The two ways to reset a Samsung tablet

You can reset a Samsung tablet to factory default in two ways: through the Settings menu on the tablet itself, or by using the hardware button combination if the tablet won't turn on or respond. The Settings route is faster and safer if your tablet is working. The hardware button method is your backup when the tablet is frozen, won't boot, or you've forgotten your PIN or password.

Both methods erase everything on the tablet — all apps you installed, photos, documents, messages, and accounts. The factory operating system and pre-installed Samsung apps remain. Before you start, back up anything you want to keep to a cloud service like Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings reset erases all your data and returns the tablet to its original state, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • You need your Samsung account password or Google account password to complete the reset, because Samsung tablets require account verification after a factory reset.
  • If your tablet is frozen or won't start, hold the Volume Up button and Power button together until the recovery menu appears, then select Factory Reset.
  • Back up photos, documents, and other files to Google Drive or your computer before you start, because the reset cannot be undone.

Reset through Settings when your tablet works

Open Settings on your tablet. Scroll down and tap General Management (on some Samsung models this is called About Device or System). Look for Reset or Reset Options.

Tap Factory Data Reset or Reset to Factory Defaults. The exact wording depends on your tablet model and Android version. Read the warning that appears — it will list what will be deleted. Tap Reset or Delete All to confirm. The tablet will restart and begin erasing data. This takes 5 to 10 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.

When the reset finishes, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account. If you want to use your Samsung account instead, you can add it after setup is complete.

Reset using hardware buttons when the tablet is frozen

If your tablet won't turn on, won't respond to touch, or is stuck in a loop, use the hardware button method. First, make sure the tablet is powered off completely. If it is stuck on, hold the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds until it shuts down.

Hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until the Samsung logo appears and the recovery menu opens. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. Release the buttons when you see the menu.

Use the Volume buttons to scroll down to Wipe Data / Factory Reset or Factory Data Reset. Press the Power button to select it. A confirmation screen will appear asking if you want to delete all data. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Yes and press Power to confirm. The reset will begin. Do not interrupt it.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your tablet will restart and show the setup screen. You will need to sign in with a Google account to proceed. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one during setup or skip this step and create one later.

After you sign in, the tablet will read and install updates. This can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet connection. Let the tablet complete this process without interrupting it. Once updates finish, your tablet is ready to use as a fresh device.

If you want to restore your apps and data, sign in to Google Play and your apps will read automatically. Photos and documents stored in Google Drive or Samsung Cloud will also sync back to the tablet once you sign in to those services.

You need your account password to finish the reset

Samsung tablets require you to sign in with a Google account or Samsung account after a factory reset. This is a security feature to prevent someone from stealing a tablet and erasing it to use as their own. If you do not remember your Google password, you can reset it at accounts.google.com before you start the tablet reset.

If you have a Samsung account set up on the tablet, you may also be asked for that password. If you do not remember it, visit account.samsung.com and use the password recovery option. Have this information ready before you start the reset.

What to do if the reset fails or gets stuck

If the reset starts but the tablet gets stuck on a loading screen for more than 20 minutes, force it off by holding the Power button for 10 seconds. Wait a minute, then try the hardware button reset method again. Sometimes a second attempt works when the first one stalls.

If the tablet still will not reset, the storage may be corrupted. In this case, you may need to take it to a Samsung service center or authorized repair shop. They have tools to perform a deeper reset or repair the storage. Do not attempt multiple resets in a row, as this can damage the tablet further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my Samsung account?

Yes. A factory reset removes all accounts from the tablet, including your Samsung account and any Google accounts you added. You will need to sign in again after the reset is complete. Your account itself is not deleted — only the connection to the tablet is removed.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset cannot be undone. Once it completes, all your personal data is gone. This is why backing up to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or your computer before you start is important. If you have a backup, you can restore files after the reset finishes.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes 5 to 15 minutes. After that, the tablet downloads and installs system updates, which can take another 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes total from start to finish.

What if I forget my PIN or password after a reset?

After a factory reset, you will be asked to sign in with a Google account. If you forget the password, go to accounts.google.com on another device and use the password recovery option. You will need access to your recovery email or phone number to reset it.

Do I need to charge my tablet before I reset it?

Yes. Make sure your tablet battery is at least 50 percent charged before you start. If the battery dies during the reset, the tablet may not restart properly. Plug it in and let it charge fully before you begin.