power button at all, try a force shutdown. On most devices, hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds without releasing. Your tablet should vibrate or show a message, then the screen will go black.
If the force shutdown does not work, your tablet may have a hardware problem. Try plugging it into a charger for 30 minutes, then attempt the shutdown again. Sometimes a completely drained battery prevents the device from responding to button presses.
If your tablet still will not turn off after charging and attempting a force shutdown, contact the manufacturer's support team or visit an authorized repair center. Do not attempt to open the device yourself, as this can damage internal components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off my tablet delete my files or photos?
No. Turning off your tablet does not delete anything. All your files, photos, apps, and settings stay on the device. When you turn it back on, everything will be exactly as you left it.
How long does it take for a tablet to turn off?
Most tablets shut down within 5 to 10 seconds after you tap the power-off option. If it takes longer than 20 seconds, the device may be frozen. Try a force shutdown by holding the power button for 15 seconds instead.
Can I turn off my tablet while it is charging?
Yes, you can turn off your tablet while it is plugged in. It will continue to charge even when powered off. This is actually a good way to charge your tablet faster, since the device is not using power to run apps or the display.
What is the difference between sleep mode and turning off?
Sleep mode turns off the screen but keeps the device on and ready to use when ready. Powered off completely shuts down the device and uses no battery power, but takes longer to turn back on. Use sleep mode for short breaks and power off for longer periods.
Why is my tablet not responding to the power button?
The power button may be stuck, dirty, or broken. Try holding it for 15 to 20 seconds to force a shutdown. If that does not work, try holding the power button and volume button together. If neither works, plug in your tablet and wait for the battery to drain completely, or contact the manufacturer for repair options.