Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears

The power button on a Samsung tablet is usually on the right edge or top edge, depending on your model. Press and hold it for about three to five seconds. You will see the Samsung logo flash on the screen, followed by the startup animation.

If nothing happens after ten seconds, your tablet may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger using the USB-C cable that came with it, wait two to three minutes, and try again. Some tablets need a small charge before they will respond to the power button.

Once the tablet finishes booting, you may see a lock screen or a setup screen if this is the first time you are turning it on. If you have used this tablet before, you will see your home screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is on the edge of your tablet — usually the right side or top — and you hold it down for three to five seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
  • If the screen stays black, plug the tablet into a charger and wait a few minutes before trying again.
  • A new tablet will show a setup screen asking for your Google account and Wi-Fi network; an older tablet will go straight to the home screen.
  • If your tablet is stuck on the Samsung logo or a loading screen for more than two minutes, try holding the power button and volume down button together for ten seconds to restart it.

What to do if the tablet does not respond

If you hold the power button for ten seconds and nothing happens, the battery is likely empty. Plug the tablet into power using the USB-C cable and charger that came in the box. Leave it plugged in for at least five minutes before trying the power button again.

If the tablet still does not turn on after charging, try a force restart. Hold down the power button and the volume down button at the same time for ten to fifteen seconds. Release both buttons and wait for the Samsung logo to appear. This works even when the tablet appears completely dead.

Understanding the startup screens you will see

On a brand-new tablet, you will see a welcome screen that asks you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. You will then be asked to sign in with a Google account. This account is required to use the Google Play Store and to back up your data. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one during this process.

If you are turning on a tablet you have used before, it will skip the setup screens and take you straight to the home screen. You may see a notification asking you to update the system software — this is normal and you can do it now or later.

Some tablets show a PIN or fingerprint lock screen before the home screen. Enter your PIN or use your fingerprint to unlock it. If you have forgotten your PIN, you will need to sign in with your Google account to regain access.

Checking battery level and charging

When your tablet first turns on, look at the top right corner of the screen. You will see a battery icon that shows how much charge is left. If the battery is very low, the icon will be red or orange.

Charge your tablet by connecting the USB-C cable to the port at the bottom or side of the device. The other end plugs into a power adapter. Samsung tablets typically charge fully in two to three hours from completely empty. You can use the tablet while it is charging.

If your tablet turns off suddenly even though the battery icon showed charge remaining, the battery may be failing. This is rare, but if it happens repeatedly, contact Samsung support or visit a repair center.

Restarting your tablet if it freezes or runs slowly

If your tablet turns on but the screen is frozen or the apps are not responding, restart it. Hold the power button for ten seconds until the screen goes black, then release. Wait five seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on.

If the tablet is stuck on a loading screen or the Samsung logo for more than two minutes, use the force restart method: hold power and volume down together for ten to fifteen seconds. This will not erase anything on your tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a Samsung tablet to turn on?

From the moment you press the power button, the tablet usually shows the Samsung logo within five seconds. The full startup, including loading your home screen and apps, takes thirty seconds to two minutes depending on the model and how much is installed on it.

What if my tablet is plugged in but will not turn on?

Try a force restart by holding the power button and volume down button together for ten to fifteen seconds. If that does not work, leave the tablet plugged in for thirty minutes and try again. If it still will not turn on, the charging port or battery may need repair.

Can I turn on my tablet without the power button?

No. The power button is the only way to turn on a Samsung tablet. You cannot start it by plugging it in or pressing other buttons. If your power button is broken, you will need to have it repaired by Samsung or a repair center.

Why does my tablet show a Google account sign-in screen when I turn it on?

This happens on a brand-new tablet or after a factory reset. You must sign in with a Google account to use the tablet. If you do not have one, you can create it during setup. If you forgot your password, go to accounts.google.com on another device to reset it.

Is it normal for my tablet to get warm while turning on?

Slight warmth is normal during startup. If the tablet gets very hot to the touch or shuts itself off due to heat, unplug it and let it cool for fifteen minutes. If overheating happens every time you turn it on, the device may have a hardware problem and should be checked by a repair center.