The basic power-off method for most Samsung devices
To turn off most Samsung phones and tablets, press and hold the Power button (usually on the right side of the device) for about 3 seconds. A menu will appear with options including "Power off" or "Shut down." Tap that option and the device will turn off completely within a few seconds.
The Power button location varies slightly by model. On older Samsung phones it may be on the side; on some tablets it could be on the top or bottom edge. If you're not sure which button is the Power button, look for a button with a power symbol (a circle with a line at the top).
Once you see the power-off menu, you have a choice: tap "Power off" to shut down normally, or "Restart" if you want to turn the device off and back on when ready. A normal shutdown takes 10 to 20 seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds to bring up the power menu on any Samsung phone or tablet.
- The Power button is usually on the right edge of phones and on the top or side of tablets.
- If your device is frozen and won't respond, hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for 10 seconds to force a restart.
- Powering off completely (rather than just locking the screen) closes all apps and uses no battery while the device is off.
What to do if the power menu doesn't appear
If you hold the Power button and nothing happens, your device may be frozen or the battery may be critically low. Try plugging it into a charger for a few minutes, then attempt the power-off sequence again.
If the device still won't respond, use a force restart. On most Samsung phones made in the last five years, press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button together for about 10 seconds. The screen may flash or show the Samsung logo, then the device will restart. This works even if the touchscreen is unresponsive.
On older Samsung models, the force restart combination may be different—some use Power plus Volume Up instead. If you're unsure, check the manual that came with your device or search for your specific model number online.
Difference between powering off and locking the screen
Locking the screen (by pressing the Power button once) and powering off completely are not the same thing. When you lock the screen, the device stays on but the display turns dark. Apps continue running in the background, and the battery slowly drains.
When you power off completely, the device shuts down entirely. No apps are running, no battery is being used, and the device will not receive calls, texts, or notifications until you turn it back on. Power off is useful if you won't be using the device for several hours or longer.
Powering off before traveling or shipping
Before a long flight or if you're shipping your device, power it off completely rather than just locking it. A powered-off device uses no battery and poses no risk of accidentally turning on during transit.
If you're traveling internationally and want to avoid roaming charges, power off the device or enable Airplane Mode (which you can access from the quick settings menu without powering off). Airplane Mode stops all wireless signals but keeps the device on so you can use apps that don't need internet.
What happens to your data when you power off
Powering off your Samsung device does not erase any data. All your photos, contacts, messages, and apps remain exactly as they were. The device straightforward stops running until you press the Power button again to turn it back on.
If you want to erase data before selling or giving away your device, that requires a separate step called a factory reset, which is different from powering off. A straightforward power-off is safe and reversible.
Scheduled power-off and power-on settings
Some Samsung devices include a scheduling feature that lets you set the device to power off and back on automatically at specific times. This is useful if you want the device to turn off overnight without having to remember to do it manually.
To find this feature, go to Settings > Advanced features (or Device care on newer models) and look for "Scheduled power on and off" or "Power scheduling." Not all Samsung models have this feature, so if you don't see it, your device may not support it.
When to call Samsung support
If your device won't power off even after trying a force restart, or if it powers off but won't turn back on, the device may have a hardware problem. Contact Samsung support through their website or visit an authorized service center.
If your device is still under warranty, repair or replacement may be covered at no cost. Have your device's model number and serial number ready when you contact them—you can find both in Settings > About phone (or About tablet).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will powering off my Samsung phone delete my photos or contacts?
No. Powering off straightforward stops the device from running. All your data stays on the device and will be there when you turn it back on. Only a factory reset erases data, and that is a separate action you have to choose deliberately.
How long does it take to power off a Samsung device?
A normal power-off takes 10 to 20 seconds from the moment you tap "Power off" on the menu. If it takes longer than 30 seconds, the device may be frozen and you should try a force restart instead.
Can I power off my Samsung device if the battery is almost dead?
Yes, you can power off even with a very low battery. However, if the battery is completely empty, the device will shut down on its own. Plug it in to charge before trying to power it back on.
What's the difference between power off and restart?
Power off stops the device completely. Restart (or reboot) powers the device off and then when ready turns it back on. Restart is useful when an app is frozen or the device is running slowly. Power off is used when you want the device to stay off.
Is it bad to power off my Samsung phone frequently?
No. Powering off your device regularly does not damage it. In fact, restarting occasionally can help clear temporary files and improve performance. There is no limit to how many times you can power off and on.