Two ways to reset your RCA tablet

You can reset an RCA tablet in two ways: a soft reset (restart) that clears temporary files and closes stuck apps, or a factory reset that erases everything and returns the tablet to its original state. A soft reset takes seconds and fixes most freezing or slowness problems. A factory reset wipes all your data, photos, apps, and accounts, so use it only when the tablet won't respond to anything else or before selling or giving it away.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether your RCA tablet runs Android 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, but the basic process is the same on all recent models. This guide covers both reset types and what to expect at each stage.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (holding the power button for 10 seconds) fixes most problems and keeps all your data intact.
  • A factory reset erases everything on the tablet and cannot be undone, so back up photos and important files first.
  • Factory reset steps are found in Settings > System > Reset Options or Settings > Backup & Reset, depending on your Android version.
  • After a factory reset, you will need to sign in with a Google account and set up the tablet again from scratch.
  • If your tablet is frozen and won't respond to button presses, hold the power button for 30 seconds to force a shutdown.

Soft reset: restart without losing data

A soft reset restarts your tablet and closes all running apps without erasing anything. Do this first if your tablet is slow, freezing, or an app keeps crashing. It takes about 30 seconds and fixes the problem in most cases.

Locate the power button on the side or top edge of your RCA tablet. Press and hold it for 10 seconds until you see "Power off" or "Restart" appear on the screen. Tap "Restart" if that option shows, or tap "Power off" and wait 10 seconds for the screen to go black. Then press the power button again to turn it back on. The tablet will boot up normally, and all your apps, photos, and accounts will still be there.

If the screen is completely frozen and won't respond to button presses, hold the power button for 30 seconds without letting go. The tablet will force shut down. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button to turn it back on.

Factory reset: erase everything and start over

A factory reset erases all data on your tablet and returns it to the state it left the factory. This removes all apps you installed, all photos and videos you saved, all accounts you signed into, and all settings you changed. Once you start a factory reset, it cannot be stopped or undone, so back up anything important first.

Before you begin, write down any account passwords you will need after the reset, especially your Google account password. You will need to sign in again after the reset is complete. If you have photos or files you want to keep, connect your tablet to a computer and copy them to a folder, or upload them to Google Drive or another cloud storage service.

Steps to factory reset on Android 8, 9, or 10

Open the Settings app (the gear icon). Scroll down and tap "System" or "About tablet" — the exact name depends on your Android version. Look for "Reset options" or "Reset" and tap it. You will see "Erase all data (factory reset)" or similar wording. Tap that option.

The tablet will ask you to confirm. Read the warning carefully — it will list what will be erased. Tap "Erase all data" or "Reset phone" (some RCA tablets use "phone" terminology even though they are tablets). The reset will begin when ready. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during this process. The screen will go black, and you will see a progress bar or Android logo. This takes 2 to 5 minutes.

When the reset finishes, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You will need to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account to use the tablet again.

Steps to factory reset on Android 5, 6, or 7

Open Settings and scroll down to find "Backup & Reset" or just "Reset." Tap it. You will see "Factory data reset" or "Erase all data." Tap that option. The tablet will show a confirmation screen with a warning about what will be erased.

Tap "Reset tablet" or "Erase everything" to confirm. The reset will start when ready. The screen will go black, and you may see the Android logo with a progress bar. Do not interrupt this process. It takes 2 to 5 minutes to complete. When it finishes, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen.

What to do if you forgot your Google account password

After a factory reset, your RCA tablet will ask you to sign in with the Google account that was previously on the device. If you forgot the password, you will need to recover it before you can use the tablet again. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on a computer or another device and follow Google's account recovery steps. You will need access to a recovery email address or phone number you set up with that account.

If you cannot recover the account, you can sign in with a different Google account instead. The tablet will let you create a new account or use an existing one. However, any apps you purchased with the old account will not be available to read again for free.

When to use each reset type

Use a soft reset (restart) if your tablet is slow, an app keeps crashing, the screen is frozen, or the tablet won't respond to touch. This fixes most everyday problems and takes 30 seconds.

Use a factory reset only if a soft reset did not work, the tablet is so slow it is unusable, you are selling or giving away the tablet, or you want to remove all personal data before recycling it. A factory reset is a last resort because it erases everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset delete my photos or apps?

No. A soft reset (restart) only closes running apps and clears temporary files. All your photos, videos, apps, and accounts stay on the tablet. It is completely safe to do.

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

No. Once you tap the final confirmation button, the reset begins when ready and cannot be stopped. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during the process. Let it finish, even if it takes several minutes.

What if my tablet is stuck on the setup screen after a factory reset?

Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. If the tablet is still stuck, try a soft reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If that does not work, you may need to contact RCA support or visit a repair shop, as this can indicate a hardware problem.

Do I need to charge my tablet before a factory reset?

Yes. Make sure your tablet has at least 50 percent battery before you start a factory reset. If the battery dies during the reset, the tablet may not restart properly. Plug it in and let it charge fully before you begin.

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware?

A factory reset will remove most malware because it erases all data and apps. However, if malware is stored in the tablet's firmware (the core system files), a factory reset may not remove it. If you suspect a serious infection, contact RCA support or a repair technician.