Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears
The power button on a Samsung tablet is usually on the right edge or top edge, depending on the model. Press and hold it for about three to five seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, followed by the startup animation.
If your tablet has been completely off for a while, the startup process may take 30 seconds to a minute. Let it finish on its own — do not press the power button again during this time. The screen may go black briefly between the logo and the home screen; this is normal.
If nothing happens after holding the button for ten seconds, your tablet may have a dead battery. Plug it into a charger using the USB-C or micro-USB cable that came with it, wait a few minutes, and try again.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is on the edge of your tablet, usually the right or top side, and you hold it down for three to five seconds to turn it on.
- The Samsung logo will appear first, followed by the startup animation, which can take up to a minute on the first boot.
- If the screen stays black after ten seconds of holding the power button, your battery may be empty and you should charge the tablet first.
- Once the tablet finishes starting up, you may be asked to set up your Samsung account, language, and Wi-Fi connection.
What happens after the Samsung logo appears
After the logo fades, you will see either a setup screen or your home screen. If this is the first time you are turning on the tablet, you will go through a setup process. This includes choosing your language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and signing in with a Samsung account or Google account.
If the tablet has been set up before, it will go straight to the lock screen. Swipe up from the bottom or press the power button once to wake it, then enter your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint if you have one set.
The entire startup sequence from power button press to usable home screen typically takes between one and two minutes on a first boot. Subsequent startups are usually faster, taking 30 to 45 seconds.
Charging before you turn it on
Samsung tablets ship with some battery charge, but not always enough to start up reliably. If the screen stays completely black and does not respond to the power button, plug the tablet into power using the cable and adapter that came in the box.
Let it charge for at least 15 to 20 minutes before trying to turn it on again. A low-battery icon or charging animation may appear on the screen once enough power has built up. After that, press and hold the power button as described above.
If you see a red light or a battery icon with a charging symbol, the tablet is receiving power and building up enough charge to start. Wait another 10 minutes and try the power button again.
If the tablet is frozen or stuck on the startup screen
Sometimes a tablet gets stuck showing the Samsung logo or a loading screen. If this happens, press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force the tablet to shut down, then wait a few seconds and press the power button again to restart it.
If the tablet is still stuck after a second restart, try charging it for 30 minutes and then restarting again. Occasionally a low battery can cause the startup process to stall or freeze partway through.
If the tablet remains stuck after charging and restarting twice, the issue may be more serious and the device may need professional service.
Finding the power button on different Samsung models
On most recent Samsung tablets like the Galaxy Tab S series, the power button is on the right edge when you hold the tablet in portrait mode (tall). On older models or some budget tablets, it may be on the top edge instead.
The power button is usually a small, slightly raised rectangle that feels different from the rest of the edge. If you are unsure which button it is, look for the volume buttons nearby — the power button is typically separate from those and positioned slightly higher or lower.
You can also check your tablet's manual or the Samsung support website for your specific model number to see exactly where the power button is located.
What to do if your tablet won't respond to the power button
If you have held the power button for 15 seconds and nothing happens, the battery is likely completely drained. This is the most common reason a tablet will not respond. Plug it in and wait at least 20 minutes before trying again.
If the tablet still does not respond after charging, try a different charger or cable if you have one available. Sometimes the cable or charging port can fail, preventing the battery from charging even though the tablet itself is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the power button?
Hold it for three to five seconds. You will feel a slight vibration or see the screen light up before the Samsung logo appears. If nothing happens after ten seconds, release the button and try again after checking that the tablet is charged.
What if my tablet turns on but gets stuck on a black screen?
Force it to shut down by holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, then turn it back on. If it stays black after a second restart, charge it for 30 minutes and try once more. If the screen remains black after that, the tablet may need service.
Do I need to set up Wi-Fi the first time I turn it on?
You will be asked to connect to Wi-Fi during the first startup, but you can skip this step and do it later. However, connecting during setup makes it easier to sign in with your Samsung or Google account, which unlocks more features.
Can I turn on my tablet without a charger nearby?
Yes, if the battery has any charge left. Press and hold the power button. If the battery is completely empty, you will need to charge it for at least 15 minutes before it will respond to the power button.
Why is my tablet taking so long to start up?
First-time startups take longer because the tablet is running setup and installing system updates. Subsequent startups are faster. If a tablet that normally starts in 30 seconds suddenly takes several minutes, it may be running a background update or the battery may be low.