Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up
The power button on most tablets is located on the edge of the device — usually the right side, top edge, or back corner, depending on the brand and model. Press and hold this button firmly for three to five seconds. You will see the manufacturer's logo appear on the screen, followed by a startup animation.
Do not release the button as soon as you see the logo. Keep holding until you see the lock screen or a welcome message. If the tablet vibrates or makes a sound, that is a sign the startup is in progress. The entire process typically takes 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on whether the tablet is brand new or has been off for a while.
If nothing happens after holding the button for ten seconds, the battery may be empty. Plug the tablet into a charger using the cable that came with it, wait five minutes, and try again.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is on the edge or back of the tablet and must be held down for three to five seconds to turn the device on.
- You will see the manufacturer logo and startup animation before reaching the lock screen or welcome screen.
- If the tablet does not respond, the battery is likely empty — plug it in and wait before trying again.
- Once the tablet finishes starting up, you may need to unlock it by swiping, entering a PIN, or using your fingerprint, depending on your settings.
- The first time you turn on a new tablet, you will be guided through setup steps like connecting to Wi-Fi and signing into an account.
What to do if the screen stays black
A black screen after pressing the power button usually means the battery is completely drained. Plug the tablet into a power outlet using the original charger or a compatible USB-C or Lightning cable. Some tablets take several minutes to show any sign of life, so wait at least five minutes before trying the power button again.
If the tablet still does not respond after charging for 15 minutes, try a force restart. The method varies by brand: on iPads, you typically press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears. On Android tablets, hold the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds. Check your tablet's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact steps for your model.
Unlocking the tablet after startup
Once the tablet finishes starting up, you will see a lock screen with the date and time. To unlock it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, or swipe from left to right — the exact gesture depends on your tablet's operating system and settings. Some tablets ask you to enter a PIN, pattern, or password. Others use facial recognition or a fingerprint sensor on the back or side of the device.
If you do not remember your PIN or password, you may be able to unlock the tablet using your Google account (on Android) or Apple ID (on iPad). Follow the on-screen prompts. If you are locked out completely, you will need to contact the manufacturer's support or visit a service center with proof of ownership.
Setting up a new tablet for the first time
The first time you turn on a new tablet, you will be guided through a setup process. This usually includes selecting your language, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, and signing into an account — either a Google account for Android tablets or an Apple ID for iPads. Have your Wi-Fi password ready before you start.
The setup wizard will ask whether you want to restore from a backup (if you have used a tablet before) or set up as a new device. If this is your first tablet, choose "set up as new." You may also be asked to set a lock method — a PIN, password, or biometric option — to find your device. You can skip this step and add it later, but it is recommended for security.
Restarting a tablet that is already on
If your tablet is already on but frozen or running slowly, you can restart it without fully powering it down. Press and hold the power button until a menu appears with options like "Power off" or "Restart." Tap the restart option if available. If only "Power off" appears, tap that, wait ten seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
A restart clears the tablet's temporary memory and often fixes minor software glitches. This is different from a force restart, which you use only when the tablet is completely unresponsive.
Charging your tablet before first use
New tablets often come with a partial charge. Before turning on a brand-new tablet for the first time, it is a good idea to plug it in for at least 30 minutes. This ensures the battery has enough power to complete the initial setup without shutting down midway through.
Use the charger that came in the box with your tablet. If you have lost it, check the tablet's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the correct voltage and connector type. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery or the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a tablet to turn on?
A typical startup takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Brand-new tablets or those that have been off for a long time may take closer to two minutes. If it takes longer than three minutes, the tablet may be frozen or have a hardware problem.
What if I press the power button and nothing happens?
The battery is almost certainly empty. Plug the tablet into a charger and wait at least five minutes before trying again. If it still does not respond after 15 minutes of charging, try a force restart using your tablet's specific button combination.
Can I turn on a tablet without a charger?
Only if the battery has some charge left. If the battery is completely empty, you must charge it first. Even a few minutes of charging may give you enough power to turn it on.
Do I need Wi-Fi to turn on a tablet for the first time?
You will need Wi-Fi to complete the initial setup on most tablets. However, you can turn the tablet on without Wi-Fi — the setup wizard will straightforward pause at the network connection step until you connect.
Is it normal for a new tablet to be warm when I first turn it on?
Slight warmth is normal during startup and initial setup, especially if the tablet is indexing files or downloading updates. If it becomes too hot to hold comfortably, turn it off and let it cool down before trying again.