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 your model. Press and hold it firmly 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 five seconds, keep holding. Some tablets take longer to respond, especially if the battery has been completely drained. The screen may stay black for a few more seconds before the logo shows up.
Once you see the Samsung logo, you can release the button. The tablet will continue starting up on its own. This usually takes another 30 to 60 seconds, depending on how much storage the tablet has and how long it has been off.
Key Takeaways
- The power button is on the edge of your tablet — usually the right side or top — and you press and hold it for three to five seconds.
- The Samsung logo will appear on the screen once the tablet is responding, and you can release the button at that point.
- Full startup takes 30 to 60 seconds after the logo appears, so do not turn it off again when ready.
- If the tablet does not respond after 10 seconds of holding the power button, the battery may be completely empty and needs to charge for 15 to 30 minutes first.
What to do if the tablet does not turn on
If you hold the power button for 10 seconds and nothing happens, the battery is likely completely drained. Plug the tablet into a charger using the USB-C cable that came with it, or any compatible USB-C charger. Let it charge for at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying the power button again.
While charging, you may see a battery icon on the screen or a small light near the charging port. This is normal and means the tablet is receiving power. Do not unplug it during this time.
If the tablet still does not turn on after 30 minutes of charging, try a different charger or a different outlet. Sometimes the outlet itself is the problem, not the tablet or cable.
Locating the power button on different Samsung models
Most Samsung tablets have the power button on the right edge when you hold the tablet in portrait mode (taller than it is wide). On some older models or larger tablets, the power button may be on the top edge instead.
The power button is usually a small, slightly raised button that feels different from the smooth edge around it. It is often the same color as the tablet frame. If you are having trouble finding it, look for a small indent or raised area on the right or top edge.
Volume buttons are nearby but separate — they are usually above or below the power button. Do not confuse them. The power button is the one you need to press and hold to turn the tablet on.
What happens during startup
After you release the power button, the Samsung logo will fill the screen for a few seconds. Then you will see the word "Samsung" or the company name, followed by a loading animation (usually a spinning circle or line).
During this time, the tablet is loading its operating system and checking its storage. This is normal and can take 30 to 60 seconds. Do not press any buttons or unplug the charger during this process.
Once startup is complete, you will see either the lock screen (with the date and time) or a setup screen if this is the first time you are turning on the tablet. If you see the lock screen, the tablet is fully on and ready to use.
Turning on the tablet for the first time
If this is a brand-new tablet or one that has been reset, you will see a setup screen after startup completes. This screen will ask you to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account.
You do not have to complete the setup when ready. You can skip steps by tapping "Skip" or "Not now" on most screens. However, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with an account before you can read apps or use many features.
If you get stuck on the setup screen, look for a "Skip" button at the bottom or top of the screen. Tapping it will move you to the next step without filling in that particular field.
Common mistakes that prevent startup
Pressing the power button too quickly and releasing it will not turn on the tablet — you must hold it down for at least three seconds. If you tap it like a light switch, nothing will happen.
Pressing the volume buttons instead of the power button is another common mistake. The volume buttons are separate and will only change the volume if the tablet is already on. Make sure you are pressing the correct button on the right or top edge.
Trying to turn on a completely dead tablet without charging it first will not work. If the battery is completely empty, the tablet needs 15 to 30 minutes of charging before it will respond to the power button.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Samsung tablet to turn on?
The Samsung logo appears within three to five seconds of pressing the power button. Full startup, including loading the operating system, takes another 30 to 60 seconds. If it takes longer than two minutes, something may be wrong — try turning it off and on again.
Can I turn on my Samsung tablet without a charger?
If the battery has any charge left, yes. If the battery is completely empty, the tablet will not respond to the power button until it has charged for 15 to 30 minutes. You cannot turn it on without power.
What if my tablet turns on but the screen stays black?
A black screen during startup is normal for the first 10 to 20 seconds. If the screen stays black for more than two minutes, try holding the power button for 10 seconds to force it off, then turn it on again. If this does not work, the tablet may need to charge longer.
Is it bad to turn off my Samsung tablet right after turning it on?
It is not harmful, but it is not necessary. Let the tablet finish starting up so you can see the lock screen or home screen. If you turn it off during the startup animation, it will just take the same amount of time to start up again the next time.
Why does my tablet vibrate when I press the power button?
The vibration is feedback from the tablet letting you know it received your command. This is normal and means the power button is working correctly. The tablet will continue vibrating as it starts up if vibration feedback is turned on in settings.