What a factory reset does and when to use it
A factory reset wipes your Samsung tablet back to the state it left the factory — all your apps, photos, messages, and settings disappear. The operating system stays, but everything you added or changed is gone. You should do this if the tablet is running slowly, freezing often, or you plan to sell it or give it away. A factory reset is also the fix when an app keeps crashing and nothing else works.
Before you start, understand that this cannot be undone. Any photo, document, or app you want to keep must be backed up first. If you forget your Google account password, you will need it after the reset to use the tablet again — Samsung tablets require you to sign back in with the same account that was on the device.
Key Takeaways
- Back up your photos, documents, and any files you want to keep before starting, because a factory reset deletes everything on the tablet.
- You can factory reset through Settings on most Samsung tablets, or by holding Power and Volume Down together if the tablet will not turn on normally.
- After the reset finishes, you will need to sign in with your Google account — use the same one that was on the tablet before.
- The reset takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much was on the tablet, and the device will restart several times during the process.
How to back up your files before resetting
The fastest way to back up is through Google. Open Settings, tap Accounts, select your Google account, then tap Account sync. Turn on the toggle for Photos, Documents, and any other categories you use. Google will back up your photos to Google Photos, documents to Google Drive, and contacts to Google Contacts. This happens in the background over the next few hours if you are on Wi-Fi.
If you have files stored only on the tablet itself, connect it to a computer with a USB cable. On Windows, the tablet shows up as a drive in File Explorer. On Mac, use Android File Transfer (a free app from Google). Drag your folders to your computer before you reset.
For apps you paid for, you do not need to back them up — Google remembers which ones you bought, and you can read them again after the reset using the same Google account.
Factory reset through Settings (the standard method)
This method works if your tablet turns on and you can reach the home screen. Open Settings and scroll down to find General management or About device — the exact name varies by Samsung model and Android version. Tap Reset or Reset options.
Look for Factory data reset or Erase all data. Tap it. The tablet will ask you to confirm and may ask for your PIN or pattern lock. Enter it if prompted. Then tap Reset or Erase everything. The tablet will restart and show a progress bar. Do not turn it off during this time — let it finish completely, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
When the reset finishes, the tablet restarts and shows the setup screen, the same one you saw when it was brand new. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account. Use the same account that was on the tablet before the reset — if you use a different account, you may not be able to access your backed-up files.
Factory reset using hardware buttons (if the tablet won't start)
If your tablet is frozen, stuck in a loop, or will not turn on, you can force a factory reset using the power and volume buttons. First, turn off the tablet completely. If it is already off, skip this step.
Hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for about 10 seconds. Keep holding even after the Samsung logo appears. You will see a menu with options like Reboot, Wipe data, or Recovery mode — the exact wording depends on your model. Use the Volume Down button to move the highlight to Wipe data or Factory reset, then press Power to select it.
The tablet will ask you to confirm. Use Volume Down to highlight Yes, then press Power. The reset will start and take several minutes. When it finishes, the tablet restarts to the setup screen. Do not interrupt this process — let it complete fully even if it seems stuck.
What to do after the reset is complete
When the tablet finishes resetting, it shows the Welcome screen. Tap the language you want, then continue through the setup steps. When you reach the Google sign-in screen, enter the email address and password for the Google account that was on the tablet before. This is important — using a different account may lock you out of your backed-up files.
After you sign in, the tablet will read your backed-up apps, photos, and settings. This can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much you backed up and how fast your Wi-Fi is. Let it finish before you unplug the tablet or turn off Wi-Fi.
Once the read is done, your apps and files will be back on the tablet. Any app that needs an account — like email, social media, or banking apps — will ask you to sign in again. You will need the passwords for those accounts.
Common mistakes that cause problems
The biggest mistake is forgetting your Google account password. If you do not remember it, you cannot sign back in after the reset, and the tablet will be locked. If this happens, go to the Google Account Recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password before you factory reset the tablet.
Another common problem is trying to use a different Google account after the reset. If the tablet was originally set up with account A, and you sign in with account B after the reset, you will not see the photos and files you backed up with account A. Always use the same account.
Do not unplug the tablet or turn off Wi-Fi while the reset is running or while apps are downloading afterward. If the power cuts out during the reset, the tablet may not start up properly. If it happens during the read, you will have to sign in again and wait for the read to restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Google account from the tablet?
No. After the reset, the tablet asks you to sign in with a Google account. If you sign in with the same account that was on the tablet before, you will have access to your backed-up files and apps. The account itself is not deleted — you are just signing in again.
What if I do not remember my Google password?
Go to the Google Account Recovery page on a computer before you reset the tablet. Answer the security questions or use a recovery email or phone number to reset your password. Write down the new password before you start the factory reset so you have it ready when the tablet asks you to sign in.
Can I stop a factory reset once it has started?
No. Once the reset begins, you cannot stop it without risking damage to the tablet. Let it finish completely, even if it takes longer than expected. Do not turn off the power or remove the battery.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. After that, downloading your backed-up apps and files can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much you backed up and your Wi-Fi speed. The whole process from start to finish is usually done within two hours.
Will I lose my photos if I factory reset?
Only if you do not back them up first. If you turned on Google Photos sync before the reset, your photos are safe in Google Photos and will read back to the tablet after you sign in. If you did not back them up, they will be gone permanently.