Start with the simplest fixes first
Most tablet problems go away after a restart, a charge, or clearing out storage space. Before you assume the hardware is broken, try these three things in order: restart the device, plug it in for at least 30 minutes, and delete apps or files you are not using. Many tablets slow down or freeze when the storage is nearly full, and many will not charge properly if the battery has been completely drained for weeks.
If the tablet still does not work after those steps, the next move depends on what is actually happening — whether the screen is black, the device is hot, apps are crashing, or the battery drains in minutes. Each problem has a different cause and a different fix.
Key Takeaways
- Restart the tablet, charge it fully, and delete unused apps or files before assuming anything is broken.
- A black screen usually means a drained battery or a software crash that a force restart can fix.
- Overheating happens when too many apps run at once or the charging port is blocked by dust — close apps first, then check the port with a flashlight.
- Apps that crash repeatedly often need to be uninstalled and reinstalled, or your tablet needs a factory reset if the problem spreads to multiple apps.
- Battery drain in minutes usually means a background app is running constantly — check Settings to see which apps use the most power.
Black screen or tablet will not turn on
If your tablet shows no sign of life, the battery is almost certainly dead. Plug it into the charger that came with it and wait 30 minutes before trying to turn it on. If you have been using a different charger, switch back to the original one — tablets are picky about power input, and a charger that works for a phone may not deliver enough power to a tablet.
If the tablet still will not turn on after a full charge, try a force restart. The button combination depends on your tablet model. For most iPads, hold the top button and one volume button together for 10 seconds until you see the power-off slider, then slide it. For most Android tablets, hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds — the screen may flash or show a logo before the device restarts. If you are not sure which buttons to hold, search "[your tablet model] force restart" to find the exact steps.
If a force restart does not work and the tablet is fully charged, the battery or charging circuit may be damaged. This is a hardware problem that usually requires a repair shop or replacement.
Tablet is hot to the touch
A warm tablet during heavy use is normal. A tablet that is too hot to hold for more than a few seconds is not. Overheating usually comes from too many apps running at once, a blocked charging port, or a battery that is failing.
First, close all open apps. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen on iPad, or tap the recent apps button on Android, then close each app by swiping it away. Then restart the tablet. If it is still hot after a restart with no apps open, the problem is likely hardware.
Before you assume the hardware is broken, check the charging port. Use a flashlight to look inside the port at the bottom of the tablet. If you see lint, dust, or debris, use a wooden toothpick or a plastic dental pick to gently scrape it out. Do not use metal, which can damage the port. Blow out any loose dust with your mouth or a can of compressed air. A blocked port forces the charger to work harder and can cause the tablet to overheat even when it is not plugged in.
Apps crash or freeze repeatedly
If one app keeps crashing, uninstall it and reinstall it from the app store. On iPad, press and hold the app icon, tap "Remove App," then "Delete App." On Android, press and hold the app icon, tap "Uninstall," then "OK." Then open the app store, search for the app by name, and install it again. This usually fixes crashes caused by corrupted files or outdated code.
If multiple apps are crashing or the whole tablet is freezing, the problem is usually the operating system, not the apps. Restart the tablet first. If crashes continue, go to Settings, find Storage or Device Storage, and delete files or apps you do not use. A tablet that is more than 90 percent full often freezes because the operating system cannot write temporary files to disk.
If the tablet still crashes after you have freed up space and restarted, you may need a factory reset. This erases everything on the device and reinstalls the operating system from scratch. Before you do this, back up your photos, documents, and any files you want to keep. On iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Battery drains in minutes or will not hold a charge
A battery that drains from full to dead in an hour or two usually means an app is running constantly in the background. Check which apps are using power by going to Settings > Battery or Settings > Device Care > Battery. Look for any app that shows more than 10 to 15 percent battery use when you are not actively using it. If you see one, uninstall it or check the app's settings to turn off background activity.
If no single app stands out, restart the tablet and watch the battery for a few hours without opening anything. If it still drains fast, the battery itself may be worn out. Tablet batteries degrade over time, especially if the device is old or has been charged hundreds of times. A worn battery may need to be replaced by a repair shop.
If the tablet will not charge at all, the problem is usually the charging port or the charger itself. Try a different charger if you have one. If the tablet charges with a different charger, your original charger is broken and needs to be replaced. If it does not charge with any charger, the port or the battery is damaged and requires a repair shop.
Tablet is slow or lags when you use it
A slow tablet usually has too much stored on it or too many apps running at once. Start by restarting the device. Then go to Settings > Storage or Settings > Device Storage and look at what is taking up space. Photos, videos, and downloaded files often use the most room. Delete anything you do not need, or move photos and videos to a cloud service like Google Photos or iCloud.
Next, close apps you are not using. On iPad, swipe up from the bottom to see open apps and swipe each one away. On Android, tap the recent apps button and close each app. If you have a lot of apps installed, uninstall the ones you never use — each app running in the background uses memory and slows the whole device down.
If the tablet is still slow after you have cleared space and closed apps, check for a system update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPad, or Settings > System > System Update on Android. Install any update that is available. Updates often fix performance problems and security issues.
Screen is cracked, scratched, or not responding to touch
A cracked screen is a hardware problem that cannot be fixed with software. If the screen is cracked but the tablet still works, you can continue using it, but the crack will spread over time. A replacement screen usually costs between $100 and $300 depending on the tablet model and whether you go to an official repair shop or a third-party repair service.
If the screen is not responding to touch but is not cracked, restart the tablet first. If that does not work, the touch sensor may be damaged or the screen may need to be recalibrated. Some tablets have a touch calibration tool in Settings — search "[your tablet model] touch calibration" to see if yours does. If calibration does not help, the screen hardware is likely damaged and needs professional repair.
Light scratches on the screen do not affect how the tablet works and do not need to be fixed. If scratches bother you, a screen protector can hide them and prevent new ones.
Tablet will not connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
If your tablet will not connect to Wi-Fi, restart both the tablet and your router. Unplug the router for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart — you will see lights stop blinking and stabilize. Then restart the tablet. If the tablet still will not connect, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, forget the network (tap the network name and select "Forget"), and reconnect by entering the password again.
If the tablet connects to Wi-Fi but the internet is slow, move closer to the router. Walls, metal, and distance weaken the signal. If you are far from the router, the signal may be too weak to load web pages or stream video, even though the tablet shows it is connected.
For Bluetooth problems, restart the tablet and the device you are trying to connect to — a speaker, headphones, or keyboard. Then go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth off and back on, and try pairing again. If the devices still will not connect, forget the pairing by tapping the device name and selecting "Forget," then pair them again from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my tablet battery is dead or if something else is wrong?
Plug it into the charger for at least 30 minutes. If it turns on or shows a charging symbol, the battery was dead. If nothing happens after a full charge, try a force restart by holding the power button and volume button together for 10 to 30 seconds. If the screen still does not light up, the battery or charging circuit is likely damaged.
Can I fix a tablet that will not turn on without taking it to a repair shop?
Yes, if the battery is drained. Charge it fully and try a force restart. If it still will not turn on, the hardware is damaged and a repair shop is your only option. Do not try to open the tablet yourself — you will void the warranty and risk breaking something else.
What should I do before a factory reset?
Back up everything you want to keep. On iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turn on iCloud Backup, or connect to a computer and use Finder. On Android, go to Settings > Accounts and make sure your Google account is synced, or use Google One to back up photos and files. A factory reset erases everything, so make sure your important files are saved first.
Is it worth fixing an old tablet or should I buy a new one?
If the tablet is more than five years old and the repair costs more than half the price of a new one, a new tablet usually makes more sense. If the tablet is newer and the repair is under $150, fixing it is often cheaper. Check the cost of a replacement screen or battery before you decide.
Why does my tablet get hot when I charge it?
Tablets get warm during charging, especially if you are using them while plugged in. If it is too hot to hold, unplug it and let it cool down. A blocked charging port or a failing battery can cause excessive heat — check the port for dust and consider a battery replacement if the problem continues.