Start with the basics: restart and clear space

Most tablet problems go away after a restart. Hold the power button until you see "Power Off" or "Slide to Power Off" on the screen, then slide or tap to shut it down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This clears temporary files from memory and stops stuck processes.

If your tablet is running slowly or freezing, check how much storage space is left. Go to Settings, then Storage or About Device (the exact name depends on whether you have an iPad or Android tablet). If you are using more than 90 percent of your storage, delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use. Move photos to cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud to free up space without losing them.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your tablet by holding the power button and waiting 30 seconds before turning it back on, which fixes most freezing and app crashes.
  • Check your storage space in Settings and delete old files or apps if you are using more than 90 percent of available space.
  • Force-close individual apps that are crashing by going to Settings, then Apps, selecting the problem app, and tapping Force Stop.
  • Update your tablet's operating system and individual apps through Settings or the app store, as updates often fix bugs and performance issues.
  • If your tablet will not turn on, plug it in for at least 30 minutes, as a completely drained battery can take time to respond to the power button.

Force-close apps that keep crashing

When one app keeps freezing or crashing, you do not need to restart the whole tablet. On an iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right if you have Face ID) to open the app switcher, find the problem app, and swipe it up off the screen. On Android, go to Settings, tap Apps or process Manager, find the app, and tap Force Stop.

After force-closing, wait a few seconds and open the app again. If it crashes repeatedly, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh from the App Store or Google Play. Reinstalling clears out corrupted files that a straightforward restart cannot fix. Before you uninstall, check if the app has any unsaved work you need to back up first.

Update your operating system and apps

Outdated software is one of the most common causes of crashes, slow performance, and security problems. On an iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update. On Android, go to Settings, scroll to About Device or About Tablet, and look for System Update or Software Update. If an update is waiting, plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi before you start, because updates can take 20 to 45 minutes and use a lot of battery.

Also update individual apps. Open the App Store or Google Play, go to your account or profile section, and look for Updates Available or Pending Updates. Tap Update All to install them all at once, or update apps one at a time if you want to keep using your tablet. App updates often fix bugs that cause crashes in specific apps.

Fix charging and battery problems

If your tablet will not turn on, the battery may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger and wait at least 30 minutes before trying the power button again. A completely dead battery can take time to build up enough charge to respond. Use the original charger or a charger rated for your tablet's wattage if possible, as low-power chargers charge very slowly.

If your tablet charges very slowly or will not charge past a certain percentage, the charging port may be dirty. Turn off the tablet, get a flashlight, and look into the charging port at the bottom. If you see lint or dust, use a wooden toothpick or a plastic toothpick (not metal, which can short the port) to gently scrape the inside. Do not use water or compressed air, which can push debris deeper in. If cleaning does not help, the charging cable itself may be damaged—try a different cable first before assuming the port is broken.

Troubleshoot Wi-Fi and connection issues

If your tablet cannot connect to Wi-Fi or keeps dropping the connection, first restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. Then restart your tablet. If that does not work, go to Settings, find Wi-Fi, and tap the network you use. Tap Forget This Network, then reconnect by entering your password again. This clears out any corrupted connection settings.

If you are still having trouble, move closer to the router to rule out a range problem. If the tablet connects fine near the router but drops out across the room, the router may need to be repositioned or you may need a stronger one. If the tablet cannot see any networks at all, go to Settings and toggle Wi-Fi off and on again. If that does not work, restart the tablet.

Handle screen problems and touch responsiveness

If your screen is cracked or shattered, the tablet will still work but the touch screen may not respond in that area. You can continue using it, but a professional repair is the only way to fix the screen itself. If the touch screen is not responding anywhere on the screen, restart the tablet first. If that does not work, go to Settings, find Display or Screen, and look for Touch Sensitivity or Touch Accuracy. Some tablets let you adjust this setting, which can help if you are wearing a screen protector or gloves.

If your screen is very dim even when brightness is turned all the way up, check if Auto-Brightness is on. Go to Settings, find Display, and toggle Auto-Brightness off. Then manually set brightness to maximum. If the screen is still dim, the display itself may be failing, which requires professional repair.

When to seek professional repair

Some problems cannot be fixed at home. If your tablet will not turn on after charging for an hour, if the screen is physically cracked and the touch does not work, if it is getting very hot during normal use, or if water got inside it, take it to a repair shop or the manufacturer's service center. Do not try to open the tablet yourself, as this voids the warranty and can cause more damage.

Before you go, back up your data if the tablet still turns on. On iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and turn on iCloud Backup. On Android, go to Settings, find Backup or Google Account, and make sure backup is on. If the tablet is completely dead, the repair shop may be able to recover your data, but it is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tablet get hot during normal use?

A warm tablet is normal, but one that is too hot to hold for more than a few seconds may have a failing battery or a processor running at full power. Stop using it, let it cool down, and restart it. If it gets hot again when ready, do not use it until you can have it checked by a professional, as overheating can damage the battery or other components.

How do I know if my tablet has a virus?

Tablets running current versions of iOS or Android are very resistant to viruses. If your tablet is crashing, running slowly, or showing ads you did not install, the cause is usually a problematic app, not a virus. Uninstall any apps you do not recognize, restart the tablet, and see if the problem stops. If you are concerned, you can install a security app from the official app store, though most tablets do not need one.

Can I fix a tablet that fell in water?

Turn it off when ready and do not try to charge it. Dry the outside with a soft cloth and let it sit in a warm, dry place for at least 48 hours before turning it back on. Do not use a hair dryer or put it in an oven, as heat can damage components. If it does not work after drying, water got inside and you need professional repair. Most tablets are not waterproof, even if they are water-resistant.

What should I do if my tablet is stuck on the startup screen?

Try a force restart. On iPad, quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, then hold the power button until you see the Apple logo. On Android, hold the power button for 10 to 20 seconds until the screen goes black, then release. If it is still stuck after a force restart, the operating system may be corrupted and you will need professional help or a factory reset, which erases all your data.

Is it worth fixing an old tablet or should I buy a new one?

If the tablet is more than five years old and needs a major repair like a new battery or screen, the cost may be close to the price of a budget tablet. If it is newer and the repair is straightforward, like a software update or app reinstall, it is worth fixing. Ask a repair shop for an estimate before you decide.