The Three Ways to Restart a Samsung Tablet

A restart clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops stuck apps without erasing your files or settings. Samsung tablets can be restarted three ways: a soft restart (the safest), a forced restart (when the screen is frozen), and a factory reset (which erases everything). Most of the time, a soft restart solves the problem.

The method you choose depends on whether your tablet is responding to touch. If you can still tap the screen and see menus, use a soft restart. If the screen is frozen or the tablet won't respond, use a forced restart. A factory reset should only be your last option, because it deletes all your photos, apps, and personal data.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft restart takes 30 seconds and works when your tablet is responding normally—hold the power button until you see the shutdown menu, then tap "Restart."
  • A forced restart works on a frozen screen by holding the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
  • A factory reset erases all your files, photos, and apps, so back up your data first using Samsung Cloud or a computer.
  • After any restart, your tablet may take two to five minutes to fully load—do not force it off during this time.

Soft Restart: When Your Tablet Is Responding

A soft restart is the gentlest option and works when your tablet is still responding to your touch. This method closes all running apps and clears temporary files without touching your saved data.

Step 1: Press and hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet. The power menu will appear on your screen after two to three seconds.

Step 2: Look for the option labeled "Restart" or "Reboot." On most Samsung tablets, this appears as a button in the center of the screen. Tap it once.

Step 3: Your tablet will shut down and turn back on automatically. This takes about 30 seconds total. You will see the Samsung logo appear, then the lock screen. Do not press any buttons while this is happening.

Step 4: Unlock your tablet as normal. Wait two to three minutes for all your apps to fully load before opening anything.

Forced Restart: When the Screen Is Frozen

A forced restart works when your tablet will not respond to touches, the screen is frozen, or apps are crashing repeatedly. This method forces the tablet to shut down when ready, even if it looks completely stuck.

Step 1: Locate the power button and the volume down button. On most Samsung tablets, the power button is on the right edge and the volume down button is below it.

Step 2: Press and hold both buttons at the same time. Keep holding them even if nothing happens on the screen. Do not let go.

Step 3: After 10 to 15 seconds, the Samsung logo will appear on the screen. This means the restart has started. Release both buttons when ready.

Step 4: Your tablet will shut down and restart. The entire process takes about one to two minutes. You will see the lock screen when it is ready. Unlock it and wait for your apps to load fully.

Common mistake: Holding the buttons for too long (more than 20 seconds) can trigger a factory reset instead of a restart. If you see a menu asking about factory reset, release the buttons when ready and press the power button to cancel.

Factory Reset: Erasing Everything and Starting Fresh

A factory reset returns your tablet to the state it was in when you first bought it. This erases all your apps, photos, messages, contacts, and personal files. Only use this method if your tablet has serious problems that a soft or forced restart cannot fix, or if you are preparing to sell or give away the device.

Before you start: Back up your important files. You can save photos and documents to Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or a computer. Once you start a factory reset, there is no way to undo it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app. This is usually a gear icon on your home screen or in your app drawer.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap "General Management" or "About Tablet" (the exact name varies by model).

Step 3: Look for "Reset" or "Reset Options." Tap it.

Step 4: Select "Factory Data Reset" or "Erase All Data." Your tablet will ask you to confirm. Read the warning carefully—this action cannot be undone.

Step 5: Enter your Samsung account password or PIN if prompted. Tap "Reset" or "Erase Everything."

Step 6: Your tablet will restart and erase all data. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time. When it finishes, you will see the initial setup screen, just like when the tablet was new.

What to Do If Your Tablet Won't Restart

If your tablet will not respond to any restart method, the battery may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger and wait 15 to 20 minutes before trying again. Some tablets require at least 5 percent battery before they will respond to button presses.

If your tablet is charging but still will not restart, try a different charger or cable. A damaged cable can prevent the tablet from receiving power. Leave it plugged in for 30 minutes, then try the forced restart method again.

If the tablet still will not respond after charging for an hour, the hardware may be damaged. Contact Samsung support or visit a repair center. Do not attempt further restarts if the device is physically damaged, wet, or extremely hot to the touch.

After Your Tablet Restarts: What to Expect

After any restart, your tablet needs time to fully load. The lock screen appears first, usually within one to two minutes. However, your apps and files are still loading in the background. Wait at least two to three minutes before opening apps or connecting to the internet.

You may notice your tablet is slower than usual for the first few minutes after a restart. This is normal. The system is rebuilding its cache and organizing files. Performance returns to normal once everything has fully loaded.

If you performed a soft or forced restart, all your files, photos, and apps remain exactly as they were. If you performed a factory reset, your tablet will ask you to sign in with your Samsung account and set up your preferences again, just like a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a restart delete my photos and files?

No. A soft restart and a forced restart do not delete anything. A factory reset erases everything, but it is a separate process that you have to intentionally start. If you only held the power button or power plus volume buttons, your files are safe.

How often should I restart my tablet?

Restart your tablet once a week or whenever you notice it is running slowly, apps are crashing, or the screen is freezing. You do not need to restart it every day. A weekly restart keeps the system running smoothly.

What is the difference between a soft restart and a forced restart?

A soft restart uses the power menu and gives your tablet a chance to shut down apps properly. A forced restart bypasses the menu and forces the tablet off when ready. Use a soft restart when your tablet is responding, and a forced restart only when the screen is frozen.

Can I turn off my tablet while it is restarting?

No. Do not press any buttons or unplug the charger while your tablet is restarting. Interrupting a restart can damage the system and make the tablet unable to start. Let the restart finish completely, even if it takes several minutes.

My tablet is stuck on the Samsung logo. What do I do?

This usually means the restart is still in progress. Wait five to ten minutes without touching the tablet. If the logo is still there after ten minutes, try a forced restart again. If it remains stuck after a second forced restart, the system may be damaged and you should contact Samsung support.