Three ways to reset your Galaxy tablet, and when to use each one

A Galaxy tablet reset comes in three versions: a soft reset (power off and back on), a factory reset (wipe everything and start fresh), and a hard reset (force a restart when the tablet is frozen). A soft reset fixes most problems — slow performance, apps that crash, Wi-Fi that drops. A factory reset erases all your data and returns the tablet to the state it left the factory; use this before selling it or if the tablet is so corrupted that soft resets do not work. A hard reset forces the tablet to restart when it will not respond to normal commands.

Which one you need depends on what is actually wrong. If your tablet is slow or an app keeps crashing, start with a soft reset. If you are selling it or giving it away, do a factory reset. If the screen is frozen and nothing responds, try a hard reset.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (power off and on) fixes most problems and takes 30 seconds; your data stays intact.
  • A factory reset erases everything on the tablet and returns it to factory settings; back up your data first.
  • A hard reset forces a restart when the tablet is completely frozen and will not respond to touch or buttons.
  • The steps differ slightly between Samsung tablets running different Android versions, so check your tablet's Android version in Settings before you start.

Soft reset: power off and back on

A soft reset is the first thing to try. Hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet for 10 seconds until the power menu appears. Tap "Power off" and wait for the tablet to shut down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This clears the tablet's temporary memory without touching your files, photos, or apps.

Most tablets respond to a soft reset within a few minutes of turning back on. If an app was crashing, it usually stops. If the tablet was slow, it usually speeds up. If Wi-Fi keeps dropping, reconnect and see if it holds. If the problem returns within a day or two, move to a factory reset.

Factory reset: erase everything and start over

A factory reset wipes all your data, photos, apps, and settings. Do this only if you are selling the tablet, giving it away, or the tablet is so corrupted that a soft reset did not work. Back up anything you want to keep first. You can back up photos and documents to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or OneDrive before you reset.

Go to Settings, then tap "General management" (or "System" on some models). Tap "Reset" or "Reset options," then "Factory data reset" or "Erase all data." The tablet will ask you to confirm; tap "Reset" or "Delete all." The tablet will restart and take 5 to 15 minutes to erase everything and return to factory settings. You will see the initial setup screen when it finishes, as if the tablet is brand new.

If you cannot get into Settings because the tablet is frozen, use a hard reset instead, then try the factory reset from Settings once the tablet is responsive again.

Hard reset: force a restart when the tablet is frozen

A hard reset forces the tablet to shut down and restart when it will not respond to the power button or touch screen. The exact method depends on your tablet model. For most recent Galaxy tablets, hold the power button and the volume-down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and you see the Samsung logo. Release both buttons and let the tablet restart.

On some older Galaxy Tab models, you may need to hold power and volume-up instead, or power and both volume buttons. If you are not sure which combination your model uses, check the manual that came with your tablet or search "[your tablet model] hard reset" online.

A hard reset does not erase your data — it just forces the tablet to turn off and back on. After the restart, your files, photos, and apps will still be there. If the tablet is still frozen after a hard reset, try a soft reset once it is responsive, then a factory reset if that does not work.

What to do before a factory reset

Back up your photos by opening Google Photos, tapping your profile picture, and selecting "Photos settings." Make sure "Backup and sync" is turned on. Google Photos will upload your photos to your Google account automatically. You can also back up to Samsung Cloud by going to Settings, tapping "Accounts and backup," then "Samsung Cloud," and turning on backup for the apps and data you want to keep.

For documents and files, open Google Drive or OneDrive and upload anything you need. Contact information syncs automatically if you have a Google account or Samsung account signed in on the tablet. Once you have backed up what matters, you can reset without worry.

After the reset: what to expect

After a soft reset, your tablet should be back to normal within a few minutes. After a hard reset, it takes 2 to 5 minutes to restart. After a factory reset, the tablet will take 5 to 15 minutes to erase everything and show the setup screen. You will need to sign in with your Google account or Samsung account to restore your apps and settings from the cloud.

If you reset because of a problem and the problem comes back after a few days, the issue may be with a specific app or a hardware fault. Try uninstalling recently installed apps one at a time to see if one of them is causing the problem. If the problem persists after removing apps, contact Samsung support or visit a repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset delete my photos and files?

No. A soft reset only turns the tablet off and back on. All your photos, files, apps, and settings stay on the tablet. Only a factory reset erases everything.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The tablet will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it while it is resetting.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset permanently erases all data on the tablet. That is why you should back up anything important to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or another cloud service before you reset.

What if my tablet is still frozen after a hard reset?

Try charging the tablet for at least 30 minutes, then attempt the hard reset again. If it is still frozen, the battery may be completely drained or there may be a hardware problem. Plug it in and wait an hour before trying again.

Do I need to sign in again after a soft reset?

No. A soft reset does not change your sign-in status. You will still be signed into your Google account, Samsung account, and any apps you were using before the reset.