The three ways to reset your tablet

A factory reset wipes your tablet back to the state it left the factory — all your apps, photos, messages, and settings disappear. You have three routes: through the Settings menu (the safest), using your device's recovery mode (when Settings won't open), or remotely through your Google or Apple account (when you can't physically access the tablet). Which one you use depends on whether your tablet still powers on and whether you remember your account password.

Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and app data can be recovered from cloud storage after the reset, but only if you saved them there first. Plug in your tablet and let it charge fully — a reset that runs out of battery partway through can leave the device unusable.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases everything on your tablet and returns it to its original state, so back up your photos and documents to cloud storage first.
  • The Settings menu reset is the simplest route if your tablet powers on and responds normally.
  • Recovery mode is the path forward if your tablet is frozen, won't boot, or Settings won't open.
  • Remote resets through Google or Apple accounts work when you cannot physically access the device or it is locked.
  • A full reset takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your tablet's storage and speed.

Resetting through Settings on Android tablets

Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About tablet — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap it, then look for Reset options or Factory reset. You will see two choices: Erase all data and Erase all data (reset to factory settings). Choose the second one to wipe everything including system files.

The tablet will ask you to confirm your Google account password. Enter it, then tap Reset tablet. The device will restart, show a progress bar, and take 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Do not turn it off during this time. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen you saw the first time you turned it on.

Resetting through Settings on iPad

Open Settings and tap General, then scroll to the bottom and tap Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad will ask for your Apple ID password and, if you have it turned on, your Screen Time passcode. Enter both.

Tap Erase to confirm. The device will restart and show a progress bar. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes on newer iPads. Your iPad will restart to the setup screen when it is done. Do not interrupt the reset by turning off the device or closing the Settings app.

Using recovery mode when your tablet won't start

If your tablet is frozen, stuck on a logo screen, or will not power on normally, recovery mode lets you reset it without accessing Settings. The steps differ between Android and iPad.

For Android: Power off the tablet completely. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds until you see a menu with options like Recovery mode or Reboot bootloader. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Recovery mode and press Power to select it. You will see a screen with a dead Android icon. Press Volume Up and Power together to open the recovery menu. Use Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset and press Power to select it. Confirm by highlighting Yes and pressing Power. The reset will take 5 to 15 minutes.

For iPad: Connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes or Finder already open. Power off the iPad. Press and hold the Top button (or Home button on older models) and the Volume Down button together for 10 seconds, then keep holding Top while releasing Volume Down. Keep holding until you see the recovery screen. Click Restore in iTunes or Finder. Your computer will read the latest iPad software and reinstall it, which takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed and the iPad model.

Remote reset using your Google or Apple account

If you cannot physically access your tablet or it is locked with a passcode you do not remember, you can reset it remotely through your account.

For Android: Go to google.com/android/find on any computer or phone. Sign in with the Google account linked to your tablet. Select your tablet from the list. Click Erase or Factory reset. Google will send a command to your tablet, and it will reset the next time it connects to the internet. This can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on whether your tablet is powered on and connected.

For iPad: Go to iCloud.com on any computer. Sign in with your Apple ID. Click Find My, then Find My iPad. Select your iPad from the list. Click the information icon, then Erase this device. Apple will send a remote command, and your iPad will erase itself the next time it connects to the internet. If your iPad is already on and connected, this happens within a few minutes.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your tablet will restart to the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to your account. If you backed up your photos and documents to Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive, or another cloud service, you can read them again after setup is finished.

Apps you downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store can be reinstalled, but you will need to sign in to your account to access them. Some apps may not restore their saved data — games, for example, often start fresh. If you have a list of apps you use regularly, take a screenshot of your home screen before you reset so you remember what to reinstall.

Troubleshooting a reset that goes wrong

If your tablet gets stuck on the reset screen or shows an error message, try these steps. First, make sure your tablet is plugged in and has at least 50 percent battery. If it is stuck on a progress bar, wait 30 minutes — some resets take longer than expected on older devices or tablets with a lot of storage.

If the reset still will not complete, try recovery mode again from the beginning. Power off completely, wait 30 seconds, then hold the button combination again. If recovery mode itself will not open, your tablet may have a hardware problem that a reset cannot fix. At that point, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the lock screen password?

Yes. A factory reset erases all security settings, including your lock screen PIN, pattern, or password. After the reset, you will set up a new password during the initial setup process. If you forgot your password and cannot access Settings, use recovery mode or a remote reset instead.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is why backing up your data to cloud storage before you reset is important. If you have photos or documents saved to Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Photos, you can read them again after the reset is complete.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most resets through Settings take 10 to 30 minutes. Recovery mode resets are usually faster, around 5 to 15 minutes. Remote resets can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on whether your tablet is powered on and connected to the internet when the command is sent.

Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting?

No. A factory reset does not affect your SIM card. If your tablet has cellular service, the SIM will remain in place and work normally after the reset. You will need to sign back in to your carrier's account if you use one.

What if I reset my tablet and now it is asking for a Google or Apple ID password I do not remember?

This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection. Go to the account recovery page for Google (accounts.google.com/signin/recovery) or Apple (iforgot.apple.com) and follow the steps to regain access to your account. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number linked to that account.