What a Factory Reset Does and When You Need One
A factory reset erases everything on your Fire tablet — all apps, photos, documents, and settings — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is useful if the tablet is running slowly, you want to sell or give it away, you forgot your password, or an app keeps crashing and nothing else fixes it.
The reset process takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires your tablet to have at least 20 percent battery. You will need your Amazon account password afterward, because the tablet will ask for it when it starts up again. If you do not remember your password, you can reset it on Amazon's website before you start the tablet reset.
A factory reset is different from a restart. A restart turns the tablet off and back on but keeps all your data. A factory reset removes everything.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all apps, files, and settings and returns your tablet to its original state, which takes 10 to 20 minutes.
- You can reset through Settings on the tablet itself, or through your Amazon account online if you cannot access the tablet.
- The tablet will ask for your Amazon password when it starts up again, so make sure you know it before you begin.
- Charge your tablet to at least 20 percent battery before starting, because the reset will fail if the battery dies during the process.
- A factory reset is permanent — you cannot undo it, so back up any photos or documents you want to keep first.
Reset Through Settings If You Can Access Your Tablet
If your tablet turns on and you can reach the home screen, this is the fastest way to reset it. Open the Settings app — you will find it in the apps menu or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
Tap Device Options, then scroll down and tap Reset to Factory Defaults. The tablet will ask you to confirm. Tap Reset again. The screen will go black, and you will see a progress bar. Do not unplug the tablet or press any buttons while it is resetting.
When the reset is complete, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen. You will need to sign in with your Amazon account. If you have a Fire 7, Fire HD 8, or Fire HD 10, the steps are the same across all models.
Reset Through Your Amazon Account If You Cannot Access the Tablet
If your tablet will not turn on, is stuck on a password screen, or is too damaged to use, you can reset it remotely through your Amazon account. Go to amazon.com on any computer or phone and sign in with the account linked to the tablet.
Click on Account & Lists in the top right, then select Your Account. Scroll down to Digital Content and Devices and click Devices and Accessories. Find your Fire tablet in the list and click on it. Click Actions and select Send Commands. Choose Factory Reset from the menu.
Amazon will send a reset command to the tablet. The tablet must be connected to Wi-Fi for this to work. If the tablet is offline, the reset will happen the next time it connects to Wi-Fi. This method can take a few hours to complete.
What Happens After the Reset Is Complete
When your tablet restarts after a factory reset, it will show the initial setup screen, just like a brand-new tablet. You will be asked to connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Amazon account, and choose your preferences for notifications and privacy.
Once you sign in, your tablet will automatically read any apps you purchased through the Amazon Appstore — they will not be there when ready, but they will install in the background. Photos and documents you stored in Amazon Cloud Drive will also be available again once you open those apps.
Anything stored only on the tablet itself — photos taken with the camera, documents you created in a notes app, or files you downloaded — will be gone permanently. This is why backing up important files before you reset is important.
Back Up Your Files Before You Reset
If you have photos, videos, or documents you want to keep, move them to Amazon Cloud Drive or email them to yourself before you start the reset. Open the Files app on your tablet, find the files you want to save, and tap and hold to select them. Tap Move or Copy and choose Cloud Drive as the destination.
For photos, open the Photos app, select the images you want to keep, and tap Save to Cloud Drive. You can also email important documents to yourself — open the file, tap Share, and choose Email.
Once the reset is complete and you sign back in, these files will be waiting for you in Cloud Drive or your email.
Troubleshooting a Reset That Is Not Working
If your tablet is stuck on the reset screen or the progress bar is not moving, wait at least 30 minutes before you do anything. Some resets take longer than expected, especially on older tablets or if the tablet is low on storage space.
If the tablet is still stuck after 30 minutes, try a hard reset. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds, even if nothing seems to happen. Release the button and wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This forces the tablet to shut down and may allow the reset to complete.
If the tablet still will not reset, try the remote reset through your Amazon account instead. If that does not work either, contact Amazon Customer Service — they can help troubleshoot or arrange a replacement if the tablet is still under warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Amazon account from the tablet?
Yes. After the reset, the tablet will ask you to sign in again. You can sign in with the same Amazon account or a different one. If you sign in with a different account, you will not see the apps or content from the previous account.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is why backing up important files before you reset is important. Once the reset is complete, anything that was only on the tablet is gone.
Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my tablet?
You need Wi-Fi to complete the setup after the reset, but not to start the reset itself. However, if you are using the remote reset through your Amazon account, the tablet must be connected to Wi-Fi for the command to reach it.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The setup process after the reset — signing in, downloading apps, and connecting to Wi-Fi — can take another 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.
What if I forget my Amazon password after the reset?
You can reset your Amazon password on the Amazon website before you sign in on the tablet. Go to amazon.com, click Account & Lists, select Your Account, and click Login & Security. Choose Edit next to your password and follow the steps to create a new one.