Three ways to reset an RCA tablet, depending on what you need
An RCA tablet reset falls into three categories: a soft reset (restart), a factory reset from settings, and a hard reset using hardware buttons. A soft reset clears temporary memory and closes stuck apps without erasing anything. A factory reset wipes all your data and returns the tablet to its original state—use this when you want to erase everything before selling it or giving it away. A hard reset uses physical buttons and is your last option if the tablet won't turn on or respond to touch.
Which one you need depends on your problem. If an app is frozen or the tablet is slow, try the soft reset first. If you want to clear out old files and start fresh, use the factory reset from settings. If the screen is unresponsive or the tablet is stuck in a boot loop, use the hard reset.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset (restart) closes stuck apps and clears temporary memory without erasing any of your files or accounts.
- A factory reset from the Settings menu wipes all data, accounts, and apps, so back up anything you want to keep first.
- A hard reset using the power and volume buttons works when the tablet won't respond to touch or turn on normally.
- RCA tablets use Android, so the exact menu names and button locations vary slightly by model and Android version.
Soft reset: restart your tablet without losing anything
A soft reset is the safest first step. Press and hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet until the power menu appears on screen. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. Tap "Restart" or "Power off", then wait 10 seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on.
A soft reset closes all running apps and clears the tablet's temporary memory. It does not erase your photos, documents, accounts, or installed apps. Use this when an app is frozen, the tablet is running slowly, or you notice battery drain. Most tablet problems resolve after a restart.
Factory reset from Settings: erase everything and start over
A factory reset returns your tablet to the state it was in when it left the factory. All your files, photos, accounts, and installed apps are deleted. Before you do this, back up anything you want to keep by copying files to a computer or cloud storage.
Open Settings and look for "System" or "About tablet". Scroll down and tap "Reset options" or "Reset". You will see "Erase all data" or "Factory reset". Tap it. The tablet will ask you to confirm—tap "Erase all" or "Reset phone" (Android sometimes uses "phone" even on tablets). The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. The tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, as if it were brand new.
The exact menu path varies by RCA model and Android version. Some tablets have the reset option under "Settings > System > Reset options". Others have it under "Settings > Privacy" or "Settings > Storage". If you cannot find it, search the Settings menu for the word "reset".
Hard reset using hardware buttons: when the screen won't respond
A hard reset uses the physical power and volume buttons and works even if the tablet is frozen or the screen is unresponsive. This is your last resort when the tablet will not turn on, is stuck in a boot loop, or will not respond to touch.
The button combination varies by RCA model. Most RCA tablets use one of these: press and hold Power + Volume Up together for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the recovery menu, or press and hold Power + Volume Down for the same duration. Some models require holding Power alone until the RCA logo appears, then when ready pressing Volume Up.
When the recovery menu appears, use the volume buttons to highlight "Wipe data / factory reset" or "Factory reset", then press the power button to select it. Confirm the action. The tablet will erase all data and restart. This process takes 10 to 20 minutes and leaves no files behind.
What to do before you reset
A factory reset or hard reset erases everything. Before you proceed, copy any files you want to keep to a computer or cloud service. Connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable and drag photos, documents, and videos to a folder on your computer. Alternatively, upload files to Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service using the tablet's browser or app.
If you have accounts set up on the tablet—Gmail, Microsoft, social media—write down the usernames and passwords. After the reset, you will need to sign back in. If you forget a password, you can reset it on a computer before you reset the tablet.
After the reset: what to expect
After a soft reset, your tablet will restart and all your apps, files, and accounts will still be there. After a factory reset or hard reset, the tablet will show the initial setup screen. You will need to connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with a Google account (or Microsoft account on some models), and read your apps again from the Google Play Store.
The first startup after a factory reset can take 10 to 20 minutes as the tablet installs system updates and prepares itself. Do not turn off the tablet during this time. Once setup is complete, your tablet will be as fast as it was when new.
Troubleshooting: what to do if the reset does not work
If a soft reset does not fix the problem, try a factory reset from Settings. If the tablet is too frozen to reach Settings, use the hard reset with hardware buttons. If the hard reset does not work—the tablet still will not turn on or still loops endlessly—the hardware may be damaged. Try charging the tablet for at least 30 minutes, then attempt the hard reset again.
If the tablet still does not respond, the battery, screen, or motherboard may have failed. At that point, contact RCA support or take the tablet to a repair shop. RCA support can be reached through the RCA website or by calling the number on your tablet's box or documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft reset delete my photos and files?
No. A soft reset only restarts the tablet and closes running apps. All your photos, documents, installed apps, and accounts remain unchanged. Use a soft reset when an app is frozen or the tablet is slow.
What is the difference between a factory reset and a hard reset?
A factory reset uses the Settings menu and requires the tablet to respond to touch. A hard reset uses physical buttons and works even if the screen is frozen or unresponsive. Both erase all data. Use a hard reset only if the tablet will not respond to touch.
Can I undo a factory reset or hard reset?
No. Once you confirm the reset, all data is permanently erased. This is why backing up your files before you reset is important. If you have files backed up to Google Drive or a computer, you can read them again after the reset.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. A hard reset can take 10 to 20 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during the reset. The first startup after a reset can take an additional 10 to 20 minutes as the tablet installs updates.
What if I forgot my Google password and the tablet is asking for it after the reset?
Go to a computer and visit accounts.google.com. Click "Forgot password?" and follow the steps to reset your password. Once you have set a new password, return to the tablet and sign in with the new password.