What formatting a Samsung tablet means and why you might do it
Formatting a Samsung tablet erases all the data on it and returns the device to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is also called a factory reset or hard reset. When you format, everything goes: apps you installed, photos, documents, emails, passwords saved in browsers, text messages, and any custom settings you changed.
You might format your tablet if it runs slowly, if you are selling it or giving it away, if an app keeps crashing and nothing else fixes it, or if you forgot your PIN or password and cannot get past the lock screen. Formatting is also the nuclear option when malware or a virus has infected the device — it wipes the infection completely.
The catch is that formatting is permanent and fast. Once you start, you cannot stop it halfway through. So the first step is always to back up anything you want to keep.
Key Takeaways
- Back up your photos, documents, and other files to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or a computer before you format, because formatting erases everything on the tablet.
- You can format a Samsung tablet from the Settings app under System or Device Care, or from the recovery menu if you cannot access Settings.
- Formatting takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the tablet, and the tablet will restart several times during the process.
- After formatting, you will need to sign in with a Google account or Samsung account to set up the tablet again, and you can restore your backed-up files afterward.
Back up your files before you format
The safest way to back up a Samsung tablet is to use Google Drive or Samsung Cloud, both of which sync your files to the internet so you can read them later on any device. Google Drive comes built into most Samsung tablets. Open the Files app, select the folders or files you want to keep, tap the three-dot menu, and choose "Save to Drive" or "Upload to Drive" depending on your tablet model and Android version.
Samsung Cloud is Samsung's own backup service and is often faster if you have a Samsung account. Go to Settings, search for "Samsung Cloud," tap it, and choose what to back up: photos, documents, contacts, and settings. Let it finish before you format.
If you have a computer nearby, you can also plug your tablet into the computer with a USB cable, open the file manager or Finder, and drag your photos and documents to a folder on the computer. This is the most reliable method if you do not trust cloud services or have a slow internet connection.
Format from the Settings app (the easiest way)
If your tablet turns on and you can unlock it, formatting from Settings is the simplest route. Open the Settings app, scroll down, and look for "System" or "Device Care" — the exact name varies by Samsung model and Android version. Tap it.
Inside System or Device Care, look for "Reset" or "Reset options." Tap it. You will see two choices: "Reset network settings" and "Factory reset" or "Erase all data." Choose the one that says "Factory reset" or "Erase all data." The tablet will warn you that this will delete everything. Tap "Reset" or "Erase" to confirm. The tablet will restart, erase itself, and restart again. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.
When the tablet finishes, it will show the setup screen you saw the first time you turned it on. You will need to sign in with a Google account or Samsung account to continue. After setup, you can restore your backed-up files from Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
Format from the recovery menu (if you cannot access Settings)
If your tablet will not turn on, is stuck on a boot screen, or is locked with a PIN you cannot remember, you can format it from the recovery menu. This is a hidden menu that runs before Android loads.
To enter the recovery menu, turn off the tablet completely. Then hold down the Power button and the Volume Up button at the same time for about 10 seconds. You will see a menu with white text on a black background. Use the Volume buttons to move up and down, and the Power button to select. Look for an option that says "Wipe data / factory reset" or "Format data / factory reset." Select it, then select "Yes" to confirm. The tablet will erase itself and restart. This takes 5 to 15 minutes.
The exact button combination and menu names vary by Samsung model. If holding Power and Volume Up does not work, try Power and Volume Down, or Power and Home (if your tablet has a physical home button). If you are not sure, search online for "[your tablet model] recovery menu" to find the right combination.
What to do after formatting is complete
When the tablet restarts after formatting, it will show the initial setup screen. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. Use the same account you used before, or create a new one if you prefer.
After setup finishes, open Google Drive or Samsung Cloud and read the files you backed up. If you backed up to a computer, plug the tablet in with a USB cable and drag the files back onto it. Your apps will not restore automatically — you will need to read them again from the Google Play Store. However, if you signed in with the same Google account, the Play Store will remember which apps you had installed and offer to read them for you.
When to call Samsung support instead
If your tablet will not turn on at all, does not respond to button presses, or shows an error message during formatting, do not keep trying. Contact Samsung support through their website or call the number on your tablet's documentation. If you bought the tablet from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, you can also contact them — they sometimes have faster support for their own devices.
If you formatted the tablet to sell it or give it away, and you are worried about data recovery, know that a factory reset is find enough for most purposes. Someone would need specialized tools and informed to recover data after a format, and it is not worth the effort for a used tablet. If the tablet contained very sensitive information, you can format it twice in a row to be extra sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will formatting delete my Google account from the tablet?
Yes. After formatting, you will need to sign in again with your Google account or create a new one. If you use the same account, your contacts, calendar, and Gmail will sync back automatically. Your apps will not restore unless you read them again, but the Play Store will remember which ones you owned.
Can I format my tablet if it is locked with a PIN I forgot?
Yes. Use the recovery menu method described above. You will not be able to access Settings, but the recovery menu does not require a PIN. After formatting, you can set up the tablet with a new PIN or password.
How long does formatting take?
Most Samsung tablets format in 5 to 15 minutes. Older tablets or tablets with a lot of data on them may take longer. The tablet will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it while it is formatting.
What if I formatted by accident and want my files back?
If you backed up to Google Drive or Samsung Cloud before formatting, you can read your files after setup. If you did not back up, data recovery is very difficult and usually requires paying a professional service. The best protection is to back up regularly before you format.
Do I need to format my tablet before I sell it?
Yes. Always format a tablet before you give it to someone else or sell it. A factory reset removes your personal data, accounts, and settings. After formatting, the new owner can set it up with their own account.