Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears
The power button on a Samsung tablet is usually on the right edge or top edge, depending on your model. Press and hold it for about three to five seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, followed by the startup animation.
If your tablet has been off for a while or the battery is completely drained, it may take a few extra seconds to respond. Keep holding the button even if nothing happens when ready — do not release it and press again, as that can interrupt the startup process.
Once the logo appears, you can release the button. The tablet will finish booting on its own, which usually takes another 30 to 60 seconds depending on the model and how much is installed on it.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is located on the right or top edge of your Samsung tablet and must be held down for three to five seconds to turn it on.
- The Samsung logo will appear on the screen once the tablet is responding, and you can release the button at that point.
- Full startup takes 30 to 60 seconds after the logo appears, so wait for the home screen to load completely before touching the screen.
- If your tablet does not respond, check that the battery is not completely empty by plugging it in for at least 15 minutes before trying again.
What to do if the tablet does not turn on
If you hold the power button for 10 seconds and nothing happens, the battery may be completely drained. Plug your tablet into a charger using the USB-C or micro-USB cable that came with it, and leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Then try pressing the power button again.
If the tablet still does not respond after charging, try a force restart. On most Samsung tablets, hold the power button and the volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Samsung logo or a boot menu. This works even when the normal power button does not.
Locating the power button on different Samsung models
On Samsung Galaxy Tab S models (S6, S7, S8, and newer), the power button is on the right edge when you hold the tablet in portrait mode. On older Galaxy Tab A and Tab E models, it is usually on the top edge. Check the right edge first, as that is the most common location on current tablets.
If you are not sure which button is the power button, look for a small raised button that is slightly different in texture or color from the volume buttons next to it. The volume buttons are usually two separate buttons stacked vertically, while the power button is a single button.
What happens after the startup screen
After the Samsung logo disappears, you will see the lock screen with the date and time. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the power button once to wake it fully. If this is the first time turning on the tablet, you will be guided through setup, which includes connecting to Wi-Fi and signing into a Samsung or Google account.
If the tablet has been set up before, you may be asked to enter a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint to unlock it. If you do not remember this, you will need to use your Samsung account or Google account to reset it — this process varies by model and Android version.
Charging before first use
Samsung tablets ship with a partial charge, but it is a good idea to plug in your new tablet for at least 30 minutes before turning it on for the first time. This ensures the battery has enough power to complete the initial setup without shutting down partway through.
Use the charger and cable that came in the box. Most newer Samsung tablets use USB-C, but some older models use micro-USB. Using the correct cable prevents charging problems later.
Troubleshooting a tablet that turns on but freezes
If your tablet turns on but the screen freezes or becomes unresponsive during startup, do a force restart. Hold the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and the Samsung logo reappears. This clears temporary files that may be causing the freeze.
If freezing happens repeatedly, the tablet may need a factory reset, which erases all data and returns it to its original state. This is a more involved process and should only be done if the tablet continues to freeze after multiple force restarts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Samsung tablet to fully turn on?
The Samsung logo appears within three to five seconds of pressing the power button. The full startup, including loading the home screen, takes 30 to 60 seconds depending on the model and how much is installed. Newer models are usually faster than older ones.
What if I press the power button and nothing happens at all?
The battery is likely completely empty. Plug the tablet into a charger for 15 to 20 minutes, then try again. If it still does not respond, try holding the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds to force a restart.
Can I turn on my Samsung tablet without the power button?
No, the power button is the only way to turn on a Samsung tablet from a completely off state. However, if the tablet is in sleep mode (screen off but device still on), you can wake it by pressing the power button once, swiping the screen, or touching the home button if your model has one.
Is it normal for the tablet to be warm when it first turns on?
Slight warmth during startup is normal, especially if the tablet has been off for a long time. However, if it becomes too hot to touch or shuts down on its own, unplug it and let it cool for 30 minutes before trying again. Excessive heat during startup can indicate a battery or hardware problem.
Do I need to charge the tablet fully before using it for the first time?
It is not required, but charging for at least 30 minutes before first use is recommended. This gives the battery enough power to complete the initial setup without running out during the process. After that, you can use the tablet while it charges.