Three ways to restart your Samsung tablet

A restart clears your tablet's temporary memory and stops apps that may be running in the background. Most of the time, a restart fixes freezing, slow performance, or apps that won't open. You have three options: a soft restart (the safest), a forced restart (when the tablet won't respond), and a factory reset (which erases everything).

Start with a soft restart. If that doesn't work, move to a forced restart. Only do a factory reset if the tablet is seriously broken or you're selling it and want to erase your data first.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft restart powers off your tablet normally and takes about one minute; use this first for most problems.
  • A forced restart works when your tablet is frozen and won't respond to the power button; the method depends on your model year.
  • A factory reset erases all your photos, apps, and settings, so back up your data before you start.
  • After any restart, wait a few minutes before opening apps so the tablet can finish loading in the background.

Soft restart: the normal shutdown method

A soft restart is the gentlest option and works for most problems. Press and hold the power button (usually on the right edge or top of your tablet) until a menu appears on the screen. The menu will show options like "Power off" or "Restart." Tap "Power off" and wait for the screen to go black completely.

Once the screen is dark, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. The Samsung logo will appear, and the tablet will load. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Don't press any buttons while it's loading.

Forced restart: when your tablet is frozen

If your tablet won't respond to the power button or is completely frozen, a forced restart forces it to shut down without waiting for apps to close. The steps depend on your model.

For Samsung Galaxy Tab S models (2015 and newer): Press and hold the power button and the volume down button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds. Keep holding even if you see the power menu. The screen will go black, and the Samsung logo will appear. Release both buttons and let the tablet restart.

For older Samsung Galaxy Tab models: Press and hold the power button and the volume up button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and the Samsung logo appears. Release both buttons.

If you're not sure which model you have, check Settings > About tablet. Look for the model number (it usually starts with "SM-"). A quick search for your model number will tell you which button combination to use.

Factory reset: erasing everything and starting fresh

A factory reset returns your tablet to the state it was in when it left the factory. This erases all your photos, videos, apps, messages, and settings. Only do this if your tablet has serious problems that a soft or forced restart didn't fix, or if you're selling or giving away the tablet.

Before you start, back up your data. Connect your tablet to a computer or use Samsung's cloud backup (Settings > Accounts > Samsung account > Backup and restore). This takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.

Once your data is backed up, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. The tablet will ask you to confirm. Tap "Reset" and wait. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your tablet will restart and show the setup screen, as if it's brand new.

What to do after a restart

After any restart, your tablet needs a few minutes to finish loading apps and services in the background. Don't open apps when ready or plug in a charger right away. Wait at least two to three minutes before you start using it normally.

If you did a soft or forced restart and the problem comes back, try a factory reset. If the problem persists after a factory reset, the tablet may have a hardware issue that requires service. Contact Samsung support or visit a repair shop.

Restart vs. other fixes

A restart is the first step for most problems, but it's not the only one. If restarting doesn't help, try clearing the cache for the app that's causing trouble (Settings > Apps > [app name] > Storage > Clear cache). If one app keeps crashing, uninstall it and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.

If your tablet is running slowly overall, check how much storage you have left (Settings > Storage). If you're using more than 90 percent of your storage, delete old photos and videos or move them to cloud storage. A full drive makes everything slower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting my tablet delete my photos and apps?

A soft restart and a forced restart do not delete anything. A factory reset erases everything, including photos, apps, and settings. If you only do a soft or forced restart, all your data stays on the tablet.

How long does a restart take?

A soft restart takes about one to two minutes from the moment you press the power button until the tablet is ready to use. A forced restart takes about the same time. A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes and requires you to set up the tablet again afterward.

What if my tablet still won't turn on after a forced restart?

If the screen stays black for more than five minutes, plug the tablet into a charger for at least 30 minutes. A completely dead battery can look like a broken tablet. If it still won't turn on after charging, contact Samsung support or visit a repair shop.

Can I restart my tablet while it's charging?

Yes, you can restart your tablet while it's plugged in. However, it's better to unplug it first, do the restart, and then plug it back in. This gives the tablet a complete break from power and usually works better for fixing problems.

Do I need to back up before a soft restart?

No. A soft restart does not erase any data. You only need to back up before a factory reset. If you're doing a soft or forced restart, your photos, apps, and settings will be exactly the same when the tablet turns back on.