Fix Your Frozen and Unresponsive Tablet

Table Computer Freezing or crashing | Simbans PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet with Screen
Android Tablet Frozen or Unresponsive? How to Fix It
Troubleshooting · 2026 · 6 min read

Have you ever felt frustrated because your tablet suddenly froze or became completely unresponsive? If you haven't experienced it yet, consider yourself lucky.

For most users, a frozen tablet is no cause for panic. In the majority of cases the issue is temporary and solved with a simple restart — your photos, files, and apps are usually still safe. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.

Try This First

Hold the Power button for 10–20 seconds until the screen restarts. That single step fixes the vast majority of frozen tablets, and your photos, files, and apps will still be there when it comes back on. If it doesn't work, the rest of this guide walks through every other option.

Common Causes of Tablet Freezing

A frozen screen rarely means something is permanently wrong with your tablet. More often than not, it's a temporary software hiccup caused by one of a handful of everyday issues:

  • Too many apps running in the background
  • Low storage space
  • System glitches or software bugs
  • Incompatible or crashing apps
  • Overheating or long usage sessions

A frozen screen isn't a broken tablet. In most cases, it's just a restart away from working perfectly again.

Basic Fixes for a Frozen Tablet

Start here. These steps solve the vast majority of freezing issues and carry no risk to your data.

01

Charge the Device

Plug it in and wait 15–30 minutes before trying again if it's unresponsive.

02

Close Background Apps

Close unused apps after rebooting to free up system resources.

03

Free Up Storage

Delete unused apps, videos, or files to reduce lag and crashes.

04

Update Software

Keeping your system updated improves stability and performance.

Already Tried the Basics?

If a force restart, charging, and freeing up storage haven't worked, move on to the advanced methods below — just be aware some of them involve a reset.

Advanced Fix Methods (For Severe Issues)

For Frozen, Unresponsive Screens

Restart Using a Safety Pin

⏱ 5–10 minutes Needs a pin or toothpick No data loss
  1. Locate the tiny RESET hole on the back or side of the tablet.
  2. Gently press inside with a pin or toothpick until you hear a click.
  3. Connect the charger and let it charge for a few minutes.
  4. Press the POWER button to restart.

After restarting, check whether you recently installed an app that may be incompatible or causing crashes, and uninstall it to prevent the issue from happening again.

For Slow Performance & App Crashes

Reset from Settings

⏱ 10–15 minutes Backup required
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System → Advanced.
  3. Select Reset Options.
  4. Choose Erase All Data.
⚠️ This will erase all data and apps. Back up your files before proceeding.
Most Thorough Fix

Hard Reset (Recovery Mode)

⏱ 15–30 minutes Backup required
  1. Turn off the tablet.
  2. Press and hold Power + Volume Up until recovery mode appears.
  3. Use the volume buttons to select Recovery Mode.
  4. Choose Wipe data/factory reset.
  5. Confirm with Yes, then select Reboot system.
⚠️ This will erase all data. Make sure to back up important files first.
For Persistent Software Problems

Reinstall the Operating System

⏱ 20–40 minutes Backup required

If a hard reset still doesn't fix the problem, reinstalling the OS directly using the manufacturer's official restore tools can resolve deeper software issues that a factory reset alone can't touch.

The link below provides official restore files for PicassoTab tablets specifically — if you're using a different brand, check that manufacturer's support site for the matching tool.

Official PicassoTab OS re-install instructions →

Tools you might need: most fixes require nothing more than what you already have at home.

Small pin or paperclip Charging cable USB drive for backup A few minutes of patience
Pro Tip: Always back up your photos and files before any reset that erases data. Recovering files afterward is far harder than backing them up beforehand.

If Your Tablet Still Doesn't Work

If none of the steps above bring your tablet back to life, a few more options are worth trying before assuming the worst:

  • Let the battery drain completely, then recharge and restart
  • Check the user manual for device-specific instructions
  • Contact your retailer or manufacturer for support
  • Reinstall the operating system using official restore tools
  • Uninstall unused apps to free storage and improve performance

If none of these solutions work, your tablet may require professional support or repair.

If your tablet is broken, you can find out how to recover your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data if my tablet freezes? +

No. A frozen screen on its own doesn't erase your data. Force restarting, charging, or using the safety pin reset are all non-destructive. Data loss only becomes a risk if you proceed to a settings reset or hard reset.

What's the difference between a soft reset and a factory reset? +

A soft reset, like a force restart or pin reset, simply restarts the device without touching your files. A factory reset erases all data and apps, returning the tablet to its original out-of-box state.

When should I contact support instead of trying fixes myself? +

If the tablet won't turn on at all after a full charge, won't enter recovery mode, or keeps freezing immediately after a factory reset, it's time to contact your retailer or manufacturer rather than continue troubleshooting on your own.

PicassoTab Support by Simbans
Still Frozen? This Support Is Built for PicassoTab.

If your PicassoTab is still unresponsive after every step in this guide, our specialists are ready — with the tools, knowledge, and care to get you sorted fast. No runaround, no expensive surprises.

✓ Warranty support you can actually count on
✓ One of the lowest ownership costs in its class
✓ Dedicated Support from PicassoTab Specialists

Wondering why PicassoTab owners rarely end up back on this page twice? See what makes the difference →

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7 comments

I have to constantly reset this tablet. Less than a year old and it’s very frustrating.

Rachael Mueller

My. DJ App. Keeps. Freezing. after about thirty minutes

Andrew

I have tried the reset button and waiting for a few minutes before pressing the power button and still nothing happened. I also charged the tablet. Please advise.

Caroline

this was very helpful my mother would have killed me if i had to get another tablet

dakota cox

I tried the reset hole, nothing happened even after waiting and holding the power button and plugging it in.

Aaron Yagmin

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