Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears

The power button on a Samsung phone is usually on the right side of the device, roughly halfway down. Press it and hold it down — do not just tap it. After a few seconds, you will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, often with a loading animation beneath it.

Keep holding the button until the lock screen appears. This typically takes between 5 and 10 seconds. Once you see the lock screen with the time and date, you can release the button. Your phone is now on.

If nothing happens after 15 seconds of holding the power button, your phone's battery may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger using the USB cable that came with your phone, wait a few minutes, and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is on the right side of most Samsung phones, about halfway down the edge.
  • Press and hold the power button for 5 to 10 seconds until the Samsung logo appears on screen.
  • If the phone does not respond, the battery may be empty — plug it in and wait before trying again.
  • Once the lock screen appears, your phone is fully on and ready to unlock.

Where to find the power button on different Samsung models

On most Samsung Galaxy phones, the power button sits on the right edge of the device. On some older models or tablets, it may be on the left side instead. If you are unsure, look for a small raised button on either the left or right edge, roughly in the middle height of the phone.

Samsung tablets like the Galaxy Tab series also have a power button on the right edge, positioned similarly to phones. The button feels slightly raised compared to the smooth edge around it, making it straightforward to locate by touch.

What to do if your phone does not turn on

If you hold the power button for 15 seconds and nothing happens, your battery is likely empty. Connect your phone to a charger using the original USB cable or a compatible third-party charger. Leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again. Some phones take time to accumulate enough charge to power on.

If the phone still does not respond after charging for 30 minutes, try a different charger or charging cable if you have one available. A damaged cable can prevent the phone from charging properly. If you have access to another Samsung phone, you can also try using its charger to rule out a cable problem.

If the phone remains unresponsive after trying multiple chargers, the battery or internal hardware may be damaged. Contact Samsung support or visit a service center for diagnosis.

The difference between powering on and unlocking

Turning on your phone and unlocking it are two separate steps. When you press the power button and see the lock screen appear, your phone is on. The lock screen shows the time, date, and sometimes notifications, but you cannot access your apps or home screen yet.

To unlock the phone, you will need to swipe up from the bottom of the lock screen, enter your PIN or password, use your fingerprint, or use facial recognition — depending on which unlock method you set up. Once unlocked, you will see your home screen and can open apps.

Restarting your phone if it freezes or runs slowly

If your Samsung phone is on but frozen or not responding, you can restart it by holding the power button for 10 seconds. The phone will vibrate and the screen will go black. Release the button and wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This is called a force restart and often fixes temporary problems.

A force restart is safe to do — it does not delete any of your photos, messages, or apps. It straightforward closes all running programs and starts fresh. If your phone freezes regularly, it may have a software problem that requires a factory reset or a visit to a service center.

Using Samsung's emergency shutdown feature

Some newer Samsung phones have an emergency shutdown option that appears when you hold the power button. You will see a menu with options like "Power off", "Emergency SOS", and "Restart". If you see this menu, tap "Power off" to turn off the phone completely. To turn it back on, press the power button again.

This menu is different from the older Samsung phones, which straightforward turn off when you hold the power button. Both methods work the same way — the phone shuts down and you press the power button again to turn it back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the power button to turn on my Samsung phone?

Hold the power button for 5 to 10 seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen. If nothing happens after 15 seconds, release the button and check that your phone is charged.

What if my Samsung phone is stuck on the Samsung logo screen?

If the logo stays on screen for more than a minute without the lock screen appearing, do a force restart. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, then press it again to turn the phone back on. If the logo screen returns, the phone may have a software problem and should be taken to a service center.

Can I turn on my Samsung phone without the power button?

No, the power button is the only way to turn on a Samsung phone from a completely powered-off state. You cannot turn it on using the volume buttons, home button, or any other method. If the power button is broken, you will need to have it repaired at a Samsung service center.

Does it matter if I press the power button quickly or hold it down?

Yes. A quick tap or press will not turn on the phone. You must hold the power button down continuously for several seconds. If you tap it and release too quickly, nothing will happen.

Why does my Samsung phone take so long to turn on?

New Samsung phones typically take 30 seconds to a minute to fully boot up and show the lock screen. Older phones or phones with many apps installed may take longer. If your phone takes more than two minutes, it may be having a problem and a force restart may help.