How to factory reset a Samsung tablet

💡 Need to know

• This wipes everything: A factory reset erases apps, photos, and settings—back up first.
• Use it as a last resort: Try a restart or update before going this far.
• You’ll need your login: Your Google or Samsung account may be required after reset.
• Charge up first: Make sure your tablet has enough battery to finish the reset safely.

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Factory resetting your Samsung Galaxy® tablet can seem scary. If you mess up the process, you can lose all your data—photos, videos, texts, everything. But don't worry, we can help make sure your factory reset goes smoothly

At Asurion, we've got your tech problems covered, no matter how difficult they may be. Here's how to factory reset a Samsung® tablet.

When should you try a factory reset on your Samsung tablet?

Factory resetting your Samsung tablet deletes any photos, videos, or other personal information on the device.

There are four reasons to take this step:

1. You've lost your device.
2. There's a technical issue you can't otherwise resolve, like the operating system not launching apps correctly.
3. You have to clear the device to rid it of viruses and malware.
4. You're reselling your device or giving it away.

Should you back up your data before resetting?

Yes, absolutely. If you don't back up your data before you factory reset your device, you'll lose all your personal information.

If you need help backing up your Samsung tablet, we've got all the information you need in our guide.

How to reset your Samsung tablet to factory settings

Follow these steps to factory reset your Samsung tablet. And remember, if you're nervous about doing this, you can always ask for expert help.

How to factory reset your Samsung tablet when it's turned on

If your tablet is working normally, the easiest way to reset it is right from the software menu:

1. Open Settings, then tap General management > Reset.
2. Tap Factory Data Reset > Reset > Delete all.

How to factory reset your Samsung tablet without a password

If your tablet is frozen, won't boot past the logo, or you have forgotten your lock screen PIN, you can trigger a hard reset through the Android Recovery system.

Note: For security on modern Galaxy tablets, this process will only launch if the device is plugged into a computer.

1. Power off your tablet completely.
2. Plug your tablet into a desktop or laptop computer using a USB-C cable.
3. Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time.
4. Keep holding them until the Samsung logo flashes on screen, then release.
5. When the black Android Recovery menu loads, use your physical volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power button to confirm.
6. Highlight Factory data reset, press the Power button to authorize it, and select Reboot system now when the process completes.

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How do you factory reset a Samsung tablet if you've lost it?

Lost your tablet? You can still wipe it remotely—as long as tracking was turned on before it went missing.

Use Google Find My Device

1. Go to google.com/android/find
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Select your tablet from the menu.
4. Tap Erase device.

Use Samsung SmartThings Find (Best for Samsung tablets)

1. Go to smartthingsfind.samsung.com
2. Sign in with your Samsung account.
3. Select your tablet from the active device list.
4. Tap Erase data.

These tools work as long as your tablet is powered on and connected to the internet. If it's offline, the reset will start automatically the next time it connects to a network.

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Setting up your Samsung tablet after a factory reset

After the reset, your tablet will start fresh—just like out of the box.

1. Choose your language.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in with your Google or Samsung account.
4. Restore apps and data (or skip to start clean).

One important thing: you'll need the same Google or Samsung account credentials that were previously on the device to get past the lock screen. This is an automated anti-theft safety system called Factory Reset Protection. Once you're signed in, you're good to go.

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FAQ

Can I bypass Factory Reset Protection if I forgot my old Google password?

Nope. Factory Reset Protection is designed to stop stolen devices from being reused. If you reset the tablet without signing out first, you’ll need the original Google account to get back in.

Does a factory reset erase the microSD card too?

No. A factory reset wipes the tablet’s internal storage, not the microSD card. Still, if you’re selling the tablet, take the card out before handing it over.

Why is my tablet stuck on the Samsung logo after a reset?

That first startup can take a while because Android is rebuilding system files. Give it at least 15 minutes before assuming it’s frozen for good.