Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears

To turn on your Samsung tablet, locate the power button on the right edge or top edge of the device (the exact location depends 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 holding the button for ten seconds, your tablet's battery may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger using the USB-C cable that came with your device, wait a few minutes, and try again. Some Samsung tablets take 30 seconds or longer to respond if the battery is very low.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button is usually on the right edge or top edge of your Samsung tablet, depending on the model.
  • Press and hold the power button for three to five seconds until you see the Samsung logo.
  • If the tablet does not respond, plug it in to charge for a few minutes before trying again.
  • After the Samsung logo appears, the tablet will continue loading and may ask you to enter a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.
  • The first startup after a factory reset can take several minutes longer than normal.

What to expect during startup

After you see the Samsung logo, the tablet will display the startup animation for 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, the screen may go black briefly — this is normal. Do not press any buttons or unplug the device while it is starting up.

Once the loading animation finishes, your tablet will either show the lock screen or ask you to set up the device. If you have used this tablet before, you will see the lock screen and may need to enter your PIN, pattern, or use your fingerprint to unlock it. If this is the first time the tablet is turning on, you will see the initial setup screen.

Troubleshooting if the tablet will not turn on

If you hold the power button for 15 seconds and nothing happens, the battery is likely empty. Connect the tablet to a power outlet using the original charger or a compatible USB-C charger. Leave it plugged in for at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again. Some tablets show a low-battery icon or a red light when they are charging from a completely dead state.

If the tablet still will not turn on after charging, try a force restart. Depending on your Samsung model, this usually means pressing the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds. The screen may flash or show the Samsung logo again. Release both buttons and wait for the tablet to finish restarting. If you are unsure which buttons to press, check the model number on the back of your tablet and search for "[model number] force restart" to find the exact steps.

Charging your tablet before first use

If your Samsung tablet is brand new, charge it for at least 30 minutes before turning it on for the first time. This gives the battery enough power to complete the initial setup without shutting down unexpectedly. Use the USB-C cable and power adapter that came in the box, or any compatible USB-C charger rated for tablets.

You do not need to fully charge the tablet before turning it on — 30 minutes of charging is enough to get your free guide. However, letting it charge fully (usually two to four hours) before using it for the first time can help the battery perform better over time.

Unlocking your tablet after startup

Once the tablet finishes starting up, you will see the lock screen. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to unlock it, or use your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint if you have set one up. If you do not remember your PIN or pattern, you can sign in with your Samsung account or Google account to unlock the device.

On first startup, you will not have a lock set yet. The tablet will ask you to create one during setup — you can choose a PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition depending on your model. You can also skip this step and add a lock later in Settings.

What to do if the screen stays black

A black screen during startup does not always mean something is wrong. The tablet may be loading in the background. Wait for at least two minutes without pressing any buttons. If the screen is still completely black after two minutes and you do not see the Samsung logo, try plugging in the charger and waiting another minute.

If the screen remains black after charging and waiting, the tablet may have a software issue. Try the force restart method described in the troubleshooting section above. If the screen is still black after a force restart, contact Samsung support or visit a service center — your tablet may need a software repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A normal startup takes 30 seconds to two minutes from the moment you press the power button. The first time you turn on a new tablet or after a factory reset, it may take three to five minutes because the system is setting up. If startup takes longer than ten minutes, something may be wrong — try a force restart.

Can I turn on my tablet while it is charging?

Yes, you can turn on your tablet while it is plugged in. In fact, if the battery is very low or completely dead, charging for a few minutes before turning it on gives the best results. You can use the tablet while it is charging without any problem.

What if I accidentally press the power button and the tablet turns off?

straightforward press and hold the power button again for three to five seconds to turn it back on. There is no harm in turning the tablet off and on repeatedly. If you want to avoid accidentally turning it off, you can enable the power button lock in Settings, which requires you to hold the button longer or press it twice.

Is the power button the same as the volume button?

No, they are different buttons. The power button is usually on the right edge or top edge and is slightly larger or in a different position than the volume buttons. The volume buttons are usually on the same edge as the power button but are smaller and are often marked with plus and minus symbols.

Do I need to remove the protective film before turning on my new tablet?

You can turn on the tablet with the protective film still on, but you should remove it before using the screen. The film is meant to protect the screen during shipping and storage. Peel it off gently from one corner — it will not damage the screen.