What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset wipes your Galaxy tablet back to the state it left the factory — all your apps, photos, files, and settings disappear. The operating system stays the same, but everything you added or changed is gone. You should do this if the tablet is running slowly, freezing constantly, or you are selling it and want to erase your data completely.
A reset is not the same as restarting. Restarting just turns the tablet off and back on. A reset erases everything. Once you start a factory reset, you cannot stop it partway through, so make sure you have backed up anything you want to keep first.
Galaxy tablets include Samsung's own backup service, Google's cloud backup, and the option to copy files to a computer. Choose one before you reset, or you will lose photos, documents, and app data permanently.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all apps, photos, files, and settings, so back up your data through Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or a computer before you start.
- The most common path is Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, which takes five to fifteen minutes.
- If your tablet will not turn on or respond to touch, you can force a reset using the power and volume buttons instead.
- After a reset completes, the tablet asks for your Google account password before you can use it — have that password ready.
- A reset does not remove the Samsung or Google account tied to the tablet, so the tablet will still be locked to that account after the reset finishes.
How to reset through Settings
This is the standard path and works when your tablet turns on and responds normally. Open Settings, then tap General Management (the exact name varies slightly by model and Android version, but it is always near the top of the Settings list). Scroll down and tap Reset or Reset Options.
Tap Factory Data Reset or Erase All Data. The tablet will show you a warning that lists what will be deleted — apps, settings, Google account data stored on the device, and media files. Read it, then tap Reset or Delete All. The tablet will ask you to confirm by typing your PIN, pattern, or password, or by scanning your fingerprint. Enter it, then tap the final confirmation button.
The reset process takes five to fifteen minutes. The tablet will restart several times and show a progress bar. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen you saw when the tablet was brand new — language selection, Wi-Fi connection, and Google account sign-in.
Forcing a reset when the tablet is frozen or will not start
If your Galaxy tablet is completely frozen, will not turn on, or will not respond to touch, you can force a reset using the hardware buttons. The exact button combination depends on your model, but the most common is holding the Power button and Volume Up button together for ten to fifteen seconds until you see the Samsung logo or a boot menu.
Some models use Power and Volume Down instead. If you are not sure which combination your model uses, check the model number on the back of the tablet and search "[your model number] force reset" to find the correct buttons.
Once the boot menu appears, use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe Data or Factory Reset, then press the Power button to select it. The tablet will ask for confirmation — use the volume buttons to highlight Yes and press Power to confirm. The reset will run without you being able to stop it. This takes longer than a normal reset, sometimes twenty to thirty minutes.
Backing up your data before you reset
Samsung Cloud is built into Galaxy tablets and backs up your contacts, calendar, messages, and some app data automatically if you turn it on. Open Settings, search for Samsung Cloud, and tap it. Sign in with your Samsung account (create one if you do not have one), then toggle on the types of data you want backed up. This happens in the background and does not require you to do anything else.
Google Drive and Google Photos back up files and photos if you turn on backup in each app. Open Google Drive, tap your profile picture, then Settings, then Backup. Turn on Backup by Google One. For photos, open Google Photos, tap your profile picture, then Photos Settings, then Backup and Sync, then turn it on. Both services back up automatically once you turn them on.
If you want to keep files on your computer instead, connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable. Your tablet will appear as a removable drive in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Drag any folders you want to keep to a folder on your computer. This is the safest method if you do not trust cloud storage or want a local copy.
What happens after the reset is complete
When the reset finishes, the tablet shows the initial setup screen. You will need to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to a Google account. The tablet will not let you proceed without a Google account — this is a security feature Samsung and Google built in to prevent theft.
If the tablet was tied to a Samsung account before the reset, it will still be tied to that account after the reset. You will need the password for that Samsung account to fully set up the tablet again. If you do not remember the password, you will need to reset it through Samsung's website before you can use the tablet.
Once you sign in, the tablet will read and reinstall your apps from the Google Play Store if you backed them up. This can take an hour or more depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. Let it finish before you unplug the tablet or turn it off.
Removing a Samsung or Google account lock after a reset
If you reset a tablet that was tied to a Samsung account or Google account, the tablet will ask for that account's password before you can use it. This is called Reactivation Lock or Factory Reset Protection, and it is designed to prevent someone else from using your tablet if it is stolen.
If you remember the password, sign in with it and you are done. If you do not remember it, you will need to reset the password through Samsung's or Google's website on a computer. Go to samsung.com/account or google.com/accounts, sign in with your email address, and follow the password reset steps. Once you have a new password, use it to sign in on the tablet.
If you do not have access to the email address tied to the account, you will need to contact Samsung or Google support directly. They may ask you to prove you own the tablet by providing the serial number or proof of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my tablet?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the tablet, including any malware. However, if you restore your backed-up data afterward, you might restore the malware too if it was hiding in your files. If you suspect malware, reset the tablet and do not restore from a backup — set it up fresh instead.
Can I undo a factory reset after it starts?
No. Once you confirm the reset, it cannot be stopped or reversed. This is why backing up first is critical. If you realize you made a mistake after the reset finishes, your only option is to restore from a backup you made before the reset.
Do I need to charge my tablet before I reset it?
Yes. A factory reset takes at least five to fifteen minutes, and the tablet must stay on the entire time. Charge it to at least 50 percent before you start, or plug it in during the reset. If the battery dies during a reset, the tablet may not start up properly afterward.
Will resetting my tablet remove the Samsung account tied to it?
No. The account lock stays in place after a reset as a security feature. You will need the password for that account to set up the tablet again. If you want to remove the account entirely, you must do that through Settings before you reset, or contact Samsung support afterward.
How long does a factory reset take?
A normal reset through Settings takes five to fifteen minutes. A forced reset using the hardware buttons takes longer, sometimes twenty to thirty minutes. The exact time depends on how much data is on the tablet and how fast your tablet's processor is.