How to Reset a Samsung Tablet Without a Password 

Locked out of your Samsung tablet? It happens more often than you think. Whether you forgot the PIN, pattern, or password, being unable to access your device can feel frustrating, especially if you need it urgently.

You can reset your Samsung tablet without the password using several reliable methods. In this guide, you’ll learn safe, step-by-step solutions that work on most models, including the Galaxy Tab series. 

When You Might Need to Reset Your Samsung Tablet

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to know the common situations where a reset becomes necessary:

• Forgotten PIN, password, or pattern
• Tablet disabled after too many wrong attempts
• Bought a second-hand device that’s locked
• Device freezing or stuck on boot screen
• Preparing the tablet for resale

If you simply forgot your screen lock, a factory reset is usually the fastest fix,  but it will erase your data.

Important: What Happens After Reset

Before proceeding, understand the consequences:

• All local data will be erased
• Google account verification (FRP) may be required
• Apps, photos, and files stored internally will be deleted
• SD card data usually remains safe

Pro tip: If your tablet is still partially accessible, back up your data first.

Method 1: Reset Samsung Tablet Using Recovery Mode (Most Reliable)

This is the most common and effective way to reset a locked Samsung tablet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Power Off the Tablet

• Press and hold the Power button
• Tap Power off
• If frozen, hold Power + Volume Down for about 10 seconds

Step 2: Boot into Recovery Mode

The button combo may vary slightly by model, but typically:

1. Press and hold Volume Up + Power
2. Release when the Samsung logo appears
3. Wait for the Recovery menu

Step 3: Select Factory Reset

Using volume keys to navigate:

• Choose Wipe data/factory reset
• Press Power to confirm
• Select Factory data reset

Step 4: Reboot the Device

• Select Reboot system now
• Wait for the tablet to restart

Your Samsung tablet will now be reset and unlocked.

When This Method Works Best

1. You forgot the lock screen password
2. Tablet buttons are functional
3. Device is not linked to unknown Google account

Method 2: Reset Using Find My Mobile (Remote Reset)

If your tablet is connected to the internet and linked to a Samsung account, this is the easiest remote method.

Requirements

• Samsung account logged in on the tablet
• Device connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
• Remote unlock enabled

Steps to Reset Remotely

1. Visit Samsung Find My Mobile on another device
2. Log in with your Samsung account
3. Select your tablet
4. Click Erase data
5. Confirm the reset

The tablet will factory reset remotely.

When This Method Is Ideal

1. You don’t have physical access
2. Tablet is online
3. Samsung account is known

Method 3: Reset via Google Find My Device

If your tablet uses Android and is linked to a Google account, you can erase it remotely.

Steps

1. Go to Google Find My Device
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Select the locked tablet
4. Click Erase Device
5. Confirm

The tablet will reset once it connects to the internet.

Important Note About FRP (Factory Reset Protection)

After performing a factory reset, your tablet may prompt you to sign in with the previously synced Google account. This security layer, called Factory Reset Protection (FRP), is built into Android devices to help prevent unauthorized access after a reset.

Devices from Samsung Electronics running Android automatically enable FRP once a Google account is added. Here’s what it means for you:

• If you remember the Google account credentials, simply sign in and continue setup.
• If you don’t have access to that account, the tablet may remain locked until the original credentials are recovered.

Pro tip: Always remove your Google account before factory resetting a device you plan to sell or give away.

Method 4: Hard Reset Using Hardware Keys (When Tablet Is Frozen)

If your tablet is completely unresponsive:

Steps

1. Press and hold Power + Volume Down for 10–15 seconds
2. Once screen turns off, quickly switch to: Volume Up + Power
3. Enter Recovery Mode
4. Perform factory reset (same as Method 1)

This works well when the screen is frozen or stuck.

Method 5: Reset Samsung Tablet Without Password and Without Buttons

If the physical buttons are damaged:

Option A: Use Samsung Find My Mobile (best)

Option B: Use Google Find My Device

Option C: Visit authorized service center

Unfortunately, without buttons or remote access enabled, options are limited. These methods work for most devices, including:

• Galaxy Tab A series
• Galaxy Tab S series
• Galaxy Tab 
• Galaxy Tab Active
• Galaxy Tab S6 / S7 / S8 / S9

Button combinations may vary slightly by model.

Troubleshooting: Samsung Tablet Reset Not Working?

If your reset fails, check these quick fixes.

1. Recovery Mode Not Opening

If your tablet won’t enter Recovery Mode, work through these quick fixes:

• Charge the tablet for at least 30 minutes
• Double-check you’re using the correct button combination
• Hold the buttons longer (10–20 seconds)
• Disconnect any USB cables or accessories

These simple steps resolve most Recovery Mode issues.

2. Tablet Stuck on Samsung Logo

Follow this troubleshooting sequence:

1. Perform a force restart
2. Try booting into Recovery Mode
3. Run a factory reset
4. If the problem persists → a firmware reinstall may be required

Persistent boot loops often indicate deeper software corruption.

3. FRP Lock After Reset

If you see a Google verification screen after resetting, you’ll need to sign in with the previously synced Google account. If you own the device but forgot the credentials:

• Recover your Google password
• Use Google Account Recovery
• Contact Samsung Electronics support for guidance

Avoid unofficial FRP bypass tools; they’re often unreliable and can expose your device to security risks.

How to Prevent Future Lockouts

Getting back into your tablet is a relief, but preventing the next lockout is even better. A few smart habits can save you from future headaches.

Set Multiple Unlock Methods

Give yourself backup ways to access your device. Enable:

• PIN
• Password
• Pattern
• Fingerprint
• Face unlock

The more sign-in options you have, the less likely you are to get locked out.

Keep Your Accounts Updated

Account recovery is your safety net, so keep it current:

• Ensure your Google account recovery email is up to date
• Store your Samsung account password in a secure password manager
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection

A few minutes of maintenance now can prevent hours of frustration later.

Back Up Your Tablet Regularly

Resets erase local data, backups make sure nothing important is lost. Use:

• Samsung Cloud
• Google Drive
• Local backups (PC or external storage)

Regular backups give you peace of mind, even if you ever need to factory reset your tablet again.

Final Thoughts

Being locked out of your Samsung tablet is frustrating, but in most cases, it’s completely fixable. Whether you use Recovery Mode, Samsung Find My Mobile, or Google Find My Device, the key is choosing the method that matches your situation.

More importantly, take this experience as a reminder. Most lockouts happen because passwords, PINs, or account details aren’t stored safely or updated regularly.

That’s where PureVPN Password Manager can make your life easier by keeping multiple device PINs, Samsung account logins, and Google credentials safe. You can securely store and auto-fill them from one encrypted vault.

Frequently Asked Questions