What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung tablet — all apps you installed, photos, documents, accounts, and settings — and returns it to the state it left the factory. After the reset, you will see the initial setup screen, as though the tablet is brand new.
You typically reset a Samsung tablet when it is running slowly, an app keeps crashing, you are selling or giving it away, or you cannot remember your lock screen password. A reset is also the last step before troubleshooting with Samsung support, because it rules out software conflicts.
Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and contacts can be backed up to a Samsung account, Google account, or cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. Once the reset begins, there is no way to recover what was on the tablet.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset deletes all apps, photos, documents, and accounts from your tablet and returns it to its original state.
- Back up your photos, documents, and contacts to a cloud account or storage service before you start the reset.
- You can reset through Settings on most Samsung tablets, or through the recovery menu if the tablet will not turn on or respond.
- The reset takes 5 to 15 minutes, and you will need to set up the tablet again with a Samsung or Google account when it finishes.
- If you forgot your lock screen password, you may be able to reset without losing data by signing in with your Samsung account instead.
How to reset through Settings (the standard method)
This is the fastest way to reset if your tablet turns on and responds to touch. Open Settings, then scroll down and tap General management (on some models it is called About tablet or System). Look for Reset or Reset options.
Tap Factory data reset or Erase all data. The tablet will show you a summary of what will be deleted and ask you to confirm. Read it carefully — this is your last warning. Tap the button to confirm (usually labeled Reset or Delete all). The tablet will restart and begin erasing data. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this process.
When the reset finishes, the tablet will show the initial setup screen. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. If you have a backup, you can restore it during setup by signing in with the account you used to create it.
How to reset using the recovery menu (if Settings will not open)
If your tablet will not turn on, is frozen, or Settings will not open, you can reset through the recovery menu. First, turn off the tablet completely. If it is frozen and will not respond to the power button, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until it shuts down.
Once it is off, hold Power + Volume Up together for several seconds. You will see the Samsung logo, then a menu with options like "Reboot system now" and "Wipe data/factory reset". Use the volume buttons to move down to Wipe data/factory reset, then press the power button to select it. The tablet will ask you to confirm — select Yes using the volume buttons and power button. The reset will begin and take several minutes.
After the reset finishes, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen. This method is more disruptive than resetting through Settings, but it works when the tablet is too slow or broken to use normally.
Backing up before you reset
The easiest way to back up a Samsung tablet is through your Samsung account. Open Settings, tap Accounts and backup (or Accounts, then Backup), and tap Back up to Samsung Cloud or Samsung Cloud Backup. Sign in with your Samsung account and tap Back up now. This saves your contacts, messages, app data, and some settings.
For photos and documents, use Google Drive, OneDrive, or another cloud storage service. Open the app, sign in, and upload the files you want to keep. You can also connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable and copy files manually to your computer's hard drive.
If you use Gmail, Google Contacts, or Google Calendar, those are already backed up to your Google account automatically. When you sign back in after the reset, they will reappear on the tablet.
What to do if you forgot your lock screen password
If you cannot unlock your tablet because you forgot the password or pattern, you have two options before resorting to a factory reset. First, try signing in with your Samsung account. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? or Unlock with Samsung account, then enter the email and password for your Samsung account. If that works, you can change your lock screen password without losing any data.
If that option does not appear or your Samsung account password is also forgotten, a factory reset is the only way forward. The reset will erase the lock screen password along with everything else, and you will set up the tablet fresh. This is why it is important to remember your Samsung account password — it is the key to recovering access.
After the reset: setting up your tablet again
When your tablet restarts after the reset, it will walk you through setup. You will choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. If you backed up your data, sign in with the same account you used to create the backup, and you will be offered the option to restore your contacts, messages, and app data.
Restoring from a backup takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on how much data you backed up. Your apps will not be restored automatically — you will need to read them again from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. This is normal and is one reason a factory reset can feel like it fixes a slow tablet: you are starting fresh with only the apps you actually want.
When to call Samsung support instead
If your tablet will not turn on at all, does not respond to the power button, or gets stuck on the Samsung logo during reset, do not keep trying. Contact Samsung support through their website or call the support number for your region. They can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or arrange a repair if the tablet has a hardware problem.
If you reset the tablet and it still runs slowly or crashes, the problem is likely hardware-related rather than software. Again, Samsung support is the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove the lock screen password?
Yes. A factory reset erases the lock screen password along with all other data. After the reset, you will set up the tablet fresh and create a new password if you want one.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. Once the reset finishes, the data is gone. This is why backing up before you reset is essential. If you have a backup, you can restore it by signing in with the account you used to create it during the setup process.
How long does a factory reset take?
A reset through Settings usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. A reset through the recovery menu can take longer, sometimes 20 to 30 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it while the reset is running.
Will I lose my Google account after a factory reset?
Your Google account itself is not lost — it is stored on Google's servers. After the reset, you sign back in with your Google account, and your Gmail, contacts, and calendar will reappear on the tablet. Apps you downloaded from the Play Store will need to be downloaded again.
What if my tablet is stuck on the setup screen after the reset?
If the tablet gets stuck and will not move past the initial setup screen, try restarting it by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If that does not work, try the recovery menu reset again. If it still does not work, contact Samsung support — this suggests a hardware or firmware problem that needs professional help.