The two ways to restart your Samsung Galaxy tablet
A reboot clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops all running apps, which fixes most freezing, lag, and app crashes without erasing your files or settings. Samsung Galaxy tablets have two restart methods: a soft reboot (the normal restart) and a hard reboot (a forced restart when the tablet won't respond).
For most problems, a soft reboot is all you need. A hard reboot is only necessary when your tablet is completely frozen or unresponsive to touch.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reboot shuts down and restarts your tablet normally, which fixes most performance problems and takes about one minute.
- Hold the power button until the power menu appears, then tap "Restart" or "Reboot" — the exact wording depends on your Android version.
- A hard reboot forces the tablet to shut down when ready by holding the power and volume down buttons together for 10 to 15 seconds, even if the screen is frozen.
- After any reboot, wait 30 seconds before using the tablet so all background processes can fully load.
How to do a soft reboot (normal restart)
A soft reboot is the standard way to restart your tablet. Press and hold the power button (usually on the right edge or top of your tablet) until the power menu appears on screen. This typically takes 2 to 3 seconds.
Once the menu appears, you will see options including "Power off," "Restart," or "Reboot" — the exact wording varies by Android version and Samsung model. Tap "Restart" or "Reboot." Your tablet will shut down and turn back on automatically. The whole process takes about 60 seconds. Do not hold the power button after tapping restart; just wait for the tablet to complete the reboot on its own.
If you accidentally tap "Power off" instead, your tablet will turn off completely. Press the power button again to turn it back on. This also works as a restart, though it takes a few extra seconds.
How to do a hard reboot (forced restart)
Use a hard reboot only when your tablet is frozen, unresponsive to touch, or stuck on a single screen. Press and hold both the power button and the volume down button at the same time. Hold them together for 10 to 15 seconds without releasing.
Your tablet will vibrate or the screen will go black, which signals the forced shutdown is working. Keep holding the buttons even after the vibration. After 10 to 15 seconds, release both buttons and wait. The tablet will restart on its own, usually within 30 seconds. The Samsung logo may appear during the restart — this is normal.
A hard reboot does not erase your files, photos, apps, or settings. It only forces the tablet to shut down and restart, the same way pulling the battery out and putting it back in would work on older devices.
What to do if your tablet won't restart
If your tablet does not respond to either restart method, the battery may be completely drained. Plug the tablet into its charger and leave it connected for at least 15 to 20 minutes before trying again. A completely dead battery can take time to build up enough charge to power on.
If the tablet still will not restart after charging, try the hard reboot again but hold the buttons for a full 20 seconds instead of 10 to 15. Some models require a longer hold. If the tablet remains unresponsive after that, the hardware may need professional service — contact Samsung support or visit a repair center.
When to reboot versus when to troubleshoot further
A reboot fixes most temporary problems: apps crashing, the tablet running slowly, the touchscreen not responding, or Wi-Fi dropping out. Always try a soft reboot first, wait 30 seconds after it finishes, and then test whether the problem is gone.
If the same problem returns within a few hours, the issue is likely not temporary. At that point, check whether a specific app is causing the problem by opening Settings, going to Apps, and looking at which apps are using the most battery or memory. You can also try uninstalling recently installed apps or clearing the cache for the app that is misbehaving. If problems continue after a reboot and app troubleshooting, contact Samsung support.
Rebooting before a software update or factory reset
Always reboot your tablet before installing a major software update. A soft reboot clears temporary files and stops background processes, which reduces the chance of the update failing or getting stuck. After the reboot completes, wait a few minutes, then go to Settings, About tablet, and check for updates.
If you are planning a factory reset (which erases everything and returns the tablet to its original state), reboot first for the same reason. A factory reset is a much more serious step than a reboot — it removes all your apps, files, and settings — so only do this if you are certain you want to start fresh or if a technician has told you it is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a reboot delete my files, photos, or apps?
No. A reboot only restarts the operating system and clears temporary memory. All your files, photos, apps, and settings remain exactly as they were. The only way to lose data is through a factory reset, which is a completely different action.
How often should I reboot my tablet?
There is no set schedule. Reboot when you notice performance problems like slowness, freezing, or apps crashing. Many users find that a weekly reboot keeps their tablet running smoothly, but it is not required.
What is the difference between a soft reboot and a hard reboot?
A soft reboot is a normal shutdown and restart using the power menu — your tablet closes apps gracefully and saves any open work. A hard reboot forces an when ready shutdown by holding power and volume down together, which is only needed when the tablet is frozen and will not respond to the power button.
Can I reboot my tablet while it is charging?
Yes, it is safe to reboot while charging. In fact, rebooting while plugged in can be helpful if your battery is very low, since the tablet will have power during the restart process.
My tablet rebooted on its own. Should I be worried?
An occasional unexpected reboot is usually not serious — it often means a background process crashed or the system needed to recover from an error. If your tablet reboots multiple times per day, try a manual soft reboot and then monitor it for a few days. If the problem continues, contact Samsung support, as it may indicate a hardware or software issue.