Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up

The power button is almost always on the right edge or top edge of your tablet, depending on the model. Press it and hold it down — do not tap it quickly. You will see nothing happen for the first two or three seconds, which is normal.

Keep holding. After about five to ten seconds, you will see the manufacturer's logo appear on the screen (Apple, Samsung, or another brand). This means the tablet is starting up. You can release the button once you see the logo.

The tablet will take another 30 to 60 seconds to fully load. You may see a loading bar or spinning circle. Do not press anything else during this time — let it finish on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is located on the right or top edge of your tablet and must be held down for five to ten seconds, not tapped.
  • You will see the manufacturer's logo appear on screen once the tablet begins starting up, which signals you can release the button.
  • Allow 30 to 60 seconds for the tablet to fully load after the logo appears — do not press buttons or touch the screen during this time.
  • If your tablet does not respond after 15 seconds of holding the power button, the battery may be completely drained and you will need to charge it first.

What to do if the screen stays black

If you hold the power button for 15 seconds and nothing happens, your tablet's battery is likely empty. Connect the charging cable to the tablet and plug it into a wall outlet or USB power adapter. Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before trying the power button again — tablets with completely dead batteries need time to store enough charge to turn on.

While charging, you may see a battery icon appear on the screen, or the screen may remain black. Either is normal. Once you have waited 15 minutes, press and hold the power button again using the same method as above.

Locating the power button on different tablet models

On most iPads, the power button is on the top edge or the right edge, depending on the model year. Newer iPads have it on the top. On Samsung tablets and most Android tablets, the power button is almost always on the right edge, roughly halfway down.

If you are unsure which button is the power button, look for a small raised button that is slightly different in texture or shape from the volume buttons next to it. The power button is usually alone, while volume buttons come in a pair. If your tablet has a manual or box, the diagram inside will show you exactly where it is.

What happens after the tablet fully loads

Once the tablet finishes starting up, you will see either a lock screen or a home screen with apps and icons. If you see a lock screen, you will need to unlock it by swiping up from the bottom, entering a PIN, or using your fingerprint or face, depending on how your tablet is set up.

If this is the first time you are turning on the tablet, you may be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, or sign into an account. Follow the on-screen prompts one step at a time. You can skip steps that say "optional" if you want to get to the home screen faster.

Common mistakes that prevent tablets from turning on

The most common mistake is tapping the power button instead of holding it. A quick tap will not start the tablet — you must press and hold for at least five seconds. Another mistake is releasing the button too early, before the logo appears. If the screen goes black again after you release, hold the button down again and wait longer.

Pressing other buttons while the tablet is starting up can also cause problems. The volume buttons, home button, or any other button may interrupt the startup process. Once you press the power button, keep your hands away from the tablet until you see the home screen or lock screen.

Restarting a tablet that is frozen or not responding

If your tablet is on but frozen — the screen is not changing and buttons do not work — you can force it to restart. Press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, even though the screen may not respond. The tablet will force shut down, and the screen will go black.

Wait five seconds, then press and hold the power button again to turn it back on. This usually fixes a frozen tablet. If the tablet is still frozen after restarting, it may have a software problem that requires more advanced steps, but a force restart solves the issue in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the power button?

Hold the power button for five to ten seconds. You will know you are holding it long enough when you see the manufacturer's logo appear on the screen. If nothing happens after 15 seconds, your battery is likely dead and you need to charge the tablet first.

My tablet is plugged in but still will not turn on. What do I do?

Wait at least 15 to 20 minutes while plugged in, as a completely drained battery needs time to store charge. Then try the power button again. If it still does not respond, try a different charging cable or outlet to rule out a charging problem. If the tablet has been sitting unused for months, it may take 30 minutes or longer to charge enough to turn on.

Is it bad to hold the power button for longer than 10 seconds?

No, holding the power button longer than 10 seconds will not damage your tablet. If you are unsure whether you held it long enough, holding it for 15 or 20 seconds is safe. The tablet will respond once it has enough power to start, regardless of how long you hold the button.

What if my tablet turns on but the screen is very dim?

The brightness may be set very low, or the screen may be in a power-saving mode. Look for brightness controls in the settings menu, or swipe down from the top of the screen to find a brightness slider. Drag it to the right to increase brightness. If you cannot see the screen at all, try holding the power button for 10 seconds to force restart the tablet.