What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your tablet—all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts—and returns it to the state it left the manufacturer. After the reset completes, you'll see the initial setup screen, as if you just unboxed it.

You might need a factory reset if your tablet is running slowly, an app keeps crashing, you're selling or giving it away, or you've forgotten your password and can't get in. A reset is also the fix when your tablet won't turn on properly or gets stuck in a boot loop.

Before you start, understand that a factory reset is permanent and irreversible. Anything not backed up to the cloud or a computer will be gone. If you're doing this because you forgot a password, you may need your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad) to set it up again afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up your photos, documents, and any files you want to keep before you start, because a factory reset deletes everything on the tablet itself.
  • On Android tablets, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data, and on iPads, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes and your tablet will restart several times; do not turn it off or unplug it during this time.
  • After the reset, you'll need to sign in with your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad) and read your apps again from the app store.

Back up your data before you reset

The first step is to save anything you want to keep. On an Android tablet, open Settings, tap Accounts, select your Google account, and tap Account sync to make sure your photos, contacts, and calendar are synced to Google's servers. You can also connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable and copy files to a folder on your computer.

On an iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Turn on Photos, Documents, and any other categories you want backed up. You can also plug your iPad into a Mac or Windows computer, open Finder or iTunes, and create a full backup by clicking Back Up Now.

If you have apps you paid for or want to reinstall later, write down their names or take a screenshot of your app list. Free apps can be downloaded again from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store after the reset, but you'll need to sign in to your account.

How to factory reset an Android tablet

Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About tablet (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap System, then look for Reset options or Reset. Tap Erase all data or Factory reset.

The tablet will ask you to confirm. Read the warning carefully—it will list everything that will be deleted. Tap Erase all data or Confirm. If your tablet is password-protected, you may need to enter your PIN or password before the reset begins.

The reset will start when ready. Your tablet will restart, show a progress bar, and restart again. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet, unplug it, or remove the battery during this time. When it finishes, you'll see the initial setup screen asking you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

How to factory reset an iPad

Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. If you have Find My iPad turned on, you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID password. Type it in and tap Erase.

The iPad will ask you to confirm one more time. Tap Erase to proceed. Your iPad will restart and show a progress bar. The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Do not turn off the iPad or disconnect it from power during the reset.

When the reset finishes, you'll see the Hello screen and be asked to choose a language. From here, you can set up the iPad as new or restore it from a backup if you created one before the reset.

Set up your tablet after the reset

After the reset completes and you see the setup screen, follow the on-screen prompts. Choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and agree to the terms of service. On Android, you'll be asked to sign in with your Google account. On iPad, you'll be asked for your Apple ID.

Use the same Google account or Apple ID you used before the reset. This will restore your contacts, calendar, and any apps you had installed. The tablet will read and reinstall your apps automatically in the background—this can take an hour or more depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed.

Once setup is complete, open the app store (Google Play Store on Android, App Store on iPad) and search for any paid apps you owned. They should show as already purchased, and you can read them again for free. Your photos and documents will sync back to your tablet if you had them backed up to Google Photos or iCloud.

What to do if the reset gets stuck or fails

If your tablet is frozen on the reset screen or the progress bar hasn't moved in 20 minutes, try a force restart. On most Android tablets, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black, then release. On iPad, the method depends on the model—for newer iPads without a home button, quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, then hold the top button until you see the power-off slider.

If the reset still won't complete, your tablet may have a hardware problem or a corrupted system file. At this point, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center. They can perform a reset using specialized tools or replace the device if it's still under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my Google account or Apple ID?

No. The reset erases your data and apps, but after it completes, you'll sign back in with the same account. Your account itself is not deleted. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it on Google's or Apple's website before you start the tablet reset.

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

Not safely. Once the reset begins, interrupting it by turning off the tablet or removing the battery can leave it in an unusable state. Let it finish, even if it takes longer than expected. If it truly appears frozen after 20 minutes, try a force restart as described above.

Do I need Wi-Fi to factory reset my tablet?

Not for the reset itself, but you'll need it afterward to sign back into your account and read your apps. If you don't have Wi-Fi at home, you can complete the reset and then connect at a library or coffee shop to finish setup.

What if I don't remember my Google account or Apple ID password?

Go to Google's account recovery page or Apple's account page on a computer before you reset the tablet. Reset your password there, then use the new password when the tablet asks you to sign in after the reset completes.

Will the reset fix a cracked screen or broken button?

No. A factory reset only fixes software problems—slowness, crashes, or forgotten passwords. Physical damage like a cracked screen or broken power button requires repair or replacement and cannot be fixed by a reset.