How to fix unexpected shutdowns on the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Last Update date : Oct 30. 2024

It can be inconvenient and frustrating when your Samsung Galaxy Tab powers off unexpectedly, especially if you are in the middle of using it. Follow this guide to identify what is causing your tablet to shutdown and how to keep it from happening again.

A person holding a Galaxy Tab with the screen off.

1. Close apps that consume the most battery

If your Galaxy Tab is low on battery, apps that require more power may force it to power off unexpectedly.

  • Close apps
Home screen. Home screen.

Step 1. Tap the Recent apps button.

Recently opened apps. Recently opened apps.

Step 2. Swipe up on an app to close it, or tap Close all to close all active apps.

  • Set Background usage limits
Battery settings screen. Battery settings screen.

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Battery > Tap View details.

List of apps consuming battery. List of apps consuming battery.

Step 2. Select an app from the list to view battery usage details.

Battery usage information. Battery usage information.

Step 3. Tap the switch to enable Background usage limits.

Note: Updates and notifications may be delayed if you enable Background usage limits.

2. Check the Power or Side buttons

  • Remove any case or accessories that may cover the tablet’s buttons.

  • Pressing a certain key combination for more than 5 seconds will power off the device.

  • Check the Power or side buttons to ensure they move smoothly. When you press the buttons, you should hear a small but distinct clicking sound.

  • If a key is jammed, it may cause the battery to drain quickly by frequently turning the screen on and off.

3. Charge your Galaxy Tab with a Samsung charger

To avoid power and charging issues, it is recommended to use an original Samsung charger and USB cable to charge your Samsung Galaxy tablet.

The Auto restart feature helps to keep your Samsung Galaxy tablet in good running condition by restarting your tablet periodically. It can be enabled and disabled as needed and will only occur when the tablet is not in use.

Device care settings screen. Device care settings screen.

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Device care > Tap Auto optimisation.

Auto optimisation settings. Auto optimisation settings.

Step 2. Tap Auto restart.

Auto restart settings. Auto restart settings.

Step 3. Tap the switches to enable or disable the Auto restart feature and set a schedule.

Safe mode allows you to start your tablet by disabling all previously installed third-party applications. Thus, only standard Samsung apps will be active, allowing you to determine if the problems are caused by third-party apps.

1. Open the power menu.

  • On tablets with a standard Power key, press and hold the Power button until Safe mode is displayed.

  • On tablets without a Power button, please follow the instructions below:
Samsung Galaxy Quick panel. Samsung Galaxy Quick panel.

Step 1. Swipe down on the screen twice to open the Quick panel > Tap the Power off icon.

Power options. Power options.

Step 2. Long press the Power off button.

Safe mode screen. Safe mode screen.

Step 3. Tap Safe mode.

2. Use the tablet to determine if the issue has been resolved. If the tablet operates normally, then a recently installed app is most likely the cause of the issue.

  • If the issue is resolved while in Safe mode: you should uninstall recently installed apps.

  • If the issue remains while in Safe mode: you may need to make an appointment with a Samsung Service Centre.

3. Restart the tablet to return to normal operating mode.

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