How to Reset Your Tablet to Factory Settings

What happens when you reset a tablet

A factory reset erases everything on your tablet and returns it to the state it was in when it left the manufacturer. This means all your apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts are deleted. The operating system itself stays the same — you are not changing Android to iOS or vice versa — but every file and preference you added is gone.

A reset is useful when your tablet is running slowly, freezing constantly, or behaving erratically. It is also the right step if you are selling or giving away the device and want to make sure no personal information remains on it. Before you start, back up anything you want to keep: photos, documents, login information for important accounts, and any files stored only on the device itself.

Key Takeaways

A factory reset deletes all apps, files, photos, and settings, so back up anything you need before starting.
On most Android tablets, the reset option is in Settings > System > Reset options or Settings > About tablet > Reset.
On iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
The process takes 10 to 30 minutes and your tablet will restart several times during the reset.
If your tablet is frozen and you cannot reach the Settings menu, you can force a restart and then try the reset again.

How to reset an Android tablet

The exact path depends on which version of Android your tablet runs, but the general route is the same. Open the Settings app, then look for a section called System, Advanced, or About tablet. Inside that section, find Reset options or Reset.

Tap Erase all data or Factory reset. The tablet will ask you to confirm — this is your final note to back out. If you have a PIN or password set on the device, you will need to enter it before the reset begins. Once you confirm, the tablet will restart and begin erasing data. This can take 10 to 30 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during this time.

When the reset is complete, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, as if it were brand new. You can then set it up again with your Google account, choose your language and timezone, and reinstall apps from the Google Play Store.

How to reset an iPad

On iPad, open the Settings app and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Then tap Erase All Content and Settings. If you have a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID enabled, you will need to authenticate before the reset begins.

The iPad will ask whether you want to keep or remove your Apple ID account. If you are keeping the iPad, choose Keep My Apple ID so you can sign back in after the reset. If you are giving it away or selling it, choose Remove My Apple ID so the new owner can set up their own account. The reset will then begin and take 10 to 30 minutes. Your iPad will restart multiple times.

Once the reset is done, your iPad will show the setup screen. Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new one, choose your language and region, and restore your apps and data from iCloud if you backed them up before the reset.

What to do if your tablet is frozen and you cannot access Settings

If your tablet is completely unresponsive and you cannot open the Settings app, you can force it to restart. On most Android tablets, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the device shuts down. Then press the power button again to turn it back on. On iPad, the method depends on the model: for newer iPads without a home button, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then hold the power button until you see the shutdown screen.

After the forced restart, try opening Settings again and following the reset steps above. If the tablet is still frozen or unresponsive, you may need to connect it to a computer and use the manufacturer's recovery tool. For Android, this usually means using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) on a Windows or Mac computer. For iPad, you can use Apple Configurator 2 or Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows) to restore the device.

Backing up your data before a reset

The safest way to back up an Android tablet is to sign in with your Google account before you reset. Google automatically backs up your app list, contacts, calendar events, Gmail, and some app data to your Google account. After the reset, sign in with the same Google account and most of this data will restore automatically.

For files, photos, and documents stored only on the tablet, use Google Drive, Google Photos, or another cloud service to upload them before you reset. If you use a computer, you can also connect your tablet via USB and copy files directly to your computer's hard drive.

For iPad, the easiest backup is through iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and make sure the toggle for iCloud Backup is on. Then go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. This backs up your photos, app data, settings, and other information. After the reset, sign in with the same Apple ID and you can restore from this backup.

What to expect after the reset is complete

Your tablet will be blank and ready to set up as new. You will see the language and region selection screen, followed by Wi-Fi setup, and then account sign-in. On Android, you will sign in with your Google account. On iPad, you will sign in with your Apple ID. Both will then offer to restore your backed-up data.

If you backed up your data before the reset, your apps, photos, contacts, and other information will read and reinstall over the next few hours. This process is faster on Wi-Fi than on cellular data. Your tablet may be slow while the restore is happening — this is normal and will improve once the restore is complete.

When to call a professional instead

If your tablet will not turn on at all, or if it gets stuck on the setup screen after a reset, the problem may be hardware-related rather than software. In that case, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center. A technician can diagnose whether the issue is a damaged component or a software problem that needs specialized tools to fix.

If you are not comfortable doing a forced restart or using a computer recovery tool, a repair technician can handle the reset for you. This is especially useful if you have sensitive data on the device and want to make sure it is erased securely, or if you have tried a reset yourself and the tablet is still not working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my tablet?

Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the device, including any malware. However, if the malware came from an app you downloaded, you should avoid reinstalling that app after the reset. If you are not sure which app caused the problem, be selective about what you reinstall.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. Once a factory reset is complete, the data is gone unless you backed it up beforehand. This is why backing up before you reset is so important. If you have a recent backup in Google Drive, Google Photos, iCloud, or another cloud service, you can restore from that backup after the reset.

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

No, but it depends on what you are doing with the tablet afterward. If you are keeping it, leave your account signed in so the reset can restore your data. If you are giving it away, remove your account first so the new owner can set up their own. You can remove your account in Settings before you start the reset.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most resets take 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The exact time depends on how much data is on your tablet and how fast your device is. Do not turn off the tablet or interrupt the process — let it restart on its own as many times as it needs to.

What if my tablet asks for a Google or Apple account after the reset?

This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection (on Android) or set up Lock (on iPad). It requires you to sign in with the account that was on the device before the reset. If you forgot the password, you will need to recover it through Google or Apple's account recovery process before you can set up the tablet again.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.