The quickest way to turn off your Samsung tablet
Press and hold the Power button (usually on the right edge or top of your tablet) for about three seconds. A menu will appear with options including "Power off" or "Shut down." Tap that option, and your tablet will begin shutting down. The screen will go black within a few seconds.
If you see a "Restart" option instead of "Power off," you are holding the button on a model that uses a different menu layout. Keep reading the next section for that variation.
Key Takeaways
- The Power button is usually located on the right edge or top of your Samsung tablet, and holding it for three seconds opens the power menu.
- Some Samsung tablets show "Power off" in the menu, while others show "Shut down"—both commands do the same thing.
- If the power menu does not appear, your tablet may be frozen, and you can force it off by holding the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Restarting your tablet (turning it off and back on) fixes many common problems like slow performance or apps that will not open.
- You can also turn off your tablet through the Settings app if the Power button is not working.
Finding the Power button on different Samsung models
The location of the Power button varies depending on your tablet model. On most newer Samsung Galaxy Tab models, the Power button is on the right edge when you hold the tablet in portrait mode (taller than it is wide). On some older models or certain Tab S versions, it may be on the top edge.
If you are unsure which button is the Power button, look for a small raised button that is slightly different in texture or color from the volume buttons next to it. The volume buttons are usually two separate buttons stacked vertically, while the Power button stands alone. Press it once to wake your tablet if the screen is dark—if the screen lights up, you have found the right button.
What to do if the power menu does not appear
If you hold the Power button for three seconds and nothing happens, your tablet may be frozen or unresponsive. In this case, hold the Power button down for 10 to 15 seconds without letting go. This forces your tablet to shut down, even if it is not responding to normal commands. The screen will go black, and the tablet will power off completely.
After a force shutdown, wait 30 seconds before pressing the Power button again to turn it back on. This gives the tablet time to reset its internal systems. If your tablet frequently freezes or does not respond to the Power button, the battery may be low—plug it into a charger and wait a few minutes before trying again.
Turning off your tablet through Settings
If the Power button is broken or not working, you can shut down your tablet using the Settings app. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the Quick Settings panel, then look for a power icon or menu. On some Samsung tablets, you will see a "Power off" button directly in this panel. Tap it to shut down your tablet.
If the Quick Settings panel does not show a power option, open the Settings app (usually a gear icon on your home screen), scroll down to the bottom, and look for "Shut down" or "Power off." The exact wording depends on your tablet model and Android version, but the option will be near the bottom of the Settings menu. Tap it, and your tablet will power down.
The difference between powering off and restarting
Powering off your tablet completely shuts it down—the screen goes black and nothing runs in the background. Restarting your tablet turns it off and then automatically turns it back on. To restart instead of power off, hold the Power button until the menu appears, then tap "Restart" or "Reboot." Your tablet will shut down and come back on by itself within 30 to 60 seconds.
Restart your tablet when an app is frozen, the screen is not responding, or your tablet is running slowly. Restarting clears temporary files and resets running programs, which often solves these problems without losing any of your data or settings. Power off your tablet when you are not using it for a long time or when you want to save battery life.
Battery and charging after shutdown
When your Samsung tablet is powered off, it uses almost no battery. However, if your tablet has been off for several weeks without charging, the battery may drain completely. If this happens, plug your tablet into a charger and wait 10 to 15 minutes before pressing the Power button—the battery needs time to build up enough charge to turn on.
You will see a charging icon on the screen (usually a battery symbol with a lightning bolt) when your tablet is charging while off. This is normal. Once the battery has some charge, the tablet will turn on automatically or respond to the Power button. If your tablet still will not turn on after 30 minutes of charging, try holding the Power button for 15 seconds to force it to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off my tablet delete my files or settings?
No. Powering off your tablet does not delete anything. All your files, apps, photos, and settings remain exactly as they were when you turn it back on. Turning off a tablet is completely safe and will not cause any data loss.
How long does it take for a Samsung tablet to shut down?
Most Samsung tablets power off within 5 to 10 seconds after you tap "Power off" in the menu. If it takes longer than 20 seconds, the tablet may be frozen. In that case, hold the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force it off.
Can I turn off my tablet while it is charging?
Yes, you can power off your tablet while it is plugged in. The tablet will continue to charge even when it is off. This is useful if you want to charge your tablet overnight without it being on.
What if my Power button is stuck or broken?
Use the Settings app to power off your tablet instead. Open Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Shut down" or "Power off." If the Power button is physically stuck, do not force it—contact Samsung support or visit a repair shop.
Is it bad to leave my tablet on all the time?
Leaving your tablet on continuously drains the battery and can reduce its lifespan over time. It is better to power it off when you are not using it for several hours or overnight. Powering off also gives your tablet a chance to rest and can improve performance.