What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your tablet and returns it to the state it left the factory — all apps you installed, photos, documents, and settings are deleted. The operating system itself stays the same (you won't downgrade from Android 14 to Android 12, for example). A factory reset is useful when your tablet runs slowly, you're selling or giving it away, you forgot your password, or an app keeps crashing and nothing else fixes it.

Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, login information for apps — to cloud storage, a computer, or an external drive. Once you press the final button, it's gone.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your photos, documents, and app data to cloud storage or a computer before you start, because a factory reset deletes everything.
  • On most tablets, you reach the factory reset option through Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data, though the exact path varies by brand and Android version.
  • The reset takes 5 to 15 minutes and your tablet will restart several times; do not turn it off or unplug it during this process.
  • After the reset completes, your tablet will ask you to set up a Google account or Samsung account (depending on the brand) before you can use it.

How to factory reset an Android tablet

The steps are similar across most Android tablets, but the exact menu names depend on your tablet's brand and Android version. Start by opening Settings from your home screen or app drawer.

Look for a section called System, About tablet, or General management — this varies by manufacturer. Inside that section, find Reset options, Reset, or Factory data reset. Tap it. You'll see a warning that all data will be erased; read it carefully. Tap Erase all data or Factory reset to confirm. The tablet will ask you to enter your PIN, password, or pattern lock as a final safety check. Enter it, then tap Erase or Reset.

Your tablet will restart and show a progress bar. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet, unplug it, or remove the battery during this time. When it finishes, you'll see the setup screen you saw when the tablet was brand new.

Factory reset on Samsung tablets specifically

Samsung tablets use a slightly different path. Open Settings, then tap General management. Scroll down and tap Reset. You'll see three options: Reset network settings, Reset app preferences, and Factory data reset. Tap Factory data reset.

Samsung will show you what will be deleted and ask you to confirm. If you have a Samsung account linked to the tablet, you may be asked to enter your Samsung account password before the reset proceeds — this is a security feature to prevent someone else from wiping your tablet remotely. Enter your password, then tap Reset. The tablet will restart and complete the reset.

Factory reset on iPad

iPad resets work differently because iOS is not Android. Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset (on newer iPads) or Reset (on older models). Tap Erase all content and settings.

If you have Find My iPad turned on, you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID password. This prevents someone from erasing your iPad without permission. Enter your password. The iPad will ask you to confirm one more time, then begin the reset. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Do not force shut down the iPad during this time.

What to do if you forgot your password

If you can't unlock your tablet to reach Settings, you still have options. On Android, hold the power button and volume-down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the tablet vibrates and shows a boot menu. Use the volume buttons to navigate to Recovery mode and press the power button to select it. You'll see a menu with options including Wipe data/factory reset. Select it and confirm.

On iPad, you'll need a computer with iTunes or Finder installed. Connect the iPad to the computer, open iTunes or Finder, and select the iPad. Click Restore. This will erase the iPad and reinstall iOS without requiring your password. You can then set it up as new or restore from a backup.

Setting up your tablet after the reset

When your tablet finishes resetting, it will show the initial setup screen. You'll be asked to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad). If you're selling or giving away the tablet, stop here and hand it over — the new owner will set up their own account.

If you're keeping the tablet, sign in with your account. You'll then be offered the option to restore from a backup. If you backed up your photos, apps, and settings before the reset, you can restore them now. This can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you're restoring and your internet speed. Do not disconnect from Wi-Fi during this process.

When to call for help

If your tablet gets stuck on the boot screen or the progress bar doesn't move for more than 20 minutes, try a hard restart: hold the power button for 30 seconds, then release it and wait 10 seconds. Press the power button again to turn it back on. If it's still stuck, contact the tablet's manufacturer — Samsung, Apple, or whoever made it — or visit an authorized repair shop. Do not attempt to take the tablet apart or force it off repeatedly.

If you forgot your Google account password and can't sign back in after the reset, visit the Google Account Recovery page on a computer or phone. If you forgot your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com. Both services can help you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware?

Yes. A factory reset deletes everything on the tablet, including any malicious software. However, if you restore from a backup that was infected, you may restore the malware too. If you suspect your tablet had malware, set it up as new rather than restoring from backup.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. Once the reset completes, the data is gone. Your only option is to restore from a backup you made before the reset. This is why backing up before you start is critical.

Do I need to remove my Google or Apple account before selling my tablet?

Yes. After the factory reset, sign out of your account before handing the tablet to the new owner. On Android, open Settings > Accounts and remove your Google account. On iPad, open Settings > [Your Name] and tap Sign Out. This prevents the new owner from being locked out of the tablet.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Older tablets or those with large amounts of data may take up to 30 minutes. The tablet will restart several times during this process, which is normal.

What if my tablet won't turn on after the reset?

Try charging it for at least 30 minutes, then hold the power button for 30 seconds. If it still won't respond, contact the manufacturer or visit an authorized repair center. A tablet that won't power on after a reset may have a hardware problem.