The three ways to restart a tablet, and when to use each one

A tablet restart falls into three categories: a soft reset (power off and back on), a hard reset (force shutdown), and a factory reset (erase everything and start over). Most problems — freezing, apps crashing, slow performance — clear up with a soft reset. A hard reset is for when the tablet won't respond to normal shutdown. A factory reset erases all your data and returns the tablet to its original state, and you should only do this if you plan to sell it, give it away, or have exhausted other troubleshooting steps.

The steps differ slightly between iPad and Android tablets, and between older and newer models. This guide covers the most common versions in use today.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset — turning the tablet off and back on — fixes most freezing and app crashes and should be your first step.
  • A hard reset forces the tablet to shut down when ready without saving, useful when the screen is frozen and the power button does not work.
  • A factory reset erases all data, photos, and apps, so back up your files first if you want to keep them.
  • iPad and Android tablets use different button combinations for hard resets, so check your model number before you start.

Soft reset: Power off and back on

A soft reset is the gentlest restart. It closes all running apps, clears temporary files, and gives the operating system a fresh start. Most tablet problems — lag, an app that crashes repeatedly, Wi-Fi dropping — resolve after a soft reset.

On an iPad: Press and hold the top button (or top and bottom buttons on older models) until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to the right. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears.

On an Android tablet: Press and hold the power button until a menu appears with options like "Power off" or "Restart". Tap "Power off", wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Some Android tablets have a "Restart" option in that menu — if yours does, tap it and skip the 30-second wait.

Hard reset: Force shutdown when the tablet is frozen

A hard reset forces the tablet to shut down when ready, even if the screen is frozen or unresponsive. Use this only when a soft reset does not work or when the tablet will not respond to button presses at all.

On an iPad (2018 or newer): Quickly press and release the volume-up button, quickly press and release the volume-down button, then press and hold the top button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds). Do not release when you see the power-off slider.

On an iPad (2017 or older): Press and hold both the top button and the home button at the same time until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds).

On an Android tablet: Press and hold the power button and the volume-down button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black. Release both buttons. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn it back on. If that does not work, try holding only the power button for 30 seconds without releasing.

Factory reset: Erase everything and start fresh

A factory reset erases all photos, videos, documents, apps, and settings and returns the tablet to the state it was in when it left the factory. Do this only if you are selling or giving away the tablet, or if you have tried soft and hard resets and the tablet still does not work. Back up your files before you start if there is anything you want to keep.

On an iPad: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted. The tablet will erase itself and restart, which takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this process.

On an Android tablet: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset). The exact path varies by manufacturer — Samsung tablets may say Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. Enter your PIN or password if prompted. The tablet will erase itself and restart. Do not turn off the tablet during this process.

What to do before a factory reset

If you have photos, documents, or other files you want to keep, move them to cloud storage or a computer before you erase the tablet. iPad users can back up to iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turning on the items you want to save. Android users can back up to Google Drive by going to Settings > System > Backup and turning on backup.

Write down any usernames and passwords you use on the tablet, because you will need them to sign back in after the reset. If you have apps you paid for, note which ones they are — you can reinstall them for free after the reset, but only if you remember their names.

When to restart versus when to seek repair

A soft reset fixes most problems. If the tablet still freezes, crashes, or runs slowly after a soft reset, try a hard reset. If a hard reset does not help, a factory reset is your last software option before repair.

If the tablet still does not work after a factory reset, the problem is likely hardware — a failing battery, a broken screen, or a damaged logic board. At that point, contact the tablet manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center. Do not attempt to open the tablet yourself, as this voids the warranty and can cause injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset delete my photos and apps?

No. A soft reset only turns the tablet off and back on. All your photos, apps, documents, and settings stay on the tablet. A factory reset is the only restart that erases data.

How long does a hard reset take?

A hard reset takes a few seconds to force the shutdown, then another 30 seconds to a minute for the tablet to restart and show the Apple or Android logo. The full boot-up to a usable screen takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on the model.

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

No. Once you confirm a factory reset, the tablet will erase itself. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it during the process, or you may damage the operating system. Let it finish, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

What if my tablet is still frozen after a hard reset?

Try plugging the tablet into power for 30 minutes, then attempt the hard reset again. If it still does not respond, the battery may be completely drained or the hardware may be damaged. Contact the manufacturer or visit a repair center.

Do I need to sign in again after a soft reset?

No. A soft reset does not change your sign-in information. After a hard reset, you may need to sign in again depending on your tablet model. After a factory reset, you will definitely need to sign in with your Apple ID or Google account.