The Three Ways to Restart a Samsung Tablet
A reboot clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops all running programs at once. Most problems—apps freezing, the screen not responding, or the tablet running slowly—go away after a restart. Samsung tablets have three restart methods: a soft reboot (the normal way), a forced restart (when the tablet is frozen), and a factory reset (which erases everything). Start with a soft reboot. If that does not work, move to a forced restart. Only use a factory reset if you have backed up your data and nothing else has worked.
The method you use depends on whether your tablet is still responding to touch. A soft reboot takes about 30 seconds and leaves all your files and settings in place. A forced restart works even when the screen is frozen or unresponsive, but also takes longer—up to two minutes. A factory reset returns the tablet to its original state and wipes all personal data, so use it only as a last resort.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reboot (the normal shutdown and restart) fixes most problems and takes about 30 seconds.
- A forced restart works when your tablet is frozen or not responding, and requires holding the power and volume buttons together.
- The exact button combination varies by model—check your tablet's model number before attempting a forced restart.
- A factory reset erases all your files, photos, and settings, so back up your data before using this method.
- After any restart, wait at least one minute before opening apps to let the tablet fully load.
Soft Reboot: The Normal Restart Method
A soft reboot is the safest restart method and works when your tablet is responding normally. Press and hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet until a menu appears on the screen. This usually takes three to five seconds. On most Samsung tablets, you will see options that say "Power off" or "Restart." Tap "Restart" or "Power off," then wait for the tablet to shut down completely.
After the screen goes black, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then press the power button again to turn the tablet back on. The Samsung logo will appear, and the tablet will load. This entire process takes about 30 seconds. Do not interrupt it by pressing buttons or touching the screen. Once you see your home screen and all icons have loaded, your soft reboot is complete.
Forced Restart: When Your Tablet Is Frozen
A forced restart works when your tablet will not respond to touch, the screen is frozen, or the power button menu will not appear. This method forces the tablet to shut down without using the normal power menu. The button combination depends on your tablet model, so check which one you have before you start. Look at the back of your tablet or go to Settings > About tablet to find the model number.
For most Samsung Galaxy Tab models (Tab S, Tab A, Tab E, and others), press and hold the power button and the volume down button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons for 10 to 15 seconds. The screen may flash or show the Samsung logo. When you see the logo, release both buttons and let the tablet restart. This can take up to two minutes. Do not press any buttons during this time.
If your tablet has a home button (older models), try pressing the power button, home button, and volume down button all at once for 10 to 15 seconds. If you are unsure which buttons to use, visit Samsung's support website and search for your exact model number—the instructions are specific to each tablet.
What to Do If the Forced Restart Does Not Work
If your tablet still will not restart after holding the buttons for 15 seconds, try holding them for a full 30 seconds. Some models require a longer hold. If the screen remains black or frozen, plug the tablet into a charger and wait five minutes, then try the forced restart again. A completely drained battery can prevent the restart from working.
If the tablet still does not respond after charging, the problem may be a hardware issue rather than a software freeze. In this case, contact Samsung support or visit a repair center. Do not attempt a factory reset until you have ruled out a hardware problem, because a factory reset will erase all your data and may not fix a hardware fault.
Factory Reset: Erasing Everything and Starting Over
A factory reset returns your tablet to the state it was in when it left the factory. All your files, photos, apps, and settings are permanently deleted. Only use this method if a soft reboot and forced restart have not solved your problem, and only after you have backed up your important data to a computer or cloud storage.
To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. The tablet will ask you to confirm. Tap "Reset" and enter your Samsung account password if prompted. The tablet will restart and erase all data. This process takes 5 to 10 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the charger during this time.
After the factory reset completes, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, just like a new tablet. You will need to sign in with your Samsung account and set up your preferences again. If you backed up your data before the reset, you can restore it after setup is complete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Restart
Do not press the power button repeatedly while the tablet is restarting. This can interrupt the process and cause problems. Wait at least one full minute after the restart completes before opening any apps. The tablet needs time to finish loading all background processes.
Do not remove the charger during a forced restart or factory reset, even if the tablet appears to be off. Losing power during these processes can damage the tablet's software. If your tablet is low on battery, charge it for at least 30 minutes before attempting a forced restart or factory reset.
Do not assume a factory reset will fix a hardware problem. If your tablet has physical damage, a cracked screen, or a battery that will not hold a charge, a factory reset will not help. In these cases, contact Samsung support or a repair center instead.
After Your Tablet Restarts: Next Steps
Once your tablet has restarted, check whether the problem is solved. If an app was freezing, open it and see if it runs smoothly now. If the tablet was running slowly, open several apps and see if performance has improved. Most problems are fixed by a soft reboot or forced restart.
If the problem persists after a restart, the issue may be with a specific app rather than the tablet itself. Try uninstalling the app that was causing problems, then restart the tablet again. If the problem continues after uninstalling the app, contact Samsung support with details about what is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Samsung tablet restart take?
A soft reboot takes about 30 seconds from the moment you tap "Restart" until the home screen appears. A forced restart takes one to two minutes because the tablet must shut down without the normal shutdown process. A factory reset takes 5 to 10 minutes and includes a full restart at the end.
Will a restart delete my files and photos?
A soft reboot and forced restart do not delete anything. All your files, photos, apps, and settings stay on the tablet. Only a factory reset deletes everything, and it does so permanently. Always back up your data before attempting a factory reset.
What if my tablet is completely black and will not turn on?
Plug the tablet into a charger and wait 15 to 30 minutes. A completely drained battery can make the screen appear black even though the tablet is still on. After charging, press the power button to turn it on. If the screen remains black after 30 minutes of charging, contact Samsung support.
Can I restart my Samsung tablet while it is charging?
Yes, you can perform a soft reboot or forced restart while the tablet is plugged in. In fact, it is safer to keep the tablet plugged in during a forced restart or factory reset to prevent the battery from draining during the process.
Do I need to back up my data before a soft reboot?
No. A soft reboot does not delete any data. Back up your data only before a factory reset. For a soft reboot or forced restart, no backup is necessary.