Two ways to reset your ASUS tablet
You can reset an ASUS tablet in two ways: a soft reset (restart) that clears temporary files and closes stuck apps, or a factory reset that wipes everything and returns the tablet to its original state. A soft reset takes seconds and fixes most freezing or lag problems. A factory reset erases all your photos, apps, accounts, and files, so use it only when the tablet won't respond to normal fixes or before selling it.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have an ASUS ZenPad, VivoTab, or newer model, but the basic process is the same on all ASUS tablets running Android. This guide covers both reset types so you can choose the right one for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset (holding the power button for 10 seconds) fixes freezing and lag without erasing anything on your tablet.
- A factory reset wipes all data, so back up photos, documents, and files before you start.
- You can factory reset through Settings on a working tablet, or use the hardware button combination if the tablet won't turn on.
- After a factory reset, you will need to sign in with your Google account and reinstall your apps.
- Remove your microSD card before a factory reset if you want to keep files stored on it.
How to do a soft reset (restart)
A soft reset closes all running apps and clears temporary memory without touching your files or settings. Start with this step if your tablet is frozen, slow, or an app keeps crashing.
Press and hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet for 10 seconds. You will see the power menu appear on screen with options like "Power off" or "Restart." Let go of the button. Tap Restart if it appears, or tap Power off, wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. The tablet will boot up normally and all your data stays intact.
If the power button does not respond, your tablet may be completely frozen. In that case, skip to the hardware reset section below.
Factory reset through Settings (if your tablet turns on)
If your tablet is working but you want to erase everything and start fresh, use the Settings menu. This is the safest method because you can see what is happening and back up files first.
Before you start: Connect to a computer or cloud storage and back up any photos, documents, or files you want to keep. Sign out of your Google account in Settings > Accounts, or write down your Google email and password so you can sign back in later. Remove any microSD card if you want to preserve files on it.
Open Settings on your tablet. Scroll down and tap System or About (the exact name varies by model). Look for Reset options, Reset, or Erase all data. Tap it. You will see a warning that all data will be deleted. Tap Erase all data or Factory reset to confirm. The tablet will restart and begin erasing. This takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.
When the reset finishes, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, just like a new device. You can then sign in with your Google account and reinstall your apps.
Hardware reset if the tablet won't turn on
If your ASUS tablet is stuck, unresponsive, or will not power on, you can force a reset using the physical buttons. This method works even if the screen is black or frozen.
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds. Keep holding even if you see the ASUS logo or vibration. Release both buttons. The tablet will enter recovery mode, showing a menu with text options.
Use the Volume Down button to scroll to Wipe data/factory reset or Erase all data. Press the Power button to select it. A confirmation screen will appear. Scroll to Yes and press the power button again. The reset will begin. Wait for it to finish—do not interrupt the process. When complete, the tablet will restart.
If you do not see a recovery menu, try holding Volume Up and Power instead, or Volume Down and Power for a longer time. Different ASUS models use different button combinations.
What to do after a factory reset
When your tablet restarts after a factory reset, it will show the setup screen you saw when it was new. You will need to go through initial setup before you can use it again.
Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Google account. If you do not remember your Google password, visit accounts.google.com on a computer and use the "Forgot password" option. After you sign in, the tablet will read and reinstall your apps automatically if you had them linked to that Google account.
Reinstall any apps that do not restore automatically by opening the Google Play Store, tapping your profile icon, and selecting Manage my apps & games. Tap Installed to see apps you owned before, then tap Install next to each one you want back.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not unplug or turn off your tablet during a factory reset. The process can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on storage size. If you interrupt it, the tablet may not boot up afterward. If this happens, try the hardware reset again and let it finish without interruption.
Do not forget to back up files before a factory reset. Once the reset completes, all photos, documents, downloads, and app data are gone permanently. If you stored files only on the tablet itself and not in cloud storage or on a computer, you cannot recover them.
Do not assume your microSD card will be erased. A factory reset typically erases only the tablet's internal storage. If you want to remove files from a microSD card, eject it first, then reset the tablet. If you want to keep the card's files, remove it before resetting.
When to soft reset versus factory reset
Use a soft reset first if your tablet is slow, an app is frozen, or the screen is unresponsive. It takes 30 seconds and fixes most temporary problems. You lose nothing.
Use a factory reset only if a soft reset does not work, the tablet has a serious software problem, you are selling or giving away the tablet, or you want to completely clear your personal data. A factory reset is permanent and erases everything, so it should be your last step before troubleshooting with ASUS support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Google account?
Yes. A factory reset erases all accounts, including your Google account. After the reset, you will need to sign in again with your Google email and password. If you do not remember your password, go to accounts.google.com on a computer and use the password recovery option before you reset.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset permanently deletes all files, photos, apps, and settings. If you backed up your data to Google Drive, OneDrive, or a computer before the reset, you can restore those files after signing back in. Otherwise, the data is gone.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 5 to 20 minutes depending on how much storage your tablet has. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time. If the reset takes longer than 30 minutes, the tablet may be stuck—try a hard reset using the button combination instead.
What if my tablet is stuck in recovery mode?
If your tablet boots into recovery mode and will not exit, try pressing the power button to select "Reboot system now" at the top of the menu. If that does not work, try the hardware reset again, but this time do not select the factory reset option—just let it boot normally.
Do I need to remove my microSD card before resetting?
No, but you should if you want to keep files on it. A factory reset erases the tablet's internal storage but usually leaves the microSD card untouched. If you want to be safe, remove the card before resetting, then reinsert it after the tablet restarts.