Enter download and recovery mode on Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 2020

If you've indulged in things like software modding, flashing, etc., at some point you may need to enter download and restore modes. These modes are used when flashing official firmware using Odin, performing a factory data reset, sideloading OTA updates, etc.

Even for an average user, knowing these pre-boot modes and how to start the tablet in them can be helpful in various situations. In this guide, we will show you how to enter Download Mode and Recovery Mode on Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) using two different ways: (1) physical button combination and (2) ADB commands.

Before we begin, let us help you briefly understand what these boot modes are and when and why you may need to boot your tab into them.

What is download mode?

Download mode on the Galaxy Tab A7 is a dedicated pre-boot mode that allows you to flash official and custom binaries to your tablet via the Samsung Odin program.

When it comes to practical applications, download mode is generally used to perform official firmware installation for manual software update, unbricking and even for installing a custom recovery like TWRP or flashing patched AP firmware for rooting.

What is recovery mode?

Recovery mode on the Galaxy Tab A7 is a bootable partition where the official recovery console is pre-installed by the manufacturer.

It can be used to perform a variety of tasks to reset the phone from a boot cycle or to troubleshoot software related problems. These tasks include performing a factory data reset, sideloading OTA updates, and more.

In case you have a custom recovery installed instead of stock recovery, you can use it to install custom ROM / kernel / mod, perform NANDroid backups, format / wipe partitions, root solutions like Magisk and more.

How To Enter Download And Recovery Modes On Galaxy Tab A7 10.4

Booting your Galaxy Tab A7 into Fastboot and Recovery Mode can be done in two different ways / methods. Both of these methods have been discussed below along with related instructions.

Method 1: using the combination of physical buttons

The first way to enter download / recovery mode on the Galaxy Tab A7 is to press a dedicated button combination. This method is often the preferred and most used method.

1. To get started, you must first turn off your Galaxy Tab A7 completely. To do this, simply press and hold the power button to bring up the power menu, then select "Power off".
2. Now, use the following button combination:
   • To enter download mode, hold down the “Volume Up” and “Volume Down” keys and connect your tablet to your computer via USB.
   • To enter recovery mode, simply hold down the Volume Up and Power keys together.
3. Release the keys once the tablet enters the designated boot mode.

Method 3: using ADB commands

The second way to boot Galaxy Tab A7 into download and recovery mode is to use ADB commands. This method is generally preferred when you are already trading with ADB.

To use this method, you need to have USB debugging enabled on your tablet, ADB installed on your PC, and some basic knowledge of command line syntax. Also, if you are running on a Windows computer, make sure you have the latest Samsung USB drivers installed.

After performing the above steps, follow the steps listed below.

1. Connect your Galaxy Tab A7 to the computer using the USB cable.
2. So, make sure USB debugging is enabled on your tablet.
3. Now launch the command line on your computer in the same directory where ADB is installed.
4. Enter the following command to make sure the PC can recognize the tablet via ADB and establish a correct connection:

   adb devices

5. If you are using ADB for the first time, you will see a prompt to allow USB debugging. Then, press “Allow”.
6. Now enter the following ADB command depending on how you want your tablet to boot.
   • To enter Download Mode on your Galaxy Tab A7, use:

     adb reboot download

   • To enter recovery mode on your Galaxy Tab A7, use:

     adb reboot recovery

That's all! You just learned how to access the different download modes on your OnePlus 8T using three different ways. Again, these modes should come in handy if you want to do a factory data reset, flash stock firmware for manual software update, install TWRP custom recovery, root your tablet, and more.

If you have any questions about using these pre-boot modes or the instructions, don't hesitate to ask.