Start with the basics before you assume it is broken
Most tablet problems look like hardware failure but are actually software glitches or straightforward settings issues. Before you spend money on repair, restart the device, check your battery level, and make sure the screen is not just locked. A restart clears temporary files and resets connections — it fixes roughly half of all tablet complaints without any other work.
If your tablet will not turn on, plug it in and wait 15 minutes. A completely drained battery can take time to show any sign of life. If it still will not respond after charging, try holding the power button for 30 seconds, then release and wait. Some tablets need a longer press to force a restart.
Check whether the problem is actually with your tablet or with the app or service you are trying to use. Open a different app — the web browser, email, or a game — and see if it works. If other apps run fine, the problem is with that one app, not your device.
Key Takeaways
- Restart your tablet first — hold the power button for 30 seconds, release, and wait — because most problems clear without any other step.
- Charge your tablet for at least 15 minutes before assuming the battery or power system is broken.
- Check your storage space in Settings; a full drive causes slowness, freezing, and app crashes even if the tablet is otherwise fine.
- Uninstall apps you do not use regularly and clear the cache in Settings to free up space and improve performance.
- If a single app crashes repeatedly, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh rather than trying to repair it in place.
Free up storage space when your tablet is slow or freezing
Tablets slow down and freeze when the storage drive is nearly full. Go to Settings, find Storage or Device Storage, and look at how much space is used. If the bar is more than 80 percent full, you need to delete files and apps.
Start by removing apps you have not opened in months. Press and hold an app icon, select Uninstall or Remove, and confirm. Do this for games, social media apps, and anything else you can reinstall later if you need it. Removing five to ten unused apps often frees up several gigabytes.
Next, clear the cache — temporary files that apps create but do not need to keep. In Settings, go to Apps or process Manager, tap each app you use often, and select Clear Cache. This does not erase your photos, messages, or settings; it only removes temporary data. Do this for your web browser, email, and any streaming apps.
If you have old photos or videos you want to keep, move them to a cloud service like Google Photos, OneDrive, or iCloud before deleting them from your tablet. This way you still have them but they no longer take up space on your device.
Fix apps that crash or freeze
When a single app crashes repeatedly, the fastest fix is to uninstall it completely and reinstall it fresh. Go to Settings, find Apps or process Manager, select the problem app, and tap Uninstall. Then go to the app store — Google Play Store on Android, App Store on iPad — search for the app, and install it again.
Before you uninstall, check whether an update is available. Open the app store, go to your apps or account section, and look for updates. Tap Update next to the problem app. Many crashes are caused by bugs in old versions that the developer has already fixed.
If the app still crashes after updating, force it to close. Go to Settings, find Apps or process Manager, select the app, and tap Force Stop. Wait 10 seconds, then open the app again. This clears any stuck processes that might be causing the crash.
Restore your tablet when nothing else works
A factory reset erases everything on your tablet and returns it to the state it was in when you first bought it. This is the nuclear option — use it only after you have tried restarting, clearing storage, and uninstalling problem apps. A factory reset fixes software problems that nothing else can touch, but you will lose all your files, photos, and apps unless you back them up first.
Before you reset, back up your data. On Android, go to Settings, find Backup or Google Account, and make sure your photos, contacts, and app data are synced to your Google account. On iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, select iCloud, and turn on Photos, Mail, Contacts, and Calendar. This way your important information is saved in the cloud.
To perform a factory reset on Android, go to Settings, find System or About Phone, select Reset Options or Factory Reset, and confirm. On iPad, go to Settings, tap General, select Transfer or Reset, and choose Erase All Content and Settings. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes. When it finishes, your tablet will restart and ask you to set it up as if it were brand new.
Handle physical damage and hardware problems
If your tablet has a cracked screen, water damage, or a battery that will not hold a charge, software fixes will not help. These are hardware problems that require professional repair or replacement.
For a cracked screen, contact the manufacturer — Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, or whoever made your tablet — or visit an authorized repair shop. Screen replacement costs vary widely depending on the model, usually between $100 and $400. Some manufacturers offer mail-in repair; others require you to visit a store.
If your tablet got wet, turn it off when ready and do not try to charge it. Let it dry in a warm, dry place for at least 48 hours. Do not use a hair dryer or oven — heat can damage the internal components. If it still will not turn on after drying, water damage is likely and you will need professional repair.
A battery that no longer holds a charge is a hardware issue. Most tablets have batteries that are glued or soldered inside, so you cannot replace them yourself. Contact the manufacturer or a repair shop for a battery replacement, which usually costs $50 to $150 depending on the model.
Know when to replace instead of repair
Repair costs add up quickly. If your tablet is more than four or five years old and the repair costs more than half the price of a new one, replacement is usually the better choice. A new budget tablet costs $150 to $300; a screen replacement alone can run $200 or more.
Check the current price of a similar new tablet before you commit to repair. If the repair is more than 50 percent of that price, buy new. If the repair is less than 30 percent, fix it. In the middle range, consider how much longer you plan to use the device and whether you have the money to spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my tablet get so hot?
Tablets heat up when they are working hard — running multiple apps, streaming video, or charging while in use. If it is too hot to hold, close unnecessary apps and let it cool down. If it stays hot even when idle, a background app or process may be stuck. Restart the tablet and see if the problem returns.
How do I know if my battery is dying?
A dying battery drains in hours instead of days, even when you are not using the tablet. If your tablet goes from 50 percent to zero in a few hours with no apps running, the battery is failing. This is a hardware problem that requires professional replacement.
Can I fix a tablet that will not connect to Wi-Fi?
First, restart your tablet and your router — unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to restart. Then go to Settings, find Wi-Fi, and forget the network you are trying to connect to. Tap the network again and re-enter the password. If that does not work, restart both devices one more time.
What should I do if my tablet screen is unresponsive?
Restart the tablet first. If the screen still does not respond to touch, try cleaning it with a soft, dry cloth — dust or fingerprints can interfere with touch sensors. If it is still unresponsive after restart and cleaning, the touch screen may be damaged and will need professional repair.
Is it safe to use a tablet with a cracked screen?
A cracked screen is usually safe to use, but sharp edges can cut your fingers and the crack may spread. If the crack is near the edge, tape it with clear tape to prevent cuts. If it is in the middle of the screen or the crack is spreading, get it repaired before it gets worse.