Use the charging cable to wake your Samsung tablet
If your Samsung tablet's power button is broken or unresponsive, the fastest way to turn it on is to plug it into a charger. When you connect the charging cable, the tablet will power on automatically if the battery has any charge left. This works on nearly all Samsung tablet models because the charging port has a built-in wake function.
Plug the USB-C or micro-USB cable (depending on your model) into the tablet and into a wall adapter or computer. Within a few seconds, you should see the Samsung logo appear on the screen. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, your battery may be completely drained — leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 20 minutes, then try again.
Key Takeaways
- Connecting a charger to your Samsung tablet will power it on automatically without using the power button.
- If the tablet does not respond after charging for 20 minutes, try a force restart by holding Volume Down and plugging in the charger at the same time.
- Some Samsung tablets respond to tapping the screen or using the volume buttons to wake, though this varies by model.
- If none of these methods work, the tablet may have a hardware problem that requires professional repair or a visit to a Samsung service center.
Try a force restart with the volume button
If plugging in the charger alone does not turn on your tablet, attempt a force restart. This method works on most Samsung tablets and bypasses the power button entirely. Hold down the Volume Down button and simultaneously plug the charging cable into the tablet. Keep holding Volume Down for 10 to 15 seconds even after you see the Samsung logo.
The tablet may show a boot menu or recovery screen. If you see this, release the Volume Down button. The tablet should then complete its startup sequence. If you see the Samsung logo but the screen goes black again, the tablet is restarting — wait another 30 seconds for it to fully load.
Wake the tablet by tapping or using volume controls
Some Samsung tablet models will respond to a tap on the screen or a press of the Volume Up button if the device is in sleep mode rather than completely powered off. Try tapping the center of the screen firmly several times, or press the Volume Up button once. This works only if the tablet is already on but the screen is locked or dark.
This method is less reliable than charging or force restart, and it depends on your specific tablet model and whether the tablet's software supports it. If the tablet is truly powered off, tapping and volume presses will not work — you will need to use one of the charging methods instead.
Check whether your tablet is actually powered off
Before assuming the power button is broken, confirm that your tablet is truly off and not just in a deep sleep state. Connect it to a charger and wait 30 seconds. If the screen remains completely black and shows no signs of life, the battery is likely dead. If you see any light, vibration, or logo appear, the tablet is responding and may just need more charging time.
A tablet with a completely dead battery can take 30 minutes to an hour of charging before it has enough power to display anything on screen. Leave it plugged in and check every 15 minutes. Do not assume the tablet is broken if it shows no response in the first few minutes of charging.
Use Samsung Find Mobile to locate and power on your tablet remotely
If your tablet is connected to a Samsung account and has internet access through Wi-Fi, you may be able to use Samsung Find Mobile (also called SmartThings Find on newer devices) to locate it or send a command. Go to findmobile.samsung.com on a computer or another device, sign in with your Samsung account, and look for your tablet in the list of registered devices.
This method works only if your tablet was previously set up with a Samsung account and has Wi-Fi enabled. It will not turn on a completely powered-off tablet, but it can help you locate it or send a notification that may wake the screen. If your tablet is not registered to a Samsung account, this option will not be available.
What to do if nothing works
If the tablet does not respond to charging, force restart, or any other method, the power button failure may be part of a larger hardware problem. The battery could be damaged, the charging port could be faulty, or there could be an internal issue preventing the device from starting. At this point, professional repair is the next step.
Contact Samsung Support through their website or visit an authorized Samsung service center. Bring your tablet and any proof of purchase. Explain that the power button is not working and that you have already tried charging and force restart. A technician can diagnose whether the issue is the button itself, the battery, or something else, and can discuss repair or replacement options with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I charge my Samsung tablet before it turns on?
A completely dead tablet may need 15 to 30 minutes of charging before the screen shows any response. If you see the Samsung logo or any light within the first minute, the tablet is responding. If nothing appears after 30 minutes of charging, try the force restart method with Volume Down held while plugged in.
Will the force restart method erase my data?
No. A force restart (holding Volume Down while powering on) straightforward reboots the tablet and does not delete any files or settings. It is safe to try and will not harm your data or apps.
Can I use any charger to turn on my Samsung tablet?
Yes, any charger with the correct port (USB-C or micro-USB, depending on your model) will work. The tablet will power on when connected to any compatible charger, whether it is the original Samsung charger or a third-party one.
What if my tablet powers on but the power button still does not work?
You can continue to use the tablet and turn it on by charging it each time. However, you will not be able to power it off using the button. You can shut down the tablet through Settings (usually Settings > Power Off or Shut Down) instead. Consider having the power button repaired if you plan to keep the tablet long-term.