Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears

The power button on a Samsung phone is almost always on the right side of the device, roughly halfway down. Press it and hold it down — do not just tap it. You will feel the phone vibrate after a few seconds, and the Samsung logo will appear on the screen. Keep holding until you see the lock screen or a setup screen appear.

The whole process takes about 10 to 15 seconds from the first press. If nothing happens after 20 seconds, release the button, wait a moment, and try again. A phone that has been off for a long time or has a very low battery may take slightly longer to respond.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is on the right side of your Samsung phone, about halfway down the edge.
  • Press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the Samsung logo appears on the screen.
  • If your phone has been completely powered off, it may take a moment longer to start up than usual.
  • If the phone does not respond after 20 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again.
  • A phone with a very low battery may show a low-battery icon instead of the normal lock screen when it first turns on.

What to expect when your phone first turns on

When your Samsung phone powers on for the first time or after being off for a while, you will see the Samsung logo in the center of the screen. This is normal and means the phone is starting up. After the logo disappears, you will either see your lock screen (if you have already set up the phone) or a setup screen (if this is a new phone or a factory reset).

If you see a lock screen, you can swipe up from the bottom or tap the screen to wake it fully, then enter your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint to unlock it. If you see a setup screen, follow the on-screen instructions to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Samsung or Google account.

The power button location on different Samsung models

Most Samsung phones have the power button on the right edge, but the exact position varies slightly by model. On Samsung Galaxy S-series phones (S21, S22, S23, and newer), the power button is on the right side, roughly in the middle. On Galaxy A-series phones, it is also on the right side but may be slightly higher or lower depending on the specific model.

If you cannot find the power button on the right side, check the left edge — some older Samsung models or specialty phones place it there instead. You can also check your phone's manual or the Samsung support website for your specific model number to confirm the exact location.

What to do if your phone will not turn on

If you press and hold the power button for 20 seconds and nothing happens, the battery may be completely drained. Plug your phone into a charger using the USB cable that came with it, and leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Then try pressing the power button again. A phone with a completely dead battery sometimes takes several minutes of charging before it will respond.

If the phone still does not turn on after charging for 30 minutes, try a force restart. On most Samsung phones, press and hold the power button and the volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see a recovery menu or the Samsung logo appear. If you see a menu, use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select "Restart" or "Reboot." If you see only the logo, release both buttons and wait for the phone to start normally.

Charging your Samsung phone before first use

If your Samsung phone is brand new, charge it for at least 30 minutes before turning it on for the first time. This ensures the battery has enough power to complete the initial setup process. Use the charger and cable that came in the box, or any USB charger that is compatible with your phone's charging port (USB-C on most newer Samsung models).

While charging, you may see a charging icon on the screen — a lightning bolt or a battery symbol. This is normal. Once the phone has charged for 30 minutes, you can press the power button to turn it on and begin setup.

Turning on your phone after it has been off for a while

If your Samsung phone has been powered off for days or weeks, the battery may have drained completely even while off. Plug it in and charge for 15 to 30 minutes before trying to turn it on. Once it has charged, press and hold the power button as you normally would.

The first startup after a long period off may take longer than usual — up to 30 seconds or more. This is because the phone is running system checks and updating its internal clock. Do not interrupt this process by pressing buttons or unplugging the charger. Once the lock screen appears, your phone is ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the power button?

Hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds. You will feel the phone vibrate and see the Samsung logo appear on the screen. If nothing happens after 20 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again.

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

A black screen usually means the phone is starting up but has not finished yet. Wait 30 to 60 seconds without pressing any buttons. If the screen remains black after one minute, try a force restart by holding the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds.

Can I turn on my Samsung phone while it is charging?

Yes. You can press the power button to turn on your phone while it is plugged in and charging. There is no risk to the phone or battery from doing this.

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

If your phone has been off for a long time or the battery was completely drained, it may show a low battery icon or a red battery symbol when you first turn it on. Plug it in and let it charge for at least 30 minutes before using it.