The two ways to reset a Samsung tablet
A Samsung tablet can be reset in two ways: a soft reset, which restarts the device without erasing anything, and a factory reset, which wipes all your data and returns the tablet to its original state. A soft reset takes seconds and fixes freezing or slow performance. A factory reset takes longer and is permanent — use it only when you plan to sell the tablet, give it away, or need to clear everything because of a serious problem.
Which one you need depends on what you are trying to fix. If your tablet is running slowly or an app keeps crashing, try the soft reset first. If you are selling it or giving it away, or if the tablet is so damaged that nothing else works, do the factory reset.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset restarts your tablet without erasing data and takes about one minute; hold the power button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart.
- A factory reset erases everything on your tablet and cannot be undone, so back up your photos, documents, and other files before you start.
- To factory reset, go to Settings, tap General Management, select Reset, and choose Factory Data Reset; the process takes 5 to 15 minutes.
- You will need your Samsung account password to complete a factory reset on most models, so have it ready before you begin.
- After a factory reset, your tablet will restart and ask you to set it up again as if it were brand new.
How to do a soft reset
A soft reset is the safest option to try first. It closes all running apps and restarts the operating system without touching your files, photos, or settings. This fixes most freezing, lag, and app crashes.
Press and hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet. After 10 to 15 seconds, a power menu will appear on the screen. Tap Restart. The tablet will turn off and back on within a minute. Once it finishes starting up, try using it normally to see if the problem is gone.
If the power button does not work or the tablet is completely frozen, press and hold the power button and the volume down button together for 10 seconds. This forces a restart even if the tablet is not responding.
How to do a factory reset through Settings
A factory reset erases all your personal data — photos, documents, messages, installed apps, and account information. It cannot be undone. Before you start, back up anything you want to keep. You can back up photos and documents to Google Drive, OneDrive, or Samsung Cloud, or transfer them to a computer using a USB cable.
Open Settings on your tablet. Scroll down and tap General Management. Tap Reset. Choose Factory Data Reset. The tablet will show you a summary of what will be erased and ask you to confirm. Tap Reset again. You may be asked to enter your Samsung account password or your lock screen PIN. Enter it and tap Confirm.
The tablet will restart and begin the reset process. This takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the device. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it during this time. When it finishes, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, as if it were brand new.
What to do if you forgot your Samsung account password
Most Samsung tablets require your Samsung account password to complete a factory reset. If you do not remember it, you will need to reset the password before you can proceed with the factory reset.
Go to the Samsung account website on a computer or phone and select Forgot password. Enter your email address or phone number. Samsung will send you a link or code to reset your password. Follow the instructions in the email or text message. Once you have set a new password, return to your tablet and enter the new password when the reset asks for it.
If you do not have access to the email or phone number tied to your Samsung account, contact Samsung Support. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.
Factory reset using hardware buttons
If your tablet will not turn on or Settings will not open, you can force a factory reset using the power and volume buttons. This method works on most Samsung tablets, though the exact button combination varies by model.
Turn off the tablet completely. Press and hold the power button and the volume up button together until the Samsung logo appears. Release the buttons. A menu with white text on a black background will appear. Use the volume down button to scroll to Wipe data/factory reset. Press the power button to select it. Use the volume down button to scroll to Yes and press the power button to confirm. The reset will begin. Do not interrupt it.
This method bypasses the Settings menu entirely, so it works even if your tablet is frozen or will not start normally. The reset still takes several minutes and will erase everything on the device.
What happens after the factory reset is complete
When the reset finishes, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen. You will be asked to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. If you want to restore your photos and documents from a backup, sign in with the same Google account you used before the reset. Google will offer to restore your backed-up data.
If you are giving the tablet to someone else, do not sign in with your account. Let them complete the setup with their own account instead. If you are selling it, leave it at the setup screen so the new owner can set it up themselves.
Reinstall any apps you need from the Google Play Store. Your tablet is now in the same state as when it left the factory.
When to factory reset versus when to try other fixes
A factory reset is a last resort, not a first step. Before you erase everything, try these simpler fixes: restart the tablet with a soft reset, uninstall any recently installed apps that might be causing problems, clear the cache in Settings under Apps, or free up storage space by deleting old files and photos.
Factory reset if the tablet is so slow or buggy that nothing else helps, if you are preparing to sell or give it away, if you suspect a serious security problem, or if you are returning it to Samsung for repair. For everyday problems like a frozen app or slow performance, the soft reset is almost always enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware?
A factory reset will remove most malware because it erases everything and reinstalls the operating system fresh. However, if malware is in the firmware or bootloader, a factory reset may not remove it. If you suspect a serious security problem, contact Samsung Support or a professional technician.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is why backing up your data before you start is essential. If you have a backup in Google Drive or Samsung Cloud, you can restore it after the reset is complete by signing in with the same account.
How long does a factory reset take?
A soft reset takes about one minute. A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the tablet. Do not turn off the device or unplug it during the process, or the reset may fail and damage the tablet.
Do I need Wi-Fi to factory reset my tablet?
No. The factory reset itself does not require Wi-Fi. However, you will need Wi-Fi after the reset is complete to sign in with your Google account and restore your backed-up data. If you do not have Wi-Fi, you can set up the tablet without it and connect later.
What if my tablet is stuck on the setup screen after the reset?
If the tablet will not move past the initial setup screen, try restarting it with a soft reset. If that does not work, try the factory reset again using the hardware button method. If the tablet is still stuck, contact Samsung Support for help.