A factory reset on a Samsung Galaxy tablet wipes everything – apps, files, accounts, and settings – and restores the device to the state it was in when first purchased. This is the most effective fix for persistent software problems and is essential before handing the tablet to someone else.

Before You Reset: Back Up Important Data

• Photos and videos: back up to Google Photos or Samsung Gallery cloud backup.
• Documents: save to Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
• App data: some apps (games, note apps) have cloud backup options in their settings – enable these before resetting.
• Contacts: ensure Google contacts sync is enabled so contacts restore automatically.

Method 1: Factory Reset from Settings

1. Open Settings on the tablet.
2. Tap General management.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Tap Factory data reset.
5. Review the list of accounts that will be removed, then scroll down and tap Reset.
6. Enter your PIN, password, or biometric if prompted.
7. Tap Delete all to confirm.
8. The tablet restarts and begins the reset. This takes 5-15 minutes.

Method 2: Factory Reset from Recovery Mode (Tablet Won’t Boot)

1. Power off the tablet completely (hold Power until power menu appears, then tap Power off).
2. Hold Volume Up + Power button simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when the Android Recovery screen appears.
4. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
5. Press the Power button to select it.
6. Highlight Factory reset and press Power to confirm.
7. When complete, select Reboot system now.

Resetting a Samsung Kids Tablet

Samsung Kids Edition tablets have parental controls that may require a parent PIN before resetting. When you tap Factory data reset, enter the parental PIN when prompted. If you have forgotten the Kids Mode PIN, it is different from the regular tablet PIN – check the Samsung Kids settings for a reset option.

After the Reset: Setting Up Again

1. Select your language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to your Google account – this triggers automatic restoration of your contacts, Chrome bookmarks, and many app settings.
4. Sign in to your Samsung account to restore Samsung-specific settings and Samsung Cloud backups.
5. Re-install apps from the Play Store (previously purchased apps are free to re-download).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix a Samsung tablet that won’t charge?

No. Charging issues are hardware-related (damaged port, bad cable, failing battery) and are not affected by a software factory reset.

Can I factory reset a Samsung tablet remotely?

Yes. Use Samsung’s Find My Mobile service at findmymobile.samsung.com. Sign in with your Samsung account, select the tablet, and choose the remote reset option. The tablet must be connected to the internet for this to work.

Does factory reset remove Samsung Knox?

If the tablet is enrolled in Samsung Knox MDM (enterprise device management), a factory reset does not remove Knox enrollment. The device will re-enroll automatically after the reset.