Samsung offers one of the most diverse and practical lines of mobile computing in the electronics industry, including the Galaxy line of tablets. With the name Galaxy emblazoned on a wide range of products, Samsung has done everything possible to make sure the name is synonymous with quality. From time to time however, like any computing device, their tablets may become prone to freezing at startup, particularly certain generations of devices. There are a number of things these issues might be traced to and there are things you can do to eliminate freezing.
Common Reasons a Tablet May Freeze on Startup
While there are many possibilities as to what may cause a particular Samsung tablet to freeze on startup, the cause can usually be narrowed down to a few specific conditions.
- The tablet is overheating: Although the tablet is sealed, dust might be a reason why a tablet is experience cooling issues. Also, direct sunlight can elevate the internal temperature of a tablet, causing heat problems.
- Installed memory issues: Tablets have only so much installed memory, though some tablets use internal memory and an external memory option. Storing applications on one or the other can result in latency and a loss of speed, thanks to different speeds on each respective type of memory.
- Malware: Malware is a reality for personal computers and mobile devices. This malicious software could be locking up resources or may be attempting to attack core operating system services.
- An app is to blame: Some apps can be greedy with memory, such that when you suspend or shut down a system, then come back, this can cause the tablet to hang.
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Operating system issue: Sometimes, the deluge of updates, applications, and tweaks can cause integrated functionality and performance to take a hit. In other instances, these fundamental system elements can cause bizarre behavior and tablet 'lockup'.
6 Ways to Stop Your Samsung Tablet From Freezing
1. Recovering from a Heat Problem
Let the tablet cool down, giving it some time to normalize at a natural pace. Don't try to speed up the process by putting the tablet in the refrigerator or freezer. That path could result in damage from condensation, crack your screen, or cause the case to rupture.
2. Clearing Memory Space
As you use your tablet over time, the available memory space gets utilized by applications, by temporary and active data, by pictures, by text files, and many other documents. As you approach maximum utilization, it is possible for your tablet to experience operational stability issues that manifest in a hanging startup.
To address this issue:
- Check the available memory on your tablet by navigating to Menu>Settings> Storage.
- At this screen, you can see which applications are using the most space, whether data is being stored internally on the device or on an SD card, and your overall utilization.
- There, you will be able to delete applications you no longer need or use. You also have the option of moving data such as pictures and document from the internal memory space to the SD card.
Whichever method you choose, having plenty of available memory should help the tablet operate normally.
3. Fixing Malware Issues
If possible, download an anti-virus program that has malware removal features. There are a number of mobile security applications that can detect and remove malware programs from your device with a simple scan. One popular option is the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware app.
4. Dealing With App Problems
It is possible that malware detection software will be unable to detect what may be affecting your tablet. In this case, you might be able to deduce that an app is causing the issue.
Crashed App
Quite often, your tablet's operating system can take care of (or at least identify) which app is preventing it from starting up cleanly. If you haven't already tried, let the tablet stand by for a couple of minutes because the operating system might need just a little bit of time to alert you that a certain application crashed or is not responding. You will have the option of closing that app and returning to the home screen at this point. Once you know which app is causing the problem you can remove it, or check to see if there is an updated version available for installation.
App Removal
If you are unable to locate an offending app by waiting for the operating system to indicate that it had an issue, you can possibly backtrack your way to the answer. Start by removing the last app that was installed either through the menu, or by removing the app directly in the app store. There is a fair chance that removing the latest app might clear any conflicts with existing apps, restoring your tablet back to normal.
App Updating
It is possible that an existing application requires an update, causing the tablet to behave strangely. If you are able to get the tablet to a temporary stable operating state, you can update that application and hopefully get things running smoothly again. Be sure to only update one app at a time in this state so you can track what you are updating and get to a resolution quicker.
5. Forcing a Reboot
If the tablet is completely locked, you have the option of possibly bringing the tablet back to an operating state by performing a forced reboot. This is typically performed on Samsung tablets by the following steps:
- Press the Power button until the unit shuts down.
- Once the screen shuts off, keep your finger on the button and take a moment to make sure the tablet is totally off with no status or power indicator lights whatsoever.
- Release the Power button.
- Press the Power button again to power up and complete the reboot.
At this point, the tablet should start up normally. If you continue having freezing issues, there are likely other issues at hand.
6. The Last Option: Doing a Hard Reset
It is possible that the tablet is too far gone for simple options, meaning that drastic measures have to be taken. A 'hard reset' should be the last option you try. This is also known as a factory reset for the simple fact that it is designed to restore your tablet to the way it was the day you bought it. This option removes all of your applications and user data from the device, so it is not to be taken lightly.
If possible, back up your pictures, data, and documents first. You should be able to connect your tablet to a PC by using a USB cable. This will allow you to browse and backup any files before you go through with a hard reset. To do this, your tablet will have to be configured under 'Developer Options' with USB debugging mode off. Your PC will need to have the proper driver available.
To reset the device:
- Make sure the tablet is fully charged and connected to its power cable.
- Simultaneously press and hold the ' Volume Up' and Power buttons.
- Watch the screen for a 'Recovery Booting' message.
- Release both keys.
- Select 'Wipe Data/Factory Reset' using the 'Volume Down' key to navigate through menus
- Press the Power key to confirm
- Using the 'Volume Down' key, scroll down to yes and press Power to confirm.
The system will then take some time to wipe everything and restore.
Preventing Your Tablet From Freezing
Once you've taken care of the problem, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that your Samsung tablet will start freezing on startup again.
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Keep your tablet running cool, keep it out of sunlight, away from obvious heat sources, and make sure to use the suspend or power off features.
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Keep tabs on what apps you are installing. Free applications are not always great for your tablet. Poor coding, malware, and resource issues can all stem from substandard and free applications.
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Do a little maintenance from time-to-time, uninstalling applications you don't use or need from your tablet.
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Keep your tablet and applications up-to-date. Don't fall behind on the occasional system updates. If they pile-up, that can cause problems.
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Download and regularly use a malware scanning application. It can protect your tablet from having issues that can't be traced to anything else.
Troubleshooting for Results
A common perception is that sometimes technology just gets 'old' and tired. Historically, there is plenty of truth to that notion, but the technology that goes into tablets is generally 'solid-state', meaning that there is little that could hypothetically wear out. Before you decide that your Samsung tablet needs to be replaced because it is freezing on startup, try these troubleshooting tips. You just might find that you're able to take care of the problem quickly and easily.
