Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears
The power button on a Samsung Galaxy tablet is usually on the right edge or top edge, depending on your 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 nothing happens after ten seconds of holding the button, your tablet may have no battery charge. Plug it into a charger using the USB-C cable that came with it, wait a few minutes, and try again. Some tablets take a moment to respond if they have been off for a long time.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is located on the right or top edge of your tablet, depending on the model year.
- Press and hold the power button for three to five seconds until you see the Samsung logo.
- If the tablet does not respond, charge it for at least ten minutes before trying again.
- Once the startup animation finishes, you may be asked to set up your device or enter your PIN or password.
- If the tablet still will not turn on after charging, try a force restart by holding the power button and volume down button together for ten seconds.
What to do if the screen stays black
A black screen after pressing the power button usually means the battery is completely drained. Connect your tablet to a charger and leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 20 minutes before trying to turn it on again. Use the original Samsung charger or a certified USB-C charger to avoid damage.
If the screen remains black after charging, try a force restart. Hold down the power button and the volume down button at the same time for about ten seconds. Release both buttons and wait for the Samsung logo to appear. This works even when the tablet seems completely unresponsive.
Setting up your tablet after the first startup
When your tablet turns on for the first time, or after a factory reset, you will see a setup screen. You will be asked to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. This account lets you read apps and access your files across Samsung devices.
You may also be asked to set up a PIN, password, or biometric security like a fingerprint or face recognition. These steps are optional but recommended to protect your data. If you skip them during setup, you can add security later in the Settings app under "Security and privacy."
Charging your tablet before first use
New Samsung Galaxy tablets ship with a partial charge. It is a good idea to charge it fully before using it for the first time. Plug the USB-C cable into the tablet and into a wall outlet or computer. A charging icon will appear on the screen showing the battery percentage.
Charging usually takes one to three hours depending on the model and charger. You can use the tablet while it charges, though it will charge faster if you leave it alone. Once the battery reaches 100 percent, you can unplug it and use it normally.
What the startup screen tells you
During startup, you may see several screens in order: the Samsung logo, the Android operating system name, and then the lock screen or setup wizard. This is normal and means the tablet is working correctly. The entire process usually takes one to two minutes.
If the tablet gets stuck on the Samsung logo for more than five minutes, turn it off by holding the power button for ten seconds, then try a force restart using the power and volume down buttons together.
Turning on your tablet after it has been off for a while
If your tablet has been powered off for weeks or months, the battery may be completely empty. Charge it for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on. Once you see the charging icon appear, you can try pressing the power button to start up.
After a long period of storage, the startup may take longer than usual. Be patient and let the tablet complete its boot sequence without interrupting it. If it still will not turn on after an hour of charging, the battery may need replacement, and you should contact Samsung support or visit a service center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my tablet is actually charging?
When you plug in the charger, a lightning bolt icon or charging symbol will appear on the screen, usually in the top right corner or center. If the tablet is off, you may see just the battery icon with a charging indicator. The screen may also show a percentage that increases over time.
What if my tablet turns on but the screen is very dim?
The brightness may be set very low. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings panel and look for a brightness slider. Move it to the right to increase brightness. If you cannot see the slider, your tablet may be in low-power mode, which you can turn off in the same panel.
Can I turn on my tablet without a charger?
Only if the battery has some charge left. If the battery is completely empty, you must charge it first. There is no way to power on a tablet with zero battery without connecting it to a charger.
Why does my tablet show a red light instead of turning on?
A red light usually means the battery is critically low. Plug the tablet in and wait at least 15 minutes before trying to turn it on. The red light should change to green or disappear once the battery has enough charge to boot up.
Is it normal for the tablet to be warm when I first turn it on?
Slight warmth is normal during startup, especially if the battery was very low. However, if the tablet becomes too hot to hold, turn it off when ready and let it cool down. Unplug the charger and wait 30 minutes before trying again. Excessive heat during startup may indicate a problem.