Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears
The power button on a Samsung Galaxy tablet is located on the right edge of the device, usually about halfway down. Press and hold it for three to five seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, followed by the startup animation.
If your tablet has been off for a while or the battery is completely drained, it may take a few extra seconds for the logo to show. Keep holding the button until you see movement on the screen — do not release it early. The tablet is working even if the screen stays black for the first two or three seconds.
Once the startup animation finishes, your tablet will either show the lock screen or ask you to set it up if it is brand new. If you see either of these, the tablet has turned on successfully and is ready to use or configure.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is on the right edge of the tablet, roughly in the middle of that edge, and you press and hold it for three to five seconds.
- The Samsung logo will appear on screen when the tablet is starting up, even if the screen was black at first.
- A new tablet will ask you to set up your Google account and choose your language and Wi-Fi network after the logo appears.
- If nothing happens after ten seconds of holding the button, your battery is empty and the tablet needs to charge for at least 15 minutes before trying again.
- You can turn on your tablet while it is charging, and you do not need Wi-Fi to power it on, though you will need Wi-Fi to complete the initial setup.
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 completely drained. Plug the tablet into its charger using the USB-C cable that came with it, or a compatible USB-C cable. Let it charge for at least 15 minutes before trying to turn it on again.
While charging, you may see a battery icon on the screen or a small light indicator on the tablet itself. This means power is reaching the device. Some tablets show a charging animation even when they are off. Once you have waited 15 minutes, press and hold the power button again using the same three-to-five-second hold.
If the tablet still does not respond after charging, try a different power outlet or charger to rule out a faulty cable. If you have access to another Samsung tablet charger, test with that as well. A tablet that will not respond after 30 minutes of charging may have a hardware issue.
Setting up a new Samsung Galaxy tablet
After the tablet turns on for the first time, you will see a setup screen. The tablet will ask you to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. You can use an existing Google account or create a new one during this process.
The setup usually takes five to ten minutes. You can skip some steps and complete them later, but you will need a Google account to use most tablet features like the Play Store and cloud backup. Once setup is complete, you will reach the home screen with your apps and widgets.
If you skip Wi-Fi during setup, you can connect to it later by going to Settings and selecting your network. The tablet will remember your choice and reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on.
Restarting a tablet that is already on
If your tablet is already on but frozen or not responding, you can restart it by pressing and holding the power button for ten seconds. A menu will appear with options to power off or restart. Tap "Restart" to turn it off and back on automatically.
If the menu does not appear after ten seconds, keep holding the button for another five seconds. Some tablets require a longer hold to show the power menu. Once the menu appears, tap the restart option and wait for the tablet to shut down and start back up on its own.
Charging your tablet before first use
Samsung recommends charging a new tablet for at least two hours before turning it on for the first time, though this is not required. A partially charged tablet will turn on, but you will get more time to complete setup if the battery is fuller.
Use the USB-C cable and power adapter that came in the box. If you use a third-party charger, make sure it is rated for at least 5 watts to charge at normal speed. Chargers rated lower than 5 watts will charge very slowly or may not charge at all while the tablet is in use.
Understanding the startup sequence
When you first press the power button, the screen may stay black for two to three seconds before the Samsung logo appears. This is normal and does not mean the tablet is broken. The tablet is initializing its hardware during this time.
After the logo appears, you will see an animation that may include the word "Samsung" or a loading indicator. This animation typically lasts five to ten seconds. Do not interrupt this process by pressing buttons or touching the screen. Once the animation ends, the lock screen or setup screen will appear, and your tablet is fully powered on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the power button on a Samsung Galaxy tablet?
The power button is on the right edge of the tablet when you are holding it in portrait mode (tall). It is usually positioned about halfway down that edge. On some models it may be slightly higher or lower, but it is always on the right side.
How long should I hold the power button?
Hold it for three to five seconds until you see the Samsung logo. If nothing happens after ten seconds, release and try again after charging the tablet for 15 minutes.
What if my tablet is stuck on the Samsung logo?
This usually means the tablet is still starting up. Wait for one to two minutes without touching the screen. If the logo stays frozen after two minutes, press and hold the power button for ten seconds to force it to shut down, then turn it back on.
Can I turn on my tablet while it is charging?
Yes. You can turn on your tablet at any time, even while it is plugged in. There is no need to wait for it to finish charging first.
Do I need Wi-Fi to turn on a new Samsung Galaxy tablet?
You do not need Wi-Fi to turn on the tablet itself, but you will need it during setup to sign in with a Google account. If you do not have Wi-Fi available, you can skip that step and connect later through the Settings menu.