Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears
The power button on a Samsung tablet is usually on the right edge or top edge, depending on the model. Press and hold it for about three to five seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, followed by the startup animation.
If nothing happens after ten seconds of holding the button, your tablet may have a completely drained battery. Plug it into a charger using the USB-C or micro-USB cable that came with it, wait a few minutes, and try again.
Some older Samsung models require you to hold the power button and volume-up button at the same time to turn on. If the standard power button alone does not work, try holding both buttons together for five seconds.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is located on the right or top edge of your Samsung tablet and requires a three to five second press to turn on the device.
- The Samsung logo will appear on screen when the tablet is starting up, followed by the home screen after a few seconds.
- If your tablet does not respond, the battery may be empty — plug it in and wait a few minutes before trying again.
- Some older Samsung models require holding the power button and volume-up button together to power on.
What to do if the screen stays black
A black screen usually means the battery is completely empty. Connect your tablet to a power outlet using the original charger or any compatible USB-C charger. Leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 20 minutes before pressing the power button again.
While charging, you may see a battery icon or a charging animation appear on the screen. This is normal and means the tablet is receiving power. Once the battery has some charge, the startup sequence should begin.
Locating the power button on different Samsung models
On most recent Samsung Galaxy Tab models, the power button is on the right edge when you hold the tablet in portrait mode (taller than it is wide). On some older models or certain Tab S versions, it may be on the top edge instead.
If you are unsure which button is the power button, look for a small raised button that is slightly different in texture or color from the volume buttons next to it. The volume buttons are usually two separate buttons stacked vertically, while the power button stands alone.
Your tablet is on — what comes next
After the Samsung logo disappears, your tablet will show the lock screen. You may see a date, time, and notifications. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the power button once to wake the display if it goes dark.
If this is your first time turning on the tablet, you will be guided through setup steps. You will need to connect to a Wi-Fi network and sign in with a Samsung account or Google account. If you have already set up the tablet before, it will go straight to your home screen.
Troubleshooting when the power button does not work
If you have held the power button for ten seconds and nothing happens, the button itself may be stuck or broken. Try pressing it several times in quick succession, or press it while gently tapping the area around the button to see if it is jammed.
If the button still does not respond and your tablet has a charged battery, the power button may need repair. Contact Samsung support or visit a repair center. In the meantime, you can sometimes wake a tablet by plugging it into a charger — some models automatically turn on when power is connected.
Charging your tablet before first use
If your Samsung tablet is brand new, it may have very little battery charge. Plug it into a power outlet for 30 minutes to an hour before attempting to turn it on for the first time. This ensures the battery has enough power to complete the startup process.
Use the USB-C cable and power adapter that came in the box. Third-party chargers may work, but the original charger is designed specifically for your tablet and charges most safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Samsung tablet to turn on?
From the moment you press the power button until you see the home screen, startup usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. The Samsung logo appears first, followed by the lock screen, and then your home screen. If it takes longer than three minutes, the tablet may be frozen or have a software issue.
Will my tablet turn on if the battery is completely dead?
No. A completely drained battery will not power on the tablet. Plug it into a charger and wait 15 to 20 minutes for enough charge to accumulate. You may see a battery icon appear on the screen while charging, which means power is getting through.
What if my tablet turns on but gets stuck on the Samsung logo?
This usually means the startup process is taking longer than normal, often because of a software update or a large amount of data being processed. Wait up to five minutes. If the logo screen does not change after five minutes, hold the power button for ten seconds to force the tablet off, then turn it back on.
Can I turn on my Samsung tablet without the power button?
On most models, no — the power button is the only way to turn on a completely powered-off tablet. However, if your tablet is in sleep mode (screen off but device still on), you can wake it by pressing the power button once, swiping the screen, or plugging in a charger.
Is it bad to hold the power button for longer than five seconds?
No. Holding the power button longer than needed will not damage your tablet. If you hold it for 10 to 15 seconds, the tablet will straightforward turn on normally. The only risk is if you hold it for 30 seconds or more while the tablet is already on — that forces a hard shutdown, which should be avoided.