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 for about three seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, followed by the startup animation.

If your phone has been off for a while, the startup process may take 10 to 20 seconds. Do not release the button before the logo appears — if you let go too early, nothing will happen and you will need to start again.

On some older Samsung models, the power button is on the left side instead. If you do not see the logo after holding the right-side button, try the left side.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is on the right side of most Samsung phones and requires a three-second hold to turn on the device.
  • The Samsung logo will appear on screen once the phone is starting up, followed by the startup animation.
  • The full startup process takes 10 to 20 seconds from the moment you see the logo.
  • If your phone does not respond, make sure the battery has charge by connecting it to a charger for at least 15 minutes.
  • Some Samsung models may ask you to enter a PIN or pattern the first time you turn on the phone.

What to do if the phone does not turn on

If you hold the power button for 10 seconds and nothing happens, the battery may be completely drained. Connect your Samsung phone to a charger using the USB cable that came with it, or any compatible Samsung charger. Leave it plugged in for at least 15 minutes before trying the power button again.

A completely dead battery can take longer to show any sign of life. You may see a charging icon or a red light before the Samsung logo appears. This is normal — keep the phone plugged in and wait.

If the phone still does not respond after 30 minutes of charging, try a different charger or a different outlet. A faulty charger or outlet is more common than a broken phone.

Entering your PIN or pattern after startup

The first time you turn on a Samsung phone, or after a factory reset, the phone may ask you to enter a PIN, pattern, or password. This is the security lock you set up when you first got the phone. Enter the correct code and the phone will unlock and take you to the home screen.

If you do not remember your PIN or pattern, you will need to use your Samsung account to unlock the phone. You can also take the phone to a Samsung service center or your mobile carrier's store, where staff can help you regain access.

Turning on the phone for the first time

When you turn on a brand-new Samsung phone, it will guide you through a setup process. This includes choosing your language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and signing in with a Google account or Samsung account. You can skip any step by tapping "Skip" or "Not now" — you can complete setup later.

The setup process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you go through all the steps. If you want to set up the phone later, just skip to the home screen and you can return to setup anytime through the Settings app.

What happens after the phone turns on

Once the startup animation finishes, you will see either the lock screen or the home screen. If you see the lock screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to unlock the phone, or enter your PIN or pattern if you have one set.

The home screen shows your apps, widgets, and shortcuts. From here you can open any app by tapping it, or swipe left and right to see additional home screen pages. You can also swipe down from the top to see notifications and quick settings.

Restarting your phone if it is frozen

If your Samsung phone is on but frozen and not responding to taps, hold the power button for 10 seconds. This will force the phone to shut down. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

A forced restart clears temporary files and often fixes freezing or slow performance. It does not delete any of your photos, messages, or apps — it straightforward reboots the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a Samsung phone to fully turn on?

From the moment you press the power button, expect 10 to 20 seconds for the startup animation to finish and the home screen to appear. Brand-new phones or phones that have not been used in weeks may take slightly longer.

What if my phone turns on but the screen is black?

Try pressing the power button once to wake the screen, or swipe up from the bottom. If the screen stays black, the phone may be in a deep sleep mode. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart.

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 powered-off state. You cannot turn it on using the volume buttons, home button, or any other method.

Does my phone need to be charged before I turn it on for the first time?

New Samsung phones usually come with enough charge to turn on and complete the initial setup. However, it is a good idea to charge the phone for at least an hour before using it for the first time to may support the battery is in good condition.

What if the power button is stuck or broken?

If the power button does not click or feels stuck, do not force it. Contact Samsung support or visit a Samsung service center. A broken power button requires professional repair and cannot be fixed at home.