Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up
The power button on an Android tablet is usually on the right edge or top edge of the device. Press and hold it for about three to five seconds. You will see the manufacturer's logo appear on the screen — this means the tablet is starting up.
Keep holding the button until you see the lock screen or a welcome message. On some tablets, you may see a vibration or feel the device respond before the screen turns on. This is normal. Once the screen is lit, you can release the button.
If nothing happens after ten seconds of holding the power button, the battery may be completely drained. Plug the tablet into a charger using the USB cable that came with it, wait two to three minutes, and try again.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is located on the right or top edge of most Android tablets and must be held for three to five seconds.
- You will see the manufacturer's logo on the screen when the tablet begins to start up.
- If the screen does not respond, the battery may be empty — plug in the charger and wait a few minutes before trying again.
- After the tablet turns on, you may need to unlock it by swiping the screen or entering a PIN or password.
- The first startup can take longer than usual because the tablet is loading its system for the first time.
What to expect during the first startup
The first time you turn on a new Android tablet, the startup process takes longer than usual — sometimes two to five minutes. The screen may go black, show the logo again, or display a loading animation. This is expected and you should not turn it off during this time.
Once the tablet finishes loading, you will see a welcome screen or setup wizard. This screen will ask you to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. You can skip some of these steps, but you will need Wi-Fi to read updates and access the Google Play Store later.
Unlock the tablet after it turns on
After the startup is complete, the tablet will show a lock screen. This screen displays the time, date, and sometimes a background image. To unlock it, swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen, or swipe left or right depending on your tablet model.
Some tablets ask for a PIN, password, or fingerprint before you can use them. If you set one up during setup, enter it now. If you do not remember your PIN or password, you can use your Google account to unlock the tablet — the screen will offer this option after a few failed attempts.
Charge the tablet if the battery is low
If your tablet does not turn on at all, the battery is likely empty. Use the USB charging cable that came with your tablet and plug it into a wall outlet or computer. The charging port is usually at the bottom or side of the device.
You may see a charging icon on the screen — a lightning bolt or battery symbol. Leave the tablet plugged in for at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again. Some tablets show a red light or message when the battery is critically low, and they need more time to charge before they will start.
Restart the tablet if it is frozen or not responding
If your tablet turns on but the screen is frozen or not responding to touches, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds. This forces the tablet to shut down completely. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
This restart usually fixes minor problems like a frozen app or a slow response. If the tablet still does not work after restarting, try charging it for a full hour and restarting again. If it remains unresponsive, contact the manufacturer's support team — the model number is usually printed on the back of the tablet.
Check the power button location on your specific model
The power button location varies slightly between tablet brands and models. On Samsung tablets, it is usually on the right edge. On iPad-style tablets or some Lenovo models, it may be on the top edge. Look for a small button that is slightly raised or a different color than the rest of the edge.
If you cannot find the power button, check the manual that came with your tablet or search online for "[your tablet model] power button location." The manual will have a diagram showing exactly where it is. You can also find this information on the manufacturer's website by entering your tablet's model number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an Android tablet to turn on?
A normal startup takes 30 seconds to two minutes. The first time you turn on a new tablet, it can take three to five minutes because it is loading the system for the first time. If it takes longer than ten minutes, the battery may be too low or there may be a hardware problem.
What if I see a black screen with a logo and nothing else?
The tablet is still starting up. Wait at least two minutes without touching it. If the screen does not change after five minutes, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force it to shut down, then turn it on again.
Can I turn on my tablet while it is charging?
Yes. You can turn on your tablet while it is plugged in. In fact, if the battery is completely empty, you may need to charge it for a few minutes before it will turn on at all.
What does the vibration mean when I press the power button?
The vibration tells you that the tablet received your button press. It is a normal response and means the power button is working. The tablet will continue to start up and the screen will light up within a few seconds.
Is it bad to hold the power button for too long?
Holding it for three to five seconds is fine and normal. If you hold it for more than 15 seconds, the tablet will force shut down, which is safe but not necessary for a normal startup. For a regular power-on, release the button as soon as you see the logo.