How to Turn Off a Tablet When It Freezes

Tablets freeze up for a variety of reasons. The app you're using might have a bug that locks up the app or the tablet, or you could have too many programs open at once, for example. It's possible you've maxed out the memory on your gadget, keeping it from functioning at full speed. Widgets, which run constantly in the background to continually update, might be slowing down your device to the point that it locks up. Also, check your operating system -- it could be that you're running an old version that isn't compatible with some more recent programs or apps.

Depending on why your tablet is frozen, pressing the "Power" button -- sometimes called the "Sleep/Wake" button -- might turn it off. Some tablets give you the option to restart or shut down; if you have this choice, pick the option to shut down the tablet completely. If pressing the button once doesn't do the trick, hold it down for 15 to 20 seconds -- this often forces the tablet into shut-down mode.

Many tablets offer the option to perform a hard reset. In some, this happens when you hold the "Power" button down. In others, however, there's a small hole on the device that has the sole purpose of hiding the hard reset button. This hole is usually on the back or along one of the sides, and it's large enough to stick the end of a paperclip in. Press the button with the paperclip and release; the tablet should turn off and reset itself.

When it's just your app that's frozen and not the entire touchscreen functionality, use the standard shutdown procedure from your touchscreen, if applicable to your tablet. This might be choosing the words "Turn Off" or touching the battery icon to access the proper drop-down menu. Shutting down your tablet also turns off the app causing the trouble.