What kind of reset you need depends on what's wrong
A tablet reset is not one thing — it's a choice between a soft reset (turning it off and back on), a factory reset (erasing everything and returning it to original settings), or a forced restart when the screen is frozen. Most problems are fixed by the first option. A factory reset erases all your photos, apps, and files, so you should only do it if you're selling the tablet, giving it away, or the device is so broken that nothing else works.
Before you do anything, know what you're trying to fix. If the tablet is slow, an app keeps crashing, or the screen is unresponsive, start with a soft reset. If you've forgotten your password or the tablet won't turn on at all, you may need a factory reset. If the screen is completely frozen and won't respond to touch, a forced restart is your first move.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset — powering the tablet off and back on — fixes most problems and takes less than a minute.
- A forced restart works when the screen is frozen and won't respond; the button combination depends on whether you have an iPad or Android tablet.
- A factory reset erases everything on the tablet and returns it to the state it came in; do this only if you're selling it, giving it away, or nothing else has worked.
- Before a factory reset, back up your photos and files to cloud storage or a computer, because you cannot recover them afterward.
- If you've forgotten your password, you'll need your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad) to reset the tablet; without it, you may need to contact the manufacturer.
How to do a soft reset on any tablet
A soft reset is the first thing to try. Press and hold the power button until the tablet shuts down completely — this usually takes 10 to 15 seconds. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This clears the tablet's temporary memory and stops frozen apps without erasing anything you've saved.
If the power button doesn't work or the tablet won't respond, move on to a forced restart instead. A soft reset works for slowness, apps that crash repeatedly, Wi-Fi that won't connect, or a screen that's sluggish. If the problem returns after a few days, the tablet may have a deeper issue and you should consider a factory reset.
Forced restart when your tablet is completely frozen
On an iPad: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the power-off slider appears, or until the Apple logo shows up and the device restarts. This usually takes 10 to 15 seconds. Do not release the button early.
On an Android tablet: Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and you see the manufacturer's logo. Release both buttons and let the tablet restart. The exact button combination varies by brand — Samsung, Amazon Fire, and other makers sometimes use different combinations — so check your tablet's manual if this doesn't work.
A forced restart is safe to do and won't erase anything. Use it when the screen is frozen, the tablet won't respond to touch, or an app has locked up the whole device. After the restart, the tablet should work normally again.
Factory reset: erasing everything and starting over
A factory reset returns your tablet to the exact state it was in when it left the factory. All your photos, videos, apps, messages, and files are permanently deleted. You cannot undo this, so back up anything you want to keep before you start.
On an iPad: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID password. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. The iPad will restart and show the setup screen, as if it's brand new.
On an Android tablet: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset). Some tablets call this "Reset Device" or "Wipe Device" instead. You'll be asked to enter your Google account password. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes. The tablet will restart and show the setup screen.
After a factory reset, you'll need to set up the tablet again from scratch — choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad). Your apps won't be there, but if you signed in with the same account, you can read them again from the app store.
Backing up before you erase
If you're doing a factory reset, save your photos and important files first. On an iPad, photos are backed up to iCloud if you have iCloud Photos turned on in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos. On an Android tablet, photos go to Google Photos automatically if you're signed in with your Google account.
For documents and other files, use cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. read the app, sign in, and upload the files you want to keep. After the factory reset, you can read them again on the fresh tablet.
If you don't have cloud storage set up, connect the tablet to a computer with a USB cable and copy the files to your computer's hard drive before you reset. This takes a few minutes but saves you from losing irreplaceable photos or documents.
What to do if you've forgotten your password
If you can't remember the password or PIN to unlock your tablet, you'll need to reset it. On an iPad, you'll be asked for your Apple ID password during the reset process — if you don't have it, go to iforgot.apple.com to reset your Apple ID password first, then do the factory reset.
On an Android tablet, you'll be asked for your Google account password during the reset. If you don't remember it, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on a computer to reset your Google password, then use the new password when the tablet asks for it during setup.
If you don't have access to the email address linked to your account, the process is more complicated. Contact Apple Support or Google Support with proof that you own the tablet — they can help you regain access, but it may take several days.
When to factory reset and when to try something else
Do a factory reset if the tablet is so slow it's unusable, if you're selling or giving it away, if you've forgotten your password and can't reset it, or if you've tried a soft reset and forced restart and the problems keep happening. Do not do a factory reset just because an app is crashing — uninstall the app instead by going to Settings > Apps, finding the app, and tapping Uninstall.
If the tablet won't turn on at all, a factory reset won't help. Try charging it for at least 30 minutes, then try a forced restart. If it still won't turn on, the battery or hardware may be damaged and you should contact the manufacturer or a repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft reset delete my photos or files?
No. A soft reset only turns the tablet off and back on. Nothing is erased. All your photos, apps, messages, and files stay exactly where they are.
How long does a factory reset take?
The actual reset process takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how much storage the tablet has. After that, you'll need another 10 to 15 minutes to set it up again and sign in with your account.
Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?
No. Once you confirm a factory reset, it cannot be stopped or undone. Make sure you've backed up everything you want to keep before you start.
What if my tablet is still broken after a factory reset?
If a factory reset doesn't fix the problem, the issue is likely hardware damage — a broken screen, battery, or internal component. Contact the manufacturer's support line or take the tablet to a repair shop.
Do I need Wi-Fi to do a factory reset?
You need Wi-Fi or a data connection to sign in with your Apple ID or Google account during setup after the reset. The reset itself doesn't require internet, but you won't be able to use the tablet afterward without it.