The Three Ways to Restart a Samsung Tablet
A restart clears your tablet's memory and stops background processes that may be slowing it down or causing apps to freeze. Samsung tablets support three restart methods: a soft restart (power off and back on), a forced restart (when the tablet is unresponsive), and a factory reset (which erases all data). Most of the time, a soft restart solves the problem. A forced restart is what you need if your tablet is frozen or won't respond to touch. A factory reset is a last resort and should only be done if you have backed up your data.
Each method serves a different situation. Use a soft restart when your tablet is sluggish or an app has frozen but the tablet still responds to touch. Use a forced restart when nothing on the screen responds, not even the power button menu. Use a factory reset only when the other two methods have failed or when you are preparing to sell or give away the tablet.
Key Takeaways
- A soft restart — powering off and back on — fixes most freezing and slowness issues and takes less than two minutes.
- A forced restart works when your tablet is completely unresponsive and requires holding the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds.
- A factory reset erases all apps, photos, and files, so back up your data to a Samsung account or cloud storage before starting.
- The exact button combination varies slightly by Samsung model, so check your tablet's model number if the standard method does not work.
How to Do a Soft Restart
A soft restart is the gentlest way to restart your tablet and the one to try first. Press and hold the power button (usually on the right edge or top of the tablet) until a menu appears on the screen. This typically takes three to five seconds.
On the menu, tap Power off or Restart. If you see a Restart option, tap it and your tablet will turn off and back on automatically. If you only see Power off, tap it, wait for the screen to go black, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Wait 30 seconds after the screen goes black before pressing the power button — this gives the tablet time to fully shut down.
Your tablet will show the Samsung logo as it restarts, then return to your lock screen. This process usually takes one to two minutes. Once you see your home screen, your soft restart is complete.
How to Do a Forced Restart When Your Tablet Is Frozen
If your tablet is completely frozen and will not respond to the power button or touch, a forced restart forces it to shut down when ready. Press and hold the power button and volume down button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not let go until you see the Samsung logo appear on the screen.
Your tablet will vibrate or show the logo as a sign that the forced restart is working. Keep holding both buttons even after you feel the vibration — wait the full 10 to 15 seconds. Once the logo appears, release both buttons and let the tablet restart on its own. The restart will take one to two minutes.
The exact button locations vary by model. On most Samsung tablets, the power button is on the right edge and the volume down button is below it. If this does not work, check your tablet's model number (usually on the back) and search for "[your model number] forced restart" to find the correct button combination for your specific tablet.
How to Do a Factory Reset
A factory reset erases everything on your tablet — all apps, photos, messages, and files — and returns it to the state it was in when you first bought it. Only do this if a soft restart and forced restart have not solved your problem, or if you are preparing to sell or give away your tablet.
Before you start, back up your data. Open Settings, tap Accounts, then Samsung account (or Google account). Tap Backup and choose what you want to save — contacts, calendar, photos, and app data can all be backed up to the cloud. Wait for the backup to finish before continuing.
Once your data is backed up, go to Settings and scroll down to General management. Tap Reset, then Factory data reset. Read the warning that appears — it will tell you what will be erased. Tap Reset again to confirm. Your tablet will ask for your Samsung account password or Google account password to prevent someone else from erasing your tablet without permission. Enter your password and tap Next.
Your tablet will restart and show a progress bar as it erases all data. This can take 10 to 20 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time. Once the reset is complete, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, just as if it were brand new. You can then sign back into your Samsung or Google account and restore your backed-up data.
What to Do If Your Tablet Still Will Not Restart
If your tablet will not respond to a soft restart, forced restart, or factory reset, the problem may be a hardware issue rather than a software one. Try charging your tablet for at least 30 minutes — a completely dead battery can prevent any restart method from working. Use the original Samsung charger if you have it, as third-party chargers sometimes do not provide enough power.
If charging does not help, try connecting your tablet to a computer with Samsung Smart Switch installed. Smart Switch can sometimes restore a tablet that will not restart on its own. If none of these steps work, contact Samsung support or visit a Samsung service center. Provide them with your tablet's model number and a description of what happened before it stopped responding — this helps them diagnose whether the issue is software or hardware.
When to Restart vs. When to Try Something Else
A restart fixes most common problems: apps crashing, the home screen freezing, or the tablet running slowly. If restarting does not solve the problem, the issue may be something else. If a single app keeps crashing, try uninstalling and reinstalling that app instead of restarting the whole tablet. If your tablet is running out of storage space, delete old photos and videos or move them to cloud storage — a restart will not free up space.
If your tablet is overheating, turn it off and let it cool down for 15 to 20 minutes before restarting. Overheating is often caused by running too many apps at once or using the tablet in direct sunlight. If it keeps overheating after a restart, close background apps and avoid using it in very hot environments. If the problem persists, contact Samsung support, as overheating can sometimes indicate a battery or hardware problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will restarting my tablet delete my photos or files?
A soft restart or forced restart will not delete anything — they only turn the tablet off and back on. A factory reset will erase everything, but that is a separate process you have to choose deliberately. Always back up your data before doing a factory reset.
How often should I restart my Samsung tablet?
You do not need to restart on a schedule. Restart only when your tablet is slow, freezing, or not responding properly. Most people restart once every few weeks or months, depending on how heavily they use the tablet.
What is the difference between a soft restart and a forced restart?
A soft restart uses the power menu and lets the tablet shut down normally. A forced restart bypasses the menu and forces the tablet to shut down when ready by holding two buttons. Use a soft restart first; only use a forced restart if the tablet is completely frozen and will not respond.
Can I restart my tablet while it is charging?
Yes, you can restart your tablet while it is plugged in. In fact, if your tablet is low on battery, it is a good idea to charge it while restarting so it does not shut down during the process.
What should I do if my tablet gets stuck on the Samsung logo during restart?
If your tablet stays on the Samsung logo for more than five minutes, try a forced restart again. If it gets stuck on the logo a second time, try charging it for 30 minutes and then attempting a forced restart. If the problem continues, contact Samsung support, as this can indicate a software corruption that may need professional repair.