What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your tablet—all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts—and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset completes, you'll see the initial setup screen, as if you'd just unboxed it.

You might factory reset a tablet if it's running slowly, freezing repeatedly, or behaving erratically after installing an app or update. You should also reset it before selling or giving it away, to make sure the next owner can't access your personal data. If you've forgotten your lock screen password and can't get in, a factory reset is often the only way forward.

A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. Before you start, back up anything you want to keep—photos, documents, contacts, anything stored only on the device itself. Once the reset finishes, it's gone.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset wipes your tablet completely and returns it to its original state, erasing all apps, files, accounts, and settings.
  • You should back up your photos, documents, and other files before resetting, because they cannot be recovered afterward.
  • The reset process differs between iPad and Android tablets, and the exact steps depend on which version of the operating system you're running.
  • If your tablet is frozen or won't turn on, you may need to force a restart before you can access the reset menu.
  • After the reset completes, you'll need to sign back into your Apple or Google account and reinstall your apps.

How to factory reset an iPad

On an iPad running iPadOS 15.1 or later, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad will ask you to confirm and may prompt you to enter your Apple ID password. Tap Erase to begin. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes, and your iPad will restart several times.

If your iPad is running an older version of iPadOS, the path is Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. The steps are otherwise the same.

If your iPad is frozen or won't respond, force it to restart first. For iPad Pro models with Face ID, press and release the volume-up button, press and release the volume-down button, then press and hold the top button until the power-off slider appears. For older iPad models with a home button, press and hold both the top button and the home button until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Once it's responsive, follow the reset steps above.

How to factory reset an Android tablet

On most Android tablets, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Some manufacturers place this menu differently—Samsung tablets, for example, use Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. If you can't find the reset option, search "factory reset" in your tablet's Settings app.

The tablet will ask you to confirm and may ask for your Google account password. Tap Reset or Erase Everything to begin. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen when it's done.

If your Android tablet is frozen, force it to restart by pressing and holding the power button for 10 to 30 seconds until the power menu appears, then tap Restart. If that doesn't work, press and hold the power button and volume-down button together for 10 seconds. Once the tablet restarts, follow the reset steps above.

Back up your files before resetting

The easiest way to back up an iPad is through iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your name] > iCloud and turn on iCloud Backup. Plug your iPad into power and connect to Wi-Fi, and it will back up automatically. You can also plug your iPad into a computer with iTunes or Finder and create a manual backup there.

For Android tablets, turn on automatic backup through your Google account. Go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Data & privacy and check that Web & App Activity is on. This backs up your apps, contacts, and settings. For photos and documents, use Google Photos or Google Drive—both offer free storage and will sync your files to the cloud.

If you have files stored only on your tablet and nowhere else, connect it to a computer and copy them to a folder on your hard drive before you reset. Once the reset is complete, those files are unrecoverable.

What to do after the reset is finished

When your tablet restarts, you'll see the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi, sign into your Apple or Google account, and restore from your backup if you created one. If you backed up to iCloud or Google, your apps, contacts, and settings will reinstall automatically over the next few hours.

If you didn't back up, you'll need to reinstall your apps manually. On iPad, open the App Store and go to Purchased to see all the apps you've ever installed; tap the cloud icon next to each one to reinstall it. On Android, open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, and go to Manage my apps & games > Manage to see your installed apps and reinstall the ones you want.

Your tablet may run a few system updates in the background over the next day or two. Let it stay plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi while this happens. Once updates finish, your tablet should run noticeably faster than before the reset.

When to call a professional instead

If your tablet won't turn on at all, won't respond to the force-restart steps, or gets stuck on the setup screen after a reset, the problem may be a hardware issue rather than a software one. Contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center. Apple has Apple Store locations in most cities; for Android tablets, contact the manufacturer directly or visit a local electronics repair shop.

If you've forgotten your Apple ID or Google account password and can't reset it through the account recovery process, you'll need to verify your identity with Apple or Google before you can complete a factory reset. This can take several days. Call Apple Support or Google Support to start the verification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

No. Once you tap the final confirmation button, the reset process begins and cannot be stopped or reversed. Do not unplug your tablet or turn it off during the reset. Let it complete, even if it takes 15 or 20 minutes.

Will a factory reset remove my Google or Apple account?

Yes. The reset erases your account sign-in from the tablet. When you set up the tablet again, you'll sign back in with the same account and your apps and settings will restore from your backup. You won't lose access to your account itself.

What if I forgot my password and can't access Settings?

If your tablet is locked with a password you don't remember, you can still factory reset it. On iPad, use the Find My app on another Apple device or go to iCloud.com, find your iPad, and choose Erase. On Android, go to Google.com/android/find, sign into your Google account, select your tablet, and tap Erase. Both methods reset the tablet remotely.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take between 5 and 15 minutes from start to finish. Older tablets or those with large amounts of data may take longer. Your tablet will restart several times during the process. Don't interrupt it.

Do I need to erase my tablet before selling it?

Yes. A factory reset is the safest way to remove your personal data before handing the tablet to someone else. After the reset, the new owner will see the setup screen and can create their own account. Without a reset, they could access your email, photos, and accounts.