Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

What to do if your Samsung tablet is not charging

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets need electricity to function. That’s why a tablet refusing to charge is really bad. Not only does this mean it’ll be of limited use when it runs out of charge, it often signifies a deeper problem that’s going to take time — and probably money — to fix.

But don’t worry, a refusal to charge doesn’t always mean a massive problem, and sometimes it can be fixed quickly and easily. Here’s what to do if your Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet is not charging.

Check or change your charging cable

A microUSB cable with a braided cable.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The cable should always be your first port of call when a charging problem crops up. First, make sure the cable is plugged in properly at both ends. Make sure a tablet case isn’t stopping the cable from connecting properly.

Also, check the cable you’re using to charge your tablet and make sure there isn’t any obvious damage. The best places to check are around the ends of cable, where it connects to the connectors. Make sure the plastic isn’t fraying, and especially make sure no wires are exposed. If wires are exposed it’s a danger, so make replacing the cable a priority. Check our lists of the best USB-C cables and best micro USB cables for some tough options to stop that from happening again.

If nothing seems amiss, try another cable anyway. Sometimes wires stop working, and all that can be done is to replace them.

Check the charging port

Sometimes the issue could be around the charging port. First, give it a visible inspection. Is anything caught in the port itself? Fluff can find its way into charging ports with alarming regularity, and may end up blocking the pins. Fish it out if you can see it, though be careful not to damage any fragile parts.

Nothing visible? Insert your charging cable and give it a gentle — gentle — wiggle. Does it feel firm? If not, there could be something loose in the tablet. This may especially be the case if wiggling the charger around causes the tablet to start charging and then stop. If there’s damage like this to the charging port, then there’s not much else to do than speak to Samsung or a capable third-party about a fix.

Check the charging block and power source

Anker PowerCore Fusion III charger.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another element that’s easily overlooked is where the power is coming from. Check the charging block you’re using. Is it plugged into the wall properly, or are there any signs of damage? Disconnect it, give it a gentle shake. Did anything feel loose? Either way, try another charging block, and see whether that works.

Something else to keep in mind is the wattage of the charger itself. Tablets often require more power than smartphones, so if it only outputs 5-watts of power, it may not be enough to charge the tablet properly. Most power blocks have their wattage written on them, so take a look for it. 10W is usually the least required for charging a tablet. Obviously, this doesn’t apply if it’s a charger you’ve used before, but it’s always worth checking if it’s a new charger.

Finally, see if a different power source works. If you’re using a wall outlet, try another one. If it’s a USB port, see if there’s another you can try. A malfunctioning power outlet could be an important house issue to fix, so it’s worth troubleshooting this simple tip.

Restart your tablet

It’s the golden rule of IT, and it applies here. Something gone wrong? Try turning it off and on again. To turn off your Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet, hold down the Power and Volume Down buttons and select Restart from the menu.

Perform a full factory reset

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 being held up with the lock screen showing.
Ajay Kumar

This is something of a nuclear option, so treat it as such. A full factory reset will wipe all data from your tablet and return it to the state it was in when it left the factory. You can use Smart Switch to back your data up to an SD card or USB device before you do this, but keep in mind it will mean a lot of work. Still, it’s usually worth doing this before the last option, because Samsung sometimes requires a factory reset on devices it works on.

To perform a factory reset, head to your Settings app. Then select General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. Tap Reset and enter your lock code or PIN, and then tap Delete All.

After it’s been reset, you’ll need to set your device up again, and then test to see whether charging works. If it doesn’t, well, it’s time to move on to our final step.

Take your tablet to Samsung

The final option is: Give up, and hope someone better qualified can figure out what’s gone wrong. There’s no shame in admitting when something is outside of your field of expertise, and handing your tablet over to someone who can do a deeper dive into your tablet is the last possibility you can entertain. Head to Samsung’s repair services website and find a Samsung repair location near you. If you can find a third party that you can trust nearer, then consider taking your tablet to them instead. However, this is likely to void any warranty with Samsung and is done at your own risk.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Jansen
Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient &…
The best Samsung Galaxy S24 cases in 2024: the 15 best ones
The Samsung Galaxy S24 laying on a shelf with its screen turned on.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a compact flagship phone that delivers the same power as its larger counterparts, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate. Despite its small size, it can compete with bigger phones. However, accidents happen, and dropping your phone can result in serious damage. To prevent this, it’s best to invest in a good protective case that can keep your phone safe while also providing additional features. Whether you need a wallet case or a clear case to show off your phone’s design, we have rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S24 cases available in 2024.

If you want your new Galaxy S24 to have a veritable suit of armor, the i-Blason Armorbox is your best option. Made of shock-absorbing TPU and unbending polycarbonate, this two-piece, full-body case will keep your phone cradled and secure. A zinc-alloy built-in camera cover doubles as a multi-angle kickstand, plus it’s compatible with MagSafe, features precise cutouts for port access, has raised edges to keep the screen suitably protected from damaging surfaces, and is both dirt- and moisture-resistant. Also, the built-in screen protector works with fingerprint ID.

Read more
Have one of these Samsung phones? You’re getting Galaxy AI features next month
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra's rear panels.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (left) and Galaxy S24 Ultra Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you bought a Samsung phone within the last year or so, get ready for a big software update heading your way soon. On February 21, Samsung confirmed that a number of its older smartphones are getting Galaxy AI features as part of the One UI 6.1 update in "late March."

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases in 2024: 20 best ones
The back of the white Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Even though the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is now in the wild, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra still packs a punch. For those who have one, it should last for many years—assuming you protect it with a case.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra isn't a cheap device, starting at a sky-high $1,200 price. If you're looking to buy one, or are currently using Samsung's big and beautiful smartphone, then you probably want to protect your investment. When kept safe, it's got the power to last. Samsung has also promised to update it all the way to Android 17, making it a smartphone you can use for years. But to keep it safe, some protection is needed. Here are the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases available today.

Read more