Tablet PC

What to Do if My Tablet Is Freezing and Not Responding?

Rating: 4 (71 votes) 20 comments
 
Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: October 24, 2023
What to Do if My Tablet Is Freezing and Not Responding?

In the fast-paced world of technology, a frozen tablet can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're in the middle of something important. If your tablet is unresponsive, don't panic. There are a few things you can try to get it working again.

The following oneHOWTO article we'll equip you with the knowledge and skills to fix a frozen or unresponsive tablet, whether you're using an Android or iOS device. We'll delve into the possible causes behind these frustrating occurrences and provide detailed instructions on how to revive your device and restore its functionality.

You may also be interested in: How to Install Whatsapp on my Android tablet

Steps to follow:

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1. Force restart your tablet

How to restart an Android tablet:

The first thing you should try is a force restart. This will close all of the apps that are running on your tablet and hopefully clear any software glitches that are causing the problem.

To force restart your tablet, press and hold the power button and the volume down button at the same time for about 10 seconds. Your tablet will turn off and then back on again.

How to restart an iPad:

To force restart an iPad, press and hold the power button and the home button at the same time for about 10 seconds. Your iPad will turn off and then back on again.

Expand your knowledge base by exploring our comprehensive guide on formatting or resetting an Android tablet, providing a detailed walkthrough of the process and its implications.

What to Do if My Tablet Is Freezing and Not Responding? - Step 1
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2. Check for updates

If your tablet is still freezing after a force restart, check to see if there are any software updates available. Software updates often include bug fixes that can resolve freezing issues.

Checking for updates on Android:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android tablet.

  2. Scroll down and tap on "System."

  3. Tap on "Advanced" or "System Update."

  4. If there are any updates available, tap on "Download and install."

Checking for updates on iOS:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.

  2. Tap on "General."

  3. Tap on "Software Update."

  4. If there are any updates available, tap on "Download and Install."

Both Android and iOS devices will notify you when updates are available, but it's always a good practice to check manually from time to time to ensure you have the latest software version.

Take control of your Android tablet's software updates by exploring our comprehensive guide on manual update procedures, empowering you to keep your device up-to-date and secure.

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3. Free up storage space

If your tablet is low on storage space, it can cause performance issues, including freezing. Try deleting unused apps, photos, and videos to free up some space.

The process of checking storage space is similar for both Android and iOS devices, but the exact steps and terminology may vary slightly depending on the specific device and operating system version. Here's a general guide for both:

Checking storage space on Android

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android tablet.

  2. Scroll down and tap on "Storage."

  3. You'll see a breakdown of how much storage space is being used by different categories, such as Apps, Photos & Videos, and Other.

  4. Tap on a category to see more details about the files and apps that are taking up space.

Checking storage space on iOS

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.

  2. Tap on "General."

  3. Tap on "iPad Storage."

  4. You'll see a breakdown of how much storage space is being used by different categories, such as Apps, Photos, and Media.

  5. Tap on a category to see more details about the files and apps that are taking up space.

Enhance your privacy management skills by exploring our detailed guide on hiding apps on iPhone and iPad, ensuring your personal information remains secure and discreet.

What to Do if My Tablet Is Freezing and Not Responding? - Step 3
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4. Factory reset

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to factory reset your tablet. This will erase all of your data and settings, so make sure you have a backup before you proceed.

Factory reset on Android:

  • Back up your data: before starting the reset process, ensure you have a backup of your essential data, including contacts, photos, and files. You can use cloud services or transfer files to a computer.

  • Navigate to settings: open the Settings app on your Android tablet.

  • Access reset options: scroll down to the "System" section and tap on "Advanced" or "Reset options."

  • Initiate factory reset: select "Erase all data (factory reset)" and then tap on "Reset phone" or "Erase all data."

  • Confirm your action: you may be asked to enter your PIN or password to confirm the factory reset.

  • Wait for the process: the tablet will restart and begin the factory reset process. It may take a few minutes to complete.

Factory reset on iOS (iPad):

  • Back up your data: before starting the reset process, ensure you have a backup of your essential data, including contacts, photos, and files. You can use iCloud or transfer files to a computer.

  • Open settings: open the Settings app on your iPad.

  • Access general settings: tap on "General."

  • Locate reset options: scroll down to the bottom and tap on "Reset."

  • Choose erase all content and settings: select "Erase All Content and Settings."

  • Enter passcode: enter your iPad's passcode or Apple ID password if prompted.

  • Confirm your action: tap on "Erase iPad" to confirm the factory reset.

  • Wait for the process: the iPad will restart and begin the factory reset process. It may take a few minutes to complete.

Once the factory reset is complete, your tablet will be restored to its original factory settings, and you can set it up as if it were a new device.

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5. Preventive measures

To reduce the likelihood of your tablet freezing in the future, consider these tips:

  • Avoid overloading your tablet with too many apps or files.

  • Regularly update your tablet's software to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and performance enhancements.

  • Restart your tablet occasionally to clear temporary files and refresh the system.

  • Be cautious about downloading apps from unknown sources, as they may contain malware that can affect your tablet's performance.

If your tablet continues to freeze despite these measures, it might be an indication of a hardware issue, and you may need to consult a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.

Deepen your understanding of iCloud management by exploring our detailed guide on freeing up space, providing valuable insights into optimizing your cloud storage usage.

If you want to read similar articles to What to Do if My Tablet Is Freezing and Not Responding?, we recommend you visit our Computers category.

Tips

  • It is also recommended to connect your tablet to a computer and store all of your information before resetting your device, as you may lose some or all of the information stored depending on why you tablet has frozen. If you have an SD card, remove it before resetting your tablet in case the restart does delete your files.
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20 comments
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Temitayo
I ordered for 3brand new lenosed tablet last week which was delivered to me on 2nd of this month for my children but since that day I collected the money one out of it just on and put on the phone log. The phone has freeze since that day that I can’t even check anything on it and I have tried factory settings, rebooting but it’s not working. What can I do
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Angela
Iv tryed all options , with holding both buttons, but still not working, Samsung tablet
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Jimmy Black
I have tried all of these solution to restart but nothing works. ONN is the tablet that freezes. Can I put a sim card in i whch is not there to get it unfroze?
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Maya
My tablet stops and back when I open a downloaded app and it says your app has been stopped
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Carole
Bought a brand new Acer tablet down loaded BT sport when I tried to use it the screen kept freezing is this to do with BT app or is the tablet faulty?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Carole,

If it is brand new, it should be able to support the app without crashing. There are many reasons why this might happen, but we recommend bring it back to the store as it should still be in warranty.
Rating:
Sharon Heard
This first tablet stopped on this tablet I only got July this year
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Maria
Good Afternoon.My problem is that my iPod keep freezing at me what can I do?
gloria galanes
Thanks! Very helpful, and one of the suggestions worked.
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Gloria, thanks for the comment, we're glad you have your problem fixed. It's what we're here for!
Rating:
anna
it works I did the first thing and it didn't work then I did it again and it worked I'm surprised it worked
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Anna

We are glad this worked for you!
SElma
Hi my Lenovo tab 1o has been frozen for the past 1 hour .It will not let me do anything
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Selma,

If your tablet freezes and none of the options in this article work, the last option before taking it to the shop might be to let the battery drain completely (may take a couple of hours). After, you can charge it and see if it will reboot properly. If not, you may need to take it to a repair shop or see if it is still in warranty.

Good luck!
Jackie
My tablet when it gets turned on there is a message across the screen saying "Unfortunately YouTube has stopped. I would hit ok, to try and get into the settings and that message still comes up. Help what can I do to prevent this?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Jackie

Have you tried to delete and redownload youtube? There is a possibility it needs an update. We suggest trying this. If it still doesn't work, let us know and we can proceed. oneHOWTO
jenny
my son accidently sat on my hand bag where my Telstra tablet was in, it was only 2 mins n then I saw it, I picked it up to check n the screen was all frozen, I tried every way I google but nothing seem to work, the screen is perfect except the freezing though, please help me resolve this problem, Thank you .....
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Jenny

Thank you for your comment!

Depending on the model of tablet you have, you can take out the battery if it is an old model and reboot the tablet.

Unfortunately, we do not have enough information to help fix your tablet 100%, we suggest taking it to the local IT store and asking them to have a look at it.

If you need any more information please do not hesitate to comment.

Hope this helps and stay tuned for more on OneHOWTO.
Colin
My Cello 10 inch freezes on certain games like angry bird's 2 it's impossible to get to the last level thanks
Ian Cockayne
My Asus Android tablet has frozen, I have used the volume Down and Start hold-down for 12 seconds which has unfroze the screen in the past. However, doing this now doesn't work, neither does using the volume Up and Start nor both the Up & Down together with Start button all of which no longer cure the problem; I just keep getting the frozen screen requiring a Swipe to progress: I do not get the 'dead' robot or reset menu as shown in many of the online solutions. I do have an very small unmarked hole in the edge of the body but I do not hear a click when pushing a paperclip end in: the device has not been dropped and there is no of damage to screen or body. Please advise what else should be tried, currently the battery is dead. Regards, Ian C. in the UK
OneHowTo Editor
This sounds like there may be a fault in the battery. The best thing to do is to take your tablet to your official maintenance services, as they will be able to examine it and let you know what's wrong.

Hope this helps
Rating:
jamie
brand new polaroid p709 slow crashes freezes constantly
OneHowTo Editor
If it's brand new it's probably a manufacturing fault. Your tablet will be in guarantee so it's best you contact the company directly so they can deal with the issue, it won't cost you anything.
Hope this helps
Rating:
Bonzia
I stil can't use my tablet, I'v tried all I could bt no
OneHowTo Editor
There may be a more serious underlying problem. We suggest you take it to a professional service so they can take a closer look at it.
Rating:
laura
thank u so much. my tablet froze fore a very long time and when i did the fourth step it went back to normal.idk what i would have done.
my tablet was a apple 5.1.1
the first geneRATION /THE ORIGINAL
TABLET
carie
I tryed all the suggestions on how to unfreeze my tablet but it continues to freeze over and over again is there a way to stop this from happening
Alba Charles (oneHOWTO editor)
Hi Carie, if none of the tips in the article work to unfreeze your tablet, the best will be to bring it to a technician. A professional will be able to solve the problem with your device.
Navjot Kaur
I did all this, and my tablet does turn on but then freezes. What do I do?
OneHowTo Editor
Sounds like the problem is a little bit more complicated. I would take it to your trusted retailer so that he or she can take a closer look at it.
bob
i have nuvision talblet and of a sudden it freez up what should i do
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Bob,
try following the steps in the article. If this doesn't work we advise you to take your tablet to a technician so they can take a closer look at the problem.
Hope this helps
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What to Do if My Tablet Is Freezing and Not Responding?