Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears

The power button on a Samsung tablet is usually on the right edge or top edge, depending on your model. Press and hold it for about three to five seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen, followed by the startup animation.

If nothing happens after ten seconds, your tablet may have no battery charge. Plug it into a power adapter using the USB-C or micro-USB cable that came with it, wait a few minutes, and try again. Some tablets need at least 5 percent battery before they will power on.

Once the startup animation finishes, you may see a lock screen or a setup screen if this is the first time you are turning on the tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is on the edge of your tablet—usually the right side or top—and you hold it for three to five seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
  • If the screen stays black, charge the tablet for a few minutes before trying again.
  • After startup, you may need to unlock the screen or complete initial setup if the tablet is new.
  • If the tablet still will not turn on after charging, try a force restart by holding the power button for ten to fifteen seconds.

What to do if the screen stays black

A black screen usually means the battery is empty. Connect the tablet to a power outlet using the original charger or any USB-C charger rated for tablets. Leave it plugged in for at least ten to fifteen minutes before trying to power on again.

If the screen remains black after charging, try a force restart. Hold the power button down for ten to fifteen seconds without releasing, even if you see nothing on the screen. This forces the tablet to restart even if the software is frozen. Release the button and wait for the Samsung logo to appear.

Unlocking the tablet after startup

Once the startup animation finishes, you will see a lock screen. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, or press the power button, to wake the tablet fully. You may then need to enter a PIN, pattern, password, or use your fingerprint or face recognition, depending on what you set up previously.

If you do not remember your security code, you can sign in with your Samsung account or Google account instead. Tap the option to sign in with your account, enter your email and password, and the tablet will unlock.

Setting up a new tablet for the first time

If this is the first time powering on your tablet, you will see a setup wizard after the startup animation. The wizard will ask you to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. You can skip some steps and set them up later, but signing in to an account is necessary to use the Google Play Store and read apps.

The setup process usually takes five to ten minutes. Follow the on-screen prompts, and the tablet will be ready to use once you reach the home screen.

Checking the battery and charging port

If your tablet will not turn on even after charging, inspect the charging port for lint, dust, or debris. Use a flashlight to look inside the port. If you see buildup, gently clean it with a dry cotton swab or a soft brush—do not use water or metal objects.

Also check that the charger itself works by plugging it into another device, or try a different USB-C cable if you have one. A damaged cable or charger is a common reason a tablet will not power on.

When to contact Samsung support

If the tablet still will not turn on after you have charged it for thirty minutes, tried a force restart, and checked the charging port and cable, the hardware may need repair. Contact Samsung support through their website or call their customer service line. Have your tablet's model number ready—you can find it in the Settings app under About Tablet, or on the back of the device.

If your tablet is still under warranty, Samsung may repair or replace it at no cost. If the warranty has expired, they can provide a repair estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The startup animation usually takes thirty seconds to two minutes. If it takes longer than five minutes, the tablet may be frozen. Try a force restart by holding the power button for ten to fifteen seconds.

Can I turn on my tablet while it is charging?

Yes. You can power on your tablet while it is plugged in. In fact, if the battery is completely empty, you may need to charge it for a few minutes before it will turn on at all.

What is the difference between power button and force restart?

A normal power-on is a short press of the power button. A force restart is holding the power button for ten to fifteen seconds without releasing. Use force restart only if the tablet is frozen and will not respond to a normal power button press.

Why does my tablet show a battery icon when I turn it on?

A battery icon with a low charge means the tablet has some power but not enough to fully boot. Plug it in and wait ten to fifteen minutes, then try turning it on again.