What a reset does and which type you need

A reset clears data and settings from your Samsung Galaxy Tab A and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. There are two kinds: a soft reset (also called a restart) straightforward powers the device off and back on, which fixes freezing and slow performance without erasing anything. A factory reset erases all your photos, videos, apps, messages, and settings, so use it only when you plan to sell the tablet, give it away, or troubleshoot a serious problem that a restart did not fix.

Most people who say their tablet is "acting up" need a soft reset first. A factory reset is a last resort—once you do it, the data is gone unless you backed it up beforehand. This guide covers both, so you can choose the right one for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (restart) fixes freezing and slowness and erases nothing; hold the power button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart.
  • A factory reset erases everything on the tablet and should only be done if you have backed up your data or no longer need it.
  • You can factory reset through Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, or by holding Power and Volume Up together if the tablet will not start.
  • After a factory reset, you will be asked to sign in with a Samsung or Google account; if you forget the password, you may not be able to use the tablet.
  • Backing up your photos, videos, and important files to Google Drive or Samsung Cloud before any reset protects you from losing them.

How to do a soft reset (restart)

A soft reset takes 30 seconds and fixes most temporary problems. Press and hold the Power button on the right edge of your Galaxy Tab A until the power menu slides up on the screen. This usually takes 2 to 3 seconds. You will see options including Power Off and Restart.

Tap Restart. The tablet will turn off and turn back on automatically. Wait for the Samsung logo to appear and disappear, then for the lock screen to show. This is normal and takes about 30 to 60 seconds. Once you see the lock screen, the restart is complete and you can unlock the tablet as usual. Nothing on your tablet has changed—all your apps, photos, and settings are still there.

How to factory reset through Settings

If a restart did not fix the problem, or if you are preparing to sell or give away the tablet, a factory reset will erase everything and return it to factory condition. Before you start, back up anything you want to keep: photos, videos, documents, and contact information. You can back up to Google Drive (free, up to 15 GB) or Samsung Cloud (free, up to 5 GB) using the built-in backup tools.

Open Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Settings panel, then tap the gear icon. Scroll down and tap General Management. Tap Reset. Tap Factory Data Reset. The tablet will show a warning that all data will be erased. Read it carefully. Tap Reset to confirm.

The tablet will restart and show a progress bar. This takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the device. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the power cable during this time. When the reset is complete, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when the tablet was brand new.

How to factory reset if the tablet will not start

If your Galaxy Tab A is frozen, will not turn on, or will not boot past the Samsung logo, you can force a factory reset using hardware buttons. This is called a hard reset or recovery mode reset. Turn off the tablet completely. If it is frozen, hold the Power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down.

Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until the Samsung logo appears (usually 5 to 10 seconds), then release them. The tablet will boot into Recovery Mode, which shows a menu with white text on a black background. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe Data/Factory Reset, then press the Power button to select it. Confirm the reset when prompted. The tablet will erase all data and restart.

What happens after a factory reset

When the tablet restarts after a factory reset, it will show the same setup screen you saw the first time you turned it on. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. If you sign in with the same Google account you used before, the tablet will automatically read and reinstall many of your apps from the Google Play Store. Your photos and files will not return unless you backed them up to Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.

If you forget the password to the Google or Samsung account you are asked to sign in with, you may not be able to use the tablet. This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If this happens, you will need to contact Samsung Support or Google Support with proof of ownership to regain access. This is why writing down your account password in a safe place before doing a factory reset is important.

When to call Samsung Support instead

If a soft reset does not fix the problem and you do not want to erase everything, contact Samsung Support before doing a factory reset. Samsung offers phone and chat support through their website, and they can sometimes troubleshoot the issue without erasing your data. If the tablet has a hardware problem (a cracked screen, battery that will not charge, or buttons that do not work), a reset will not fix it and you should contact Samsung or visit an authorized repair center.

If you are locked out of the tablet because you forgot your password and cannot complete the setup after a factory reset, Samsung Support can help you verify ownership and regain access. This process takes longer than a reset, so it is worth trying to remember your password or recover it through your Google or Samsung account before attempting a factory reset.

Backing up your data before a reset

The easiest way to back up your Galaxy Tab A is through Google Drive, which is built into Android. Open Settings, tap Google, then Manage Your Google Account, then the Backup tab. Tap Back Up Now. This backs up your contacts, calendar, app data, and some settings. Photos and videos are not included in this backup unless you turn on Google Photos backup separately.

To back up photos and videos, open the Google Photos app (or read it from the Google Play Store if it is not installed). Tap your profile picture in the top right, then Photos Settings, then Backup and Sync. Turn on the toggle. Google Photos will upload your photos and videos to your Google account. The first backup may take an hour or more depending on how many photos you have and your internet speed. After that, new photos are backed up automatically when you are connected to Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset delete my photos and apps?

No. A soft reset (restart) only turns the tablet off and back on. All your photos, videos, apps, messages, and settings remain exactly as they were. A soft reset fixes temporary problems like freezing or slowness without erasing anything.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The tablet will restart and show a progress bar during the erase. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it while the reset is happening, or you may damage the device.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset permanently erases all data on the tablet. If you backed up your photos and files to Google Drive or Samsung Cloud before the reset, you can read them again after signing in. If you did not back them up, they are gone.

What if I forget my Google password after a factory reset?

You can reset your Google password at accounts.google.com on a computer or another device. If you do not have access to a recovery email or phone number, contact Google Support. Without the correct password, you may not be able to use the tablet until you regain access to the account.

Do I need to charge the tablet before resetting it?

Yes. Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged before starting a factory reset. If the tablet runs out of power during the reset, it may not restart properly. Plug it in and let it charge for at least 30 minutes before beginning.