What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung tablet — all apps you installed, photos, documents, accounts, and settings — and returns it to the state it left the factory. After the reset completes, you'll see the initial setup screen, as if the tablet were brand new.

You might need a factory reset if the tablet is running slowly, an app keeps crashing, you're selling or giving it away, or you've forgotten your PIN or password. A reset is also the fix when your tablet won't start properly or gets stuck in a boot loop.

Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, contacts — to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or your computer first.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset wipes your tablet completely and returns it to factory settings, erasing all apps, files, and accounts.
  • You can reset through Settings on most Samsung tablets, or use hardware buttons if the tablet won't turn on or respond.
  • Back up your photos, documents, and other files before you start, because the reset cannot be reversed.
  • After the reset finishes, you'll need to sign in with a Samsung or Google account and set up the tablet again from scratch.
  • If you're selling the tablet, a factory reset removes your personal data, but you should also remove your Samsung account before handing it over.

Reset through Settings (the standard method)

This is the easiest path if your tablet turns on and responds normally. Open Settings, then tap General management (on some models it may be labeled System or About tablet). Scroll down and select Reset or Reset options.

Tap Factory data reset or Erase all data. The tablet will show you a warning listing what will be deleted. Read it, then tap the button to confirm — usually labeled Reset or Delete all. The tablet will restart and begin erasing data. This can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much is stored on it.

When the process finishes, you'll see the setup screen. You can now sign in with your Google account or Samsung account, or set up the tablet without an account if you prefer.

Reset using hardware buttons (if the tablet won't start)

If your tablet won't turn on, won't respond to touch, or is stuck on a boot screen, use the hardware button method. First, power off the tablet completely. If it won't respond to the power button, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until it shuts down.

Once it's off, hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Keep holding both until the Samsung logo appears — usually 5 to 10 seconds. You'll see a menu with options. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power button to select it. Confirm the action when prompted. The reset will begin and take several minutes.

The exact button combination varies slightly by model. If Volume Up and Power doesn't work, try Volume Down and Power instead. Your tablet's manual or Samsung's support site for your specific model will confirm the correct combination.

Removing your Samsung account before giving away the tablet

If you're selling or giving away your tablet, a factory reset alone is not enough. You also need to remove your Samsung account, or the new owner may not be able to set up the tablet without your password.

Before you reset, go to Settings > Accounts (or Accounts and backup) and select your Samsung account. Tap Remove account and confirm. Do the same for any Google accounts linked to the tablet. Then perform the factory reset as described above.

After the reset, the tablet will ask for a Samsung or Google account during setup. The new owner can use their own account instead of yours.

What to do if the reset gets stuck or fails

Occasionally a reset will hang on a loading screen or restart loop. If this happens, wait at least 30 minutes — some tablets take longer than expected. If it's still stuck after that, try a hard reset: hold the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on normally.

If the tablet still won't complete the reset, try the hardware button method instead. If that also fails, the tablet may have a hardware problem or corrupted system files that a standard reset cannot fix. At that point, contact Samsung support or visit a repair center. Provide them with your tablet model number (found in Settings > About tablet) so they can advise you on the next step.

Setting up your tablet after the reset

Once the reset finishes and you see the setup screen, you'll be guided through a series of steps. You can sign in with a Google account, a Samsung account, or skip both and set up without an account. Most people sign in with Google because it restores contacts, email, and some app settings automatically.

You'll also choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and set a new PIN or password if you want one. After setup completes, your tablet is ready to use. You can reinstall apps from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store, and restore backed-up files from Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.

Backing up before you reset

To back up your files, open Settings > Accounts and backup (or Samsung Cloud) and tap Back up data. Select what you want to save — photos, documents, app data, settings — and tap Back up. This sends your data to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, depending on which account you use.

You can also connect your tablet to a computer via USB cable and copy files manually to a folder on your computer. After the reset, you can restore from Samsung Cloud or Google Drive by signing in during setup, or copy files back from your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my Google account permanently?

No. A factory reset removes the account from the tablet, but the account itself still exists. When you set up the tablet again, you can sign in with the same Google account and your contacts, email, and backed-up app data will return. If you want to prevent someone else from using your account, remove it from the tablet before the reset.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. If your tablet is very full or very old, it may take up to 30 minutes. The tablet will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it while the reset is running.

Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?

No. Once you confirm the reset, it begins when ready and cannot be stopped. This is why backing up first is so important. If you change your mind before you tap the final confirmation button, press the back button or power off the tablet.

What if I forgot my PIN and can't get into Settings?

Use the hardware button method to reset. Power off the tablet, then hold Volume Up and Power together until the menu appears. Select Wipe data/factory reset and confirm. This will erase the PIN and return the tablet to factory state.

Do I need to remove my Google account before selling the tablet?

Yes. If you don't remove your Google account before the reset, the new owner will see a screen asking for your Google password when they set up the tablet. Remove it from Settings > Accounts before you reset, so they can use their own account instead.