Powering on your Samsung tablet for the first time
To turn on a Samsung tablet, locate the power button on the right edge or top of the device, depending on your model. Press and hold it for three to five seconds until you see the Samsung logo appear on the screen. The tablet will then boot up, which usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.
If your tablet has been off for a while or the battery is completely drained, it may take longer to start. You will see the Samsung logo first, then the lock screen. If the screen stays black after holding the power button, plug the tablet into a charger for at least 15 minutes before trying again.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is on the right edge or top of most Samsung tablets; hold it for three to five seconds to turn on the device.
- If your tablet does not respond, charge it for at least 15 minutes before attempting to power on again.
- After the Samsung logo appears, the tablet will display a lock screen where you can swipe up or enter a PIN or password.
- Once unlocked, you can access the home screen and begin using apps and settings.
Unlocking the screen after power-on
Once the tablet finishes starting up, you will see the lock screen. Swipe upward from the bottom of the screen to unlock it, or enter your PIN, password, or pattern if you set one up during initial setup. If you have not yet created a lock method, the tablet will unlock with a single swipe.
If you forget your PIN or password, you can use your Samsung account to unlock the device. Tap "Forgot password?" on the lock screen and follow the prompts to sign in with your Samsung account email and password. This will let you reset your lock method and regain access to the tablet.
What to do if the tablet won't turn on
If pressing the power button does not work, the battery may be completely empty. Connect the tablet to a charger using the USB-C cable that came in the box, or any compatible USB-C charger. Leave it plugged in for at least 20 to 30 minutes before trying to power on again. A low battery can prevent the tablet from responding to the power button.
If the tablet still does not turn on after charging, try a force restart. Hold down the power button and the volume down button together for 10 seconds, then release both. This forces the tablet to restart even if it appears frozen or unresponsive. If the Samsung logo appears, the restart is working.
Navigating the home screen
After unlocking your tablet, you will see the home screen with app icons, widgets, and a taskbar at the bottom. Tap any app icon to open it. Swipe left or right to move between home screen pages if you have multiple pages set up. The taskbar at the bottom shows your most-used apps and a menu button (usually three horizontal lines or dots) for accessing all installed apps.
To customize your home screen, long-press on an empty area and select "Edit home screen" or "Widgets" from the menu that appears. You can then add, remove, or rearrange app icons and widgets to suit your needs. Long-pressing an app icon also lets you uninstall it or view its details.
Accessing settings and system information
To open Settings, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to reveal the quick settings panel, then tap the gear icon. Alternatively, find the Settings app in your app drawer and tap it. Settings contains options for display brightness, sound, network connections, battery usage, and security features like fingerprint or face recognition.
In Settings, you can also check your tablet's storage space, installed apps, and software version. Go to "About tablet" to see the model number, Android version, and other system details. This information is useful if you need to troubleshoot problems or find out whether your tablet is up to date.
Using Samsung DeX mode on compatible tablets
Some Samsung tablets support Samsung DeX, a feature that lets you use your tablet like a desktop computer when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. To enable DeX, connect your tablet to an external display using a USB-C cable or wireless connection, then tap the notification that appears asking whether to launch DeX mode. The tablet will switch to a desktop-like interface with a taskbar and resizable windows.
DeX mode is available on Samsung Galaxy Tab S series tablets and some other premium models. Check your tablet's specifications or go to Settings > Advanced features to see if DeX is available on your device. If it is listed, you can turn it on or off from that menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the power button on my Samsung tablet?
The power button is usually on the right edge of the tablet when held in portrait mode, or on the top edge when held in landscape mode. On some older models, it may be on the back. If you cannot find it, check your tablet's user manual or search for your specific model number on Samsung's website.
My tablet is on but the screen is black. What should I do?
The screen may be locked or the brightness may be set to zero. Try swiping up from the bottom to unlock it. If that does not work, press the power button once to wake the screen. Then swipe down from the top twice and check the brightness slider in the quick settings panel — drag it to the right to increase brightness.
Can I turn on my tablet without using the power button?
If your tablet is plugged into a charger, some models will turn on automatically when they receive power. Otherwise, you will need to use the power button. There is no other way to start the tablet from a completely powered-off state.
How long does it take for a Samsung tablet to fully boot up?
Most Samsung tablets take 30 seconds to one minute to fully start up after you press the power button. If it takes longer than two minutes, the tablet may be frozen or have a software issue. Try a force restart by holding the power and volume down buttons together for 10 seconds.