The three ways to restart your tablet

A restart clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops all running programs, which often fixes freezing, slow performance, or apps that won't open. You have three options: a soft restart (power off and back on), a force restart (holding buttons to shut down when ready), and a factory reset (erasing everything and starting over). Most of the time, a soft restart solves the problem. Use a force restart only if your tablet won't respond to normal shutdown. A factory reset should be your last step, and only after backing up your files.

Each method takes a different amount of time and carries different risks. A soft restart is safe and takes two minutes. A force restart is safe when done correctly and takes about one minute. A factory reset is permanent and takes 15 to 45 minutes total, so only use it when the other two have not worked.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft restart takes two minutes and fixes most tablet problems—turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
  • A force restart works when your tablet is frozen or unresponsive—hold the power button and volume button together until the screen goes black.
  • Back up your files before doing a factory reset, because this method erases everything on your tablet.
  • After any restart, give your tablet a minute to fully load before opening apps or connecting to Wi-Fi.

How to do a soft restart

A soft restart is the gentlest option and the one to try first. It shuts down your tablet normally, which closes all apps and clears the temporary files that sometimes cause slowdowns.

Press and hold the power button until a menu appears on your screen. The menu will show options like "Power off" or "Shut down"—the exact wording depends on your tablet's brand and operating system. Tap the option to turn off your tablet. Wait 30 seconds. This pause lets the tablet's memory fully clear. Then press the power button again to turn it back on. Your tablet will take 30 to 60 seconds to fully load. Do not open any apps until the home screen is completely visible and the tablet stops showing loading animations.

How to do a force restart when your tablet is frozen

If your tablet is completely unresponsive—the screen won't wake up, buttons don't work, or apps are frozen—a soft restart won't work because you can't access the power menu. A force restart forces the tablet to shut down when ready by holding multiple buttons at once.

The button combination depends on your tablet's brand. On most Apple iPads, hold the top button and one volume button together for about 10 seconds until you see the power-off slider, then slide it to turn off the tablet. On most Android tablets, hold the power button and volume-down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and you see the manufacturer's logo. Release the buttons and wait for the tablet to restart on its own. This usually takes 30 to 90 seconds. Do not press any buttons during the restart—let it complete without interruption.

If you are unsure which buttons to hold, check your tablet's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching "[Your tablet model] force restart." Different brands and even different models within the same brand sometimes use different button combinations.

When to back up your files before a factory reset

A factory reset erases all your personal files, photos, apps, and settings and returns your tablet to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is a powerful fix for serious problems, but you will lose everything that is not backed up. Only do this after a soft restart and a force restart have not solved your problem.

Before you start a factory reset, back up your important files. On an iPad, connect to a computer with iTunes or Finder, or use iCloud to back up wirelessly. On an Android tablet, go to Settings, find "Backup" or "Accounts," and turn on automatic backup to your Google account or Samsung account (depending on your tablet brand). Take a few minutes to do this—it is much faster than trying to recover files after they are gone.

How to do a factory reset

Once your files are backed up, a factory reset is straightforward. Open the Settings app on your tablet. Look for an option called "Reset," "Factory Reset," "Erase All Content and Settings," or "System Reset"—the exact name varies by brand. Tap it. Your tablet will ask you to confirm that you want to erase everything. Confirm. The tablet will restart and begin the reset process, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.

When the reset is complete, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, just like when it was brand new. You will need to sign in with your account (Apple ID, Google account, or Samsung account), reconnect to Wi-Fi, and restore your backed-up files. This process takes another 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many files you are restoring and how fast your internet connection is.

Common mistakes to avoid during a restart

Do not hold down the power button for longer than 15 seconds during a force restart. Holding it too long can damage the tablet's battery or cause other hardware problems. Release the buttons as soon as you see the power-off menu or the manufacturer's logo.

Do not open apps or connect to Wi-Fi when ready after a restart. Your tablet needs time to finish loading all its background processes. If you start using it too soon, it may freeze again or run slowly. Wait at least one full minute after the home screen appears before opening anything.

Do not unplug your tablet during a factory reset. If the power runs out in the middle of the reset, your tablet may become unusable. Make sure your tablet is plugged in and has at least 50 percent battery before you start.

What to do if your tablet still will not work

If your tablet will not turn on at all after a restart, the battery may be completely drained. Plug it in and wait 15 minutes before trying to turn it on again. Some tablets take several minutes to respond when the battery is very low.

If your tablet turns on but gets stuck on the startup screen or keeps restarting over and over, try a force restart again. If that does not work, contact the tablet's manufacturer—Apple, Samsung, Google, or whoever made your device. They can walk you through more advanced troubleshooting or discuss repair or replacement options. Most manufacturers have phone support or live chat available on their websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting my tablet delete my files?

A soft restart and a force restart will not delete anything. A factory reset will erase all your personal files, apps, and settings, which is why you must back up before doing one. If you are only doing a soft or force restart, your files are safe.

How often should I restart my tablet?

Restart your tablet when it is running slowly, apps are freezing, or it is not responding to touches. You do not need to restart it on a schedule. Most people restart their tablets once every few weeks or months, depending on how heavily they use them.

What is the difference between a soft restart and a force restart?

A soft restart uses the normal power menu and gives apps time to close properly. A force restart bypasses the menu and shuts down when ready, which is necessary when the tablet is frozen. A force restart is more abrupt but does not cause damage if done correctly.

Can I restart my tablet while it is charging?

Yes, you can restart your tablet while it is plugged in. In fact, it is a good idea to plug it in before doing a factory reset, so the battery does not run out during the process. For a soft or force restart, charging does not matter.

How long does a restart take?

A soft restart takes about two minutes total. A force restart takes one to two minutes. A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes for the reset itself, plus another 10 to 30 minutes to restore your files afterward, depending on how many files you have.