What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung Galaxy tablet — all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is different from a restart, which just turns the device off and back on without deleting anything.
You might need a factory reset if the tablet is running slowly, freezing frequently, or behaving erratically after installing an app. A reset also solves most software problems that a restart does not fix. If you are selling or giving away the tablet, a factory reset ensures the next owner does not inherit your personal data.
Before you reset, understand that this action cannot be undone. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, contacts — to cloud storage like Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or OneDrive first. Once you start the reset, those files are gone from the device.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset deletes everything on your tablet and returns it to its original state, so back up your files before you begin.
- You can reset through Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, or through the recovery menu if the tablet will not turn on normally.
- The tablet will ask you to enter your Samsung account password or Google account password before the reset proceeds, as a security measure.
- The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the device, and the tablet will restart several times during this period.
- If you forget your account password, you will need to recover it through Samsung or Google before you can complete the reset.
Reset through Settings on a working tablet
If your tablet turns on and responds normally, the easiest path is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then scroll down and tap General Management. Tap Reset, then select Factory Data Reset.
The tablet will show you a summary of what will be deleted and ask you to confirm. Read this carefully — it lists apps, settings, and data that cannot be recovered. Tap Reset to proceed. You will then be asked to enter your Samsung account password or the Google account password associated with the tablet. This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection, and it prevents someone else from wiping your device and using it without your permission.
After you enter the password, the tablet will restart and begin the reset process. You will see a progress bar on the screen. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during this time. The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is stored on the device. The tablet may restart several times — this is normal.
When the reset is complete, the tablet will boot up as if it were brand new. You will see the initial setup screen asking you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. At this point, the reset is finished.
Reset through recovery mode if the tablet will not start
If your tablet is frozen, will not turn on, or is stuck in a boot loop, you can reset it through the recovery menu without using Settings. This method works even if the tablet is not responding to normal touch commands.
First, power off the tablet completely. If it is frozen and will not respond to the power button, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until it shuts down. Once it is off, hold the Power button and Volume Up button together for several seconds. Keep holding both buttons until you see the Samsung logo or the recovery menu appears on the screen. Release the buttons at that point.
You will see a menu with options in white text. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power button to select it. The tablet will ask you to confirm by selecting Yes — use Volume Down to highlight it and Power to confirm. The reset will then begin, and you will see a progress bar. Do not interrupt this process.
When the reset finishes, you will return to the recovery menu. Select Reboot system now using the same Volume Down and Power button method. The tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen.
What to do if you do not remember your account password
If the tablet asks for your Samsung account or Google account password during the reset and you do not remember it, you cannot proceed without recovering the password first. The tablet will not let you skip this step.
For a Google account, go to accounts.google.com on a computer or another device and click Sign in. Click Forgot password? and follow the steps to verify your identity. Google will ask you to enter a recovery email address or phone number you set up with the account. Once you verify your identity, you can reset your password and use it on the tablet.
For a Samsung account, go to samsungaccount.samsung.com and click Forgot your password? Enter your email address or phone number, and Samsung will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email or text messages for the link and follow it to create a new password.
Once you have recovered your password, return to the tablet and enter it when prompted during the reset process.
After the reset is complete
When your tablet finishes restarting, it will show the setup screen you see on a brand new device. You will need to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to a Google account or Samsung account. This account is required to read apps from the Google Play Store and to use many Samsung features.
If you backed up your files to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or another cloud service before the reset, you can sign in to that service after setup and read your files back to the tablet. Your photos, documents, and other backed-up data will be restored, but apps you had installed will not — you will need to read them again from the Play Store if you want them.
If the tablet was running slowly or freezing before the reset, it should run noticeably faster now. If problems persist after the reset, the issue may be a hardware fault rather than a software problem, and you may need to contact Samsung support or take the tablet to a repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my tablet?
A factory reset will remove most malware because it deletes all apps and data. However, if malware is stored in the tablet's firmware (the core software that runs the device), a factory reset may not remove it. If your tablet continues to behave strangely after a reset, contact Samsung support.
Can I stop a factory reset once it has started?
No. Once the reset process begins, you should not interrupt it by turning off the tablet or removing the battery. Doing so can leave the tablet in an unusable state. Let the process complete, even if it takes longer than expected.
Do I need Wi-Fi to do a factory reset?
You do not need Wi-Fi to start the reset process, but you will need it during the initial setup after the reset is complete. The tablet will ask you to connect to Wi-Fi before you can sign in to your accounts and read apps.
What if my tablet is stuck on the setup screen after the reset?
If the tablet will not move past the language or Wi-Fi selection screen, try restarting it by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If that does not work, you may need to perform another factory reset through recovery mode. If the problem continues, contact Samsung support.
Will resetting my tablet remove my Samsung account from it?
Yes. A factory reset removes all accounts from the tablet. After the reset, you will need to sign in to your Samsung account and Google account again during the setup process.