Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears
To turn on your Galaxy tablet, locate the power button on the right edge of the device (or the top edge on some models). Press and hold it for about three seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, followed by the startup animation.
The tablet may take 30 to 60 seconds to fully boot up, depending on the model and how long it has been off. During this time, you may see the lock screen or a setup screen if the tablet is starting for the first time. Do not release the power button before the logo appears — if you release too early, the tablet will not start.
If the screen remains black after holding the power button for 10 seconds, the battery may be completely drained. Plug the tablet into a charger using the USB-C cable that came with it, wait two to three minutes, and try again.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is on the right or top edge of the tablet, depending on your model.
- Press and hold the power button for three seconds until the Samsung logo appears on screen.
- The tablet takes 30 to 60 seconds to fully start up after the logo shows.
- If the screen stays black, charge the tablet for a few minutes and try again.
- Do not release the power button before the Samsung logo appears, or the startup will not begin.
What to do if the tablet does not respond
If you hold the power button for 10 seconds and nothing happens, the battery is likely empty. Connect the tablet to a power outlet using the USB-C charging cable. A charging icon (usually a lightning bolt or battery symbol) should appear within 30 seconds. Let it charge for at least 15 minutes before trying to turn it on again.
If the tablet still does not respond after charging, try a force restart. Press and hold the power button and the volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds. Release both buttons when you see the Samsung logo. This works even when the tablet appears completely unresponsive.
Understanding the startup screens you may see
On your first startup, the tablet will show a welcome screen with language and region options. Select your language and tap Next to continue. You will then be asked to connect to a Wi-Fi network — this is required to complete the setup.
If you have a Samsung account, you can sign in during setup to restore your apps and settings from a previous tablet. If you do not have an account, you can skip this step and create one later in the Settings app. After setup is complete, you will reach the home screen with your apps and widgets.
If the tablet has been used before and you are not the original owner, it may ask for the previous owner's Samsung account password. This is a security feature called Reactivation Lock. You will need that password to proceed, or you can contact the previous owner to remove the account from the device.
Charging your tablet before the first startup
Galaxy tablets ship with a partial charge, but it is a good idea to plug in your tablet for 30 minutes before turning it on for the first time. This ensures the battery has enough power to complete the full startup and setup process without shutting down partway through.
Use only the USB-C cable and power adapter that came in the box, or a certified replacement. Charging typically takes two to three hours for a full battery from empty, though you only need 15 to 20 minutes to have enough power to turn on the tablet and begin setup.
Locating the power button on different Galaxy tablet models
On most recent Galaxy Tab models (Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, and newer), the power button is on the right edge of the tablet when held in portrait orientation. On older models like the Tab A series, the power button may be on the top edge. The button is usually a small, raised rectangle that is slightly darker than the surrounding frame.
If you are unsure which edge has the power button, look for a small indentation or raised area on the sides of the tablet. The power button is always on the frame itself, never on the screen. You can also check the quick-start guide that came with your tablet — it will show the exact location for your specific model.
What happens after the tablet fully starts up
Once the startup animation finishes, you will see the lock screen. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to unlock the tablet, or enter your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint if you set one up during a previous use. After unlocking, you will see the home screen with your apps, widgets, and any folders you created.
If this is your first time using the tablet, the home screen will be mostly empty. You can read apps from the Google Play Store, which is already installed on all Galaxy tablets. Tap the Play Store icon to browse and read apps for reading, email, games, productivity, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Galaxy tablet to turn on?
The Samsung logo usually appears within three seconds of pressing the power button. The full startup, including loading the home screen, takes 30 to 60 seconds depending on the model and how long the tablet has been off. If it takes longer than two minutes, try a force restart by holding the power and volume down buttons together.
Can I turn on my Galaxy tablet without a charger if the battery is dead?
No. If the battery is completely empty, you must charge the tablet for at least 15 minutes before it will respond to the power button. Plug it in and wait before trying again. A completely drained battery may take longer to show any sign of life.
What if my tablet is stuck on the Samsung logo?
If the Samsung logo appears but the tablet does not progress to the home screen after two minutes, perform a force restart. Hold the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds, then release. If this does not work, charge the tablet for 30 minutes and try again.
Do I need Wi-Fi to turn on my Galaxy tablet for the first time?
You will be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi during the initial setup, but you can skip this step if needed. However, connecting to Wi-Fi allows you to sign in to your Samsung account and restore apps and settings. Without Wi-Fi, setup will take longer and you will have fewer options.
Is it normal for the tablet to get warm during startup?
A slight warmth during startup is normal, especially if the tablet has been off for a long time. However, if the tablet becomes too hot to hold, turn it off when ready and let it cool for 15 minutes. Excessive heat during startup may indicate a battery or hardware issue.