What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset wipes your Android tablet back to the state it left the factory — all your apps, photos, files, and settings disappear, and the operating system returns to its original version. You are left with a blank device that works like it did on day one.
You might reset your tablet if it runs slowly, freezes constantly, has a virus or malware, or you are preparing to sell it or give it away. A reset also fixes software problems that restarting alone cannot solve. The trade-off is that you lose everything on the device unless you back it up first.
Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Once you confirm the reset, the process begins and you cannot stop it partway through. Make sure you have backed up anything you want to keep.
Key Takeaways
- Back up your photos, files, and app data to Google Drive, cloud storage, or a computer before you reset, because the reset deletes everything on the tablet.
- You can reset your tablet through Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data, or by holding the power and volume-down buttons together if the tablet will not start.
- The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes and the tablet will restart several times — do not turn it off or unplug it during this time.
- After the reset completes, you will see the setup screen as if the tablet is brand new, and you can sign in with your Google account to restore some apps and data.
Back up your data before you start
Backing up means copying your important files, photos, and app data to a place outside the tablet so you can get them back later. Google automatically backs up some information — your contacts, calendar, Gmail, and some app data — if you are signed into a Google account on the tablet. But photos, videos, and files stored locally on the tablet are not backed up automatically.
To back up photos and files manually, connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable and copy the files to a folder on your computer. Or open Google Drive, Google Photos, or another cloud storage app on the tablet and upload the files there. Google Photos offers unlimited storage for photos if you compress them slightly, and Google Drive gives you 15 GB free. Make sure the upload finishes before you reset.
If you use apps that store data locally — like note-taking apps, banking apps, or games with saved progress — check whether those apps have their own backup feature. Open each app and look for a Settings or Backup option. Some apps back up to the cloud automatically if you are signed in; others require you to export the data manually.
Reset through Settings if your tablet starts normally
If your tablet turns on and responds to touch, use the Settings menu to reset it. This is the safest method because you can see what is happening at each step.
Open Settings and look for a section called System, Device, or About. The exact name varies by tablet brand and Android version. Tap System or Device, then look for Reset Options, Reset, or Factory Reset. Tap that option.
You will see a screen that says something like "Erase All Data" or "Factory Reset". Read the warning carefully — it will tell you what will be deleted. Tap the button to confirm. The tablet will ask you to enter your PIN, password, or Google account password as a final safety check. Enter it and tap Confirm or Erase.
The tablet will restart and show a progress bar. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet, unplug it, or remove the battery during this time. The tablet may restart several times on its own — this is normal. When the reset finishes, you will see the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when the tablet was new.
Reset using hardware buttons if the tablet will not start
If your tablet will not turn on, will not respond to touch, or is stuck on a boot screen, you can force a reset using the physical buttons on the device. This method is called a hard reset or recovery mode reset.
Turn off the tablet completely. Then hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons for 10 to 15 seconds until you see a menu appear on the screen. This menu is called Recovery Mode.
Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to move through the menu options. Look for an option that says "Wipe Data" or "Factory Reset" or "Erase All Data". Highlight it using the volume buttons, then press the Power button to select it. The tablet will ask you to confirm — use the volume buttons to highlight "Yes" and press Power to confirm.
The reset will begin. Again, do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery. When it finishes, you will see a menu that says "Reboot System Now" or similar. Press Power to restart the tablet. It will boot into the setup screen.
Set up your tablet after the reset
When the reset finishes, your tablet will look like it did the day you bought it. You will see a welcome screen with language and region options. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language and connect to Wi-Fi.
When prompted, sign in with your Google account — the same one you used on the tablet before the reset. This tells Google to restore your contacts, calendar, Gmail, and any apps you downloaded from Google Play. The tablet will read and reinstall those apps automatically over the next few minutes or hours, depending on how many you had.
Your photos and files will not be restored automatically unless you backed them up to Google Drive or Google Photos. If you did, open those apps and read the files back to your tablet. If you backed up to a computer, connect the tablet with a USB cable and copy the files back.
Troubleshooting if the reset does not work
Occasionally a reset fails or gets stuck. If the tablet is frozen on the recovery menu, hold the Power button for 30 seconds to force it off, then try the reset again from the beginning.
If the tablet restarts but gets stuck on the setup screen and will not move forward, try restarting it again. Hold Power for 10 seconds until it shuts down, then turn it back on. If it still will not progress, the tablet may have a hardware problem or a software issue that a factory reset cannot fix. At that point, contact the tablet manufacturer's support line or visit a repair shop.
If you forgot your Google account password and the tablet is asking for it after the reset, go to the Google Account Recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password. Then use the new password on the tablet.
Preparing your tablet for sale or donation
If you are selling or giving away your tablet, a factory reset is the right step, but it is not enough on its own. After the reset, do not sign back in with your Google account. Leave the tablet at the setup screen so the new owner can set it up with their own account.
If you are selling the tablet online or to a store, include a note with the listing saying that the tablet has been factory reset and is ready for setup. This tells the buyer that the device is clean and they can start fresh.
For extra security, some people prefer to reset the tablet twice — once to clear the data, and once more to overwrite the space where the data was stored. This is not necessary for most situations, but it is an option if you are concerned about data recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Google account after a factory reset?
No. Your Google account itself is stored on Google's servers, not on the tablet. After the reset, you can sign back in with the same account and your contacts, calendar, and Gmail will be there. Apps you downloaded will also be available to reinstall.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. Once the reset completes, the data is gone. This is why backing up before you reset is so important. If you did not back up and you need files back, a data recovery service might be able to help, but it is expensive and not always successful.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Older tablets or tablets with a lot of storage may take longer. The tablet will restart several times during the process, which is normal.
What if I do not know my Google account password?
After the reset, when the tablet asks for your Google password, you can use a computer to visit the Google Account Recovery page and reset your password. Then use the new password on the tablet to sign in.
Do I need to charge my tablet before I reset it?
Yes. Make sure the battery is at least 50 percent full before you start. If the tablet runs out of power during the reset, it can cause problems. Ideally, plug it in and let it charge to 100 percent before you begin.