The two ways to reset a Samsung Galaxy tablet
A Samsung Galaxy tablet can be reset in two ways: a soft reset, which restarts the device without erasing anything, and a factory reset, which wipes all your data and returns the tablet to its original state. A soft reset is what you want if the tablet is frozen or running slowly. A factory reset is what you want if you are selling the tablet, giving it away, or need to clear a serious software problem—but it will erase everything on the device, including photos, apps, and accounts.
Before you do either reset, think about what you are trying to fix. If the tablet is just sluggish or an app has crashed, a soft reset takes 30 seconds and solves most problems. If you are locked out of your account or the tablet will not start up properly, a factory reset may be necessary—but you should back up your data first if you can still access the device.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset (power off and back on) fixes frozen screens and slow performance without erasing anything on your tablet.
- A factory reset erases all data, accounts, and apps, so back up your photos and files before you start if the tablet is still working.
- To soft reset, hold the power button until the power menu appears, then tap "Power off" and wait 10 seconds before turning it back on.
- To factory reset, go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory data reset, then enter your Samsung account password when prompted.
- If your tablet is locked with a PIN or pattern and you cannot remember it, you will need your Samsung account password to complete a factory reset.
How to do a soft reset (restart without losing data)
A soft reset is a straightforward restart. Hold down the power button (usually on the right edge or top of the tablet) for about 3 seconds until the power menu appears on the screen. You will see options including "Power off" and sometimes "Restart"—tap "Power off" or "Restart" if that option is available.
If you tapped "Power off", wait about 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn the tablet back on. If the tablet is completely frozen and the power button does not work, try holding the power button and the volume down button together for 10 seconds. This forces a restart on most Samsung tablets.
A soft reset takes a few minutes and will not erase any of your photos, apps, messages, or accounts. Use this first if your tablet is slow, an app keeps crashing, or the screen is not responding to touches.
How to do a factory reset from Settings
A factory reset erases everything on the tablet and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. Before you start, make sure you have backed up any photos, documents, or files you want to keep. You can back up to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or a computer.
Open Settings on your tablet. Scroll down and tap "General Management" (the name may vary slightly depending on your tablet model and Android version). Tap "Reset", then tap "Factory data reset" or "Reset device". Read the warning that appears—it will tell you what will be erased.
Tap "Reset" or "Delete all" to confirm. The tablet will ask you to enter your Samsung account password (the password for the Samsung account linked to the tablet). Enter it and tap "Next". The reset will begin and may take 5 to 15 minutes. The tablet will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it.
When the reset is complete, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen, as if it were brand new. You can then set it up again with your accounts and apps, or leave it as is if you are giving it away or selling it.
Factory reset if you forgot your PIN or pattern
If your tablet is locked with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint and you cannot remember it, you can still do a factory reset—but you will need the password for the Samsung account that is linked to the tablet. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from wiping your tablet without permission.
When you try to do a factory reset (following the steps above), the tablet will ask for your Samsung account password before it proceeds. If you do not remember the password, go to account.samsung.com on a computer and use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to that account.
Once you have reset your Samsung account password, return to the tablet and enter the new password when the factory reset screen asks for it. The reset will then proceed.
Factory reset using hardware buttons (if the tablet will not start)
If your tablet will not turn on or will not reach the Settings menu, you can force a factory reset using the hardware buttons. This method is sometimes called a "hard reset" or "recovery mode reset."
Turn off the tablet completely. Then hold down the power button and volume up button together for about 10 to 15 seconds until the Samsung logo appears and you see a menu with white text on a black background. This is recovery mode.
Use the volume buttons to navigate to "Wipe data / factory reset" and press the power button to select it. A confirmation screen will appear. Navigate to "Yes" and press the power button. The reset will begin. When it is done, the menu will return. Select "Reboot system now" and press the power button. The tablet will restart and show the setup screen.
Note: The exact button combination and menu names vary by tablet model. If the combination above does not work, search for your specific model number (found in Settings > About tablet) plus "recovery mode" to find the correct buttons for your device.
What to back up before a factory reset
If your tablet is still working and you want to keep your data, back up these things before you factory reset: photos and videos (use Google Photos or Samsung Cloud), documents and files (use Google Drive or OneDrive), contacts (they usually sync to your Google account automatically, but check Settings > Accounts to confirm), and any apps you paid for (you can reinstall them from the Google Play Store after the reset).
Messages and call history are usually not backed up automatically, so if you need to keep them, take screenshots or export them to a file before you reset. Most other data—email, calendar events, notes—will sync back automatically when you sign into your accounts after the reset.
When to call Samsung support
If a soft reset does not fix the problem and you are not ready to do a factory reset, or if the tablet will not turn on at all and the hardware button method does not work, contact Samsung support. You can reach them through the Samsung Members app (if it is installed on your tablet) or visit samsung.com/us/support to find the phone number for your region.
If you are locked out and cannot remember your Samsung account password and do not have access to the email or phone number linked to that account, Samsung support may be able to help you verify your identity and regain access. This process can take several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft reset delete my photos and apps?
No. A soft reset is just a restart. Everything on your tablet stays exactly as it is. Use a soft reset first if your tablet is slow or frozen.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset permanently erases all data on the tablet. That is why it is important to back up anything you want to keep before you start. Once the reset is complete, the data cannot be recovered.
Do I need to remove my Google account before I factory reset?
No, but you will need to sign back into it after the reset to restore your apps and data. The factory reset will remove the account from the tablet, but it will not delete your Google account itself.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much data is on the tablet. The tablet will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it while it is resetting.
What if the tablet is stuck on the Samsung logo during reset?
If the reset seems to be taking longer than 20 minutes or the tablet is stuck on the logo, try holding the power button for 10 seconds to force it off, then turn it back on. If it is still stuck, contact Samsung support or visit a Samsung service center.