Find your Samsung tablet model using the settings menu
The fastest way to identify your Samsung tablet is to open Settings, then tap About tablet (or About device). The model name appears near the top — it will say something like Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab A8, or Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Write down the exact name you see, including any letters or numbers after it.
If you cannot find the About section, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full notification panel, then tap the gear icon for Settings. On some older Samsung tablets, you may need to go to Settings > System > About tablet instead.
The model number (a code like SM-T220 or SM-X700) also appears in this same menu. This number is useful if you are looking up repair parts or checking compatibility with accessories, because the same tablet sometimes sells under different names in different countries.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings and tap About tablet to see your exact model name and number in seconds.
- The model name tells you the tablet line (Tab S, Tab A, Tab S6 Lite) and the generation number, which matters for software updates and app support.
- The model number (starting with SM-) is what you need when ordering replacement parts or checking if an accessory fits your specific tablet.
- If Settings does not show the information clearly, check the back of the tablet or the original box, where Samsung prints the model number.
Check the physical tablet and original packaging
If your tablet will not turn on or you cannot access Settings, look at the back of the device. Samsung prints the model number in small text near the bottom or along the edge. The model number starts with SM- followed by letters and numbers. Take a photo of it if the text is hard to read.
The original box also lists the model name on the front and the model number on the back or side. If you still have the box, this is often the clearest place to find the information. The receipt or invoice from where you bought it will also show the model name.
Understand what the model name tells you
Samsung tablet names follow a pattern that tells you what generation and size you have. Galaxy Tab S is the premium line with the best screen and performance. Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a mid-range option with good battery life. Galaxy Tab A is the budget line, and Galaxy Tab Active is built for outdoor or rugged use.
The number after the line name (like the 9 in Tab S9) tells you the generation — higher numbers are newer. The screen size in inches usually appears somewhere in the product name or specifications. Knowing your line and generation matters because it determines which Android version your tablet can receive, how long Samsung will send security updates, and whether new apps will run on it.
Use Samsung's official support site to confirm
Once you have the model name or number, visit samsung.com/us/support (or your country's Samsung support site) and enter it in the search box. Samsung will show you the exact specifications, the current software version available for your tablet, and links to the user manual. This is the most reliable way to confirm you have the right model, especially if you are checking compatibility with a case, screen protector, or charging cable.
The support page also shows you the original release date and the last date Samsung sent updates to that model. This information helps you understand how much longer your tablet will receive security patches and whether it is worth repairing if something breaks.
Distinguish between Wi-Fi and cellular versions
Some Samsung tablets come in two versions: Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi plus cellular (LTE or 5G). The model number usually includes a letter that tells you which one you have. For example, SM-T220 might be Wi-Fi only, while SM-T225 is the cellular version of the same tablet.
You can also check by opening Settings and looking for a Mobile networks or SIM card section. If that section exists and shows a SIM slot, you have the cellular version. If it does not appear, you have the Wi-Fi-only model. This matters if you are buying a case or dock, because some accessories are made specifically for one version or the other.
Find the exact screen size and storage capacity
The Settings menu shows you the storage amount (usually 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB) under Storage or About tablet. The screen size is not always listed in Settings, but you can find it on the Samsung support page or the original box. Common Samsung tablet screen sizes are 8 inches, 10.1 inches, 11 inches, and 12.4 inches.
Knowing the exact storage and screen size is important when you are buying a replacement charger, case, or screen protector, because these accessories are often sized for specific models. A case made for the 10.1-inch Tab A will not fit the 8-inch Tab A, even though they have the same model line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the model number printed on a Samsung tablet?
The model number (starting with SM-) is printed on the back of the tablet, usually near the bottom or along the edge in small text. It is also listed in Settings under About tablet, on the original box, and on your receipt or invoice from the store.
What is the difference between the model name and the model number?
The model name is what Samsung calls the tablet publicly — like Galaxy Tab S9 or Galaxy Tab A8. The model number is a code like SM-T820 that Samsung uses internally. Both identify your tablet, but the model number is more precise and is what you need when ordering parts or checking technical specifications.
How do I know if my Samsung tablet will get Android updates?
Visit samsung.com/us/support, enter your model number, and look at the software section. Samsung lists the current Android version and usually shows how long that model will receive updates. Newer Tab S models typically get updates for three to four years, while Tab A models get two to three years.
Can I tell if my tablet is Wi-Fi or cellular just by looking at it?
Not always from the outside. Check Settings for a Mobile networks or SIM card section — if it exists, you have cellular. You can also look at the model number; cellular versions usually have a different letter at the end than Wi-Fi-only versions. The original box and receipt will also state which version you bought.
What should I do if my tablet is too old to show model information in Settings?
Check the back of the device for the printed model number, look at the original box or receipt, or contact Samsung support with the serial number (also printed on the back). You can also describe the tablet's appearance and approximate age to a Samsung retailer, and they can often identify it for you.