The fastest way to reset your Samsung tablet when you don't have the password
If you've forgotten your Samsung tablet password or inherited a device you can't unlock, a factory reset will wipe the tablet and return it to its original state. The method depends on whether you can access the Settings menu, whether you have a Samsung account linked to the device, and which Android version the tablet runs. Most paths take 10 to 20 minutes and require either a computer, a second device, or access to Samsung's Find Mobile service.
The reset itself is permanent — all photos, files, apps, and accounts stored on the tablet will be erased. Before you proceed, remove the tablet from any Samsung account or Google account if you can, because some tablets will ask for account credentials after the reset to confirm you own the device. If you cannot remove the accounts beforehand, you'll need the email address and password for whichever account was linked to the tablet.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases everything on the tablet and returns it to factory settings, and is permanent.
- If you can reach the Settings menu, you can reset the tablet directly without a computer or second device.
- If the tablet is locked and you cannot access Settings, you can use Samsung Find Mobile (if the tablet is linked to a Samsung account) or recovery mode (which requires holding buttons during startup).
- After a factory reset, the tablet may ask for the Google account or Samsung account password that was linked to it before the reset.
- If you own the tablet but cannot remember any linked account passwords, contact Samsung Support with proof of purchase.
Reset through Settings if you can unlock the tablet
If you can unlock the tablet with a fingerprint, face recognition, or a PIN you remember, the simplest reset is through the Settings app. Open Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap General Management (or System on some models). Look for Reset or Reset Options, then select Factory Data Reset or Erase All Data.
The tablet will show a warning that all data will be erased. Confirm the reset, and the tablet will restart and begin wiping itself. This process takes 5 to 10 minutes. When it finishes, the tablet will boot to the setup screen as if it were brand new. You will not need the old password again.
Use Samsung Find Mobile if the tablet is linked to a Samsung account
If you have a Samsung account and linked the tablet to it before it was locked, you can reset the tablet remotely using Find Mobile. Go to findmobile.samsung.com on a computer or another device, sign in with your Samsung account, and select the tablet from the list of devices.
Click More and then Unlock or Factory Reset. The tablet does not need to be unlocked — the command will work even if the screen is locked. The reset will begin within a few minutes. The tablet will restart and return to the setup screen. This method works only if the tablet has an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and the Samsung account is still linked to it.
Reset using recovery mode if you cannot access Settings
If the tablet is locked and you do not have a Samsung account linked to it, you can force a reset using recovery mode. This method requires you to hold specific buttons while the tablet starts up. The button combination varies by model, but for most Samsung tablets it is Volume Up + Power or Volume Down + Power. Hold both buttons until the Samsung logo appears, then release them.
The tablet will boot into recovery mode, which shows a menu with options in white text. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe Data / Factory Reset and press the Power button to select it. The tablet will ask you to confirm — select Yes using the Volume buttons and Power button. The reset will take 5 to 15 minutes. When it finishes, select Reboot System Now to restart the tablet.
If you are unsure which buttons to hold for your specific model, search online for "[Your tablet model] recovery mode buttons" — the combination is different for Tab S, Tab A, Tab E, and other lines. If the tablet does not respond to button presses, try holding the buttons for longer (up to 30 seconds) before the logo appears.
What happens after the factory reset
Once the tablet restarts, it will show the initial setup screen, the same one you would see if the tablet were brand new. You will be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to a Google account. At this point, you can set up the tablet as a new device or restore from a backup if you have one.
If the tablet was linked to a Google account before the reset, it may ask you to sign in with that account's email and password before you can proceed. This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection. If you remember the Google account password, enter it and continue. If you do not, you will need to recover the Google account password or contact Google Support with proof that you own the account.
Similarly, if the tablet was linked to a Samsung account, it may ask for that account's password after the reset. If you do not have the password, use the Samsung account password recovery tool at account.samsung.com.
If you own the tablet but cannot access any linked accounts
If you are the owner of the tablet but cannot remember the password for any linked Google or Samsung account, contact Samsung Support directly. You will need to provide proof of purchase (a receipt, order confirmation, or credit card statement showing the tablet purchase). Samsung can verify ownership and may be able to help you regain access or reset the device remotely.
This process is slower than the methods above — it can take several business days — but it is the correct path if you have lost access to all account credentials. Do not attempt to sell or give away a tablet you cannot fully reset, because the new owner will be locked out by Factory Reset Protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the factory reset remove the password?
Yes. The factory reset erases all data, including the password, PIN, pattern, and fingerprint settings. After the reset, the tablet will have no password and will boot to the setup screen.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. All photos, files, messages, and apps stored on the tablet will be gone. If you have a backup stored in Google Drive or Samsung Cloud, you can restore from it after the reset, but only if you sign in with the account that created the backup.
What if the tablet is locked and I don't know the Samsung account password?
Use recovery mode to reset the tablet without needing the Samsung account password. After the reset, the tablet may ask for the Google account password if one was linked to it. If you do not have that password either, contact Samsung Support with proof of purchase.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much data is stored on the tablet. The tablet will restart automatically when it finishes. You should not turn off the tablet or remove the power during this time.
Do I need a computer to factory reset a Samsung tablet?
No. If you can access Settings or use recovery mode, you can reset the tablet without a computer. If you want to use Samsung Find Mobile, you will need a computer or second device to visit the website, but the reset command itself is sent to the tablet remotely.