The Three Ways to Restart a Samsung Tablet

A restart clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops all running programs, which often fixes freezing, slow performance, or apps that won't open. Samsung tablets support three restart methods: a soft restart (the safest, everyday choice), a forced restart (when the screen is frozen), and a factory reset (which erases everything and should only be used as a last resort).

The method you choose depends on whether your tablet is responding to touch. If it's working normally but sluggish, use the soft restart. If the screen is frozen or unresponsive, use the forced restart. A factory reset is only necessary if your tablet has serious software problems that survive multiple restarts.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft restart takes 30 seconds and is the standard way to refresh your tablet when it's running slowly or an app is misbehaving.
  • A forced restart works even when your screen is completely frozen and does not erase any of your files or settings.
  • The button combination for a forced restart varies by model—Samsung tablets use either the power and volume down buttons together, or the power and volume up buttons together, held for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • A factory reset erases all your data, photos, and installed apps, so only use it if your tablet has serious problems that a soft or forced restart did not fix.
  • Before a factory reset, back up your photos and important files to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or a computer.

Soft Restart: The Everyday Method

A soft restart is the safest and fastest way to refresh your tablet. It closes all running programs and clears temporary files without touching your photos, apps, or settings. Use this method when your tablet is sluggish, an app is frozen but the screen still responds, or you want a fresh start after a long day of use.

Press and hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet until a menu appears on the screen. This usually takes 3 to 5 seconds. Tap Restart or Power off (the exact wording depends on your model). If you tapped Power off, wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Your tablet will restart in 30 to 60 seconds.

Forced Restart: When Your Screen Is Frozen

A forced restart works even when your tablet is completely unresponsive and the power menu will not appear. It does not erase any files or settings—it straightforward forces the tablet to shut down and restart. Use this method only when the screen is frozen and tapping does nothing.

The button combination varies by Samsung model. For most recent Samsung tablets, press and hold the power button and volume down button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, then the tablet will restart. For older models, the combination may be power and volume up instead. If you are unsure which buttons to use, check the model number on the back of your tablet and search "Samsung [model number] forced restart" to confirm the correct combination.

Do not release the buttons when you see the logo—keep holding until the tablet vibrates or the screen goes black. This confirms the restart has begun. The entire process takes 1 to 2 minutes from start to finish.

Factory Reset: Erasing Everything and Starting Over

A factory reset returns your tablet to the state it was in when it left the factory. It erases all your files, photos, installed apps, and settings. Only use this method if your tablet has serious software problems—such as constant crashing, severe slowness, or malware—that survive multiple soft and forced restarts.

Before you factory reset, back up your important files. Connect your tablet to Wi-Fi, open the Settings app, and go to Accounts and backup (or Cloud and accounts, depending on your model). Tap Google or Samsung account and make sure Backup is turned on. This will save your contacts, calendar, and some app data to the cloud. For photos and videos, open Google Photos, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, and turn on Backup and sync.

Once your files are backed up, open Settings, scroll to General management (or System), and tap Reset. Choose Factory data reset or Erase all data. The tablet will ask you to confirm. Tap Reset again. Your tablet will restart and erase everything—this takes 5 to 10 minutes. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen as if the tablet were brand new. Sign in with your Google account to restore your backed-up contacts and apps.

What to Do If Your Tablet Still Will Not Restart

If your tablet will not respond to a soft restart, forced restart, or factory reset, the battery may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger and leave it connected for at least 30 minutes, then try a soft restart. If the screen remains black, try a forced restart while it is plugged in.

If the tablet still does not respond after charging and multiple restart attempts, the hardware may be damaged. Contact Samsung support through their website or visit an authorized repair center. Bring your tablet and proof of purchase if you have it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not hold the power button for more than 30 seconds during a soft restart—this can trigger a forced restart instead. If you are trying a forced restart, make sure you are holding the correct button combination for your model; holding the wrong buttons will not work.

Do not factory reset unless you have backed up your files first. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. Also, do not unplug your tablet during a factory reset—let it finish completely, even if it takes 10 minutes. Interrupting the process can leave your tablet in an unusable state.

If an app keeps crashing after a restart, do not when ready factory reset. Instead, uninstall the app, restart your tablet again, and reinstall it from the Google Play Store. This fixes most app problems without erasing your entire tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting my tablet delete my photos or files?

No. A soft restart and a forced restart do not erase anything. Only a factory reset erases files, and you have to choose that option deliberately. If you are worried about losing data, back up your photos to Google Photos or Samsung Cloud before any restart.

How often should I restart my tablet?

Restart your tablet once a week or whenever it starts running slowly. A weekly soft restart keeps your tablet running smoothly and prevents memory buildup. You do not need to restart every day unless you notice performance problems.

What is the difference between a soft restart and a forced restart?

A soft restart uses the power menu and lets your tablet shut down gracefully. A forced restart bypasses the menu and forces the tablet off when ready. Use a soft restart for everyday slowness; use a forced restart only when the screen is frozen and the menu will not appear.

Can I restart my tablet while it is charging?

Yes. Restarting while plugged in is actually a good idea if your battery is low. The tablet will restart and continue charging at the same time. Just make sure the charger stays connected throughout the restart.

My tablet is stuck on the Samsung logo after a forced restart. What do I do?

Wait 5 minutes—sometimes the tablet takes longer to restart than expected. If the logo is still there after 5 minutes, try another forced restart. If it remains stuck after two attempts, your tablet may have a hardware problem and you should contact Samsung support.