What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Android tablet — all apps, photos, messages, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. The tablet itself keeps working; you are just clearing the data stored on it.

You might factory reset a tablet before selling or giving it away, if the device is running slowly and you have already tried clearing the cache, if you forgot your PIN or password and cannot get past the lock screen, or if an app keeps crashing and nothing else has fixed it. A reset is also the last step to try before deciding the tablet is too broken to use.

Warning: a factory reset cannot be undone. If you have photos, documents, or other files you want to keep, back them up to Google Drive, OneDrive, or another cloud service before you start. Once the reset is complete, those files are gone from the tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • You can factory reset most Android tablets through Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data, though the exact path varies by tablet brand.
  • If you are locked out of your tablet by a PIN or password, you may be able to reset it from the lock screen itself, or through your Google account recovery options.
  • A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes and erases everything on the tablet — back up any files you want to keep before you start.
  • After the reset, the tablet will ask you to sign in with a Google account and set up as if it were new.

Factory reset through Settings (if you can unlock the tablet)

If you can unlock your tablet and get to the home screen, the fastest route is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then look for a section called System, Advanced, or About. The exact name depends on your tablet brand — Samsung tablets often label it Device care or Battery and device care.

Once you find that section, look for Reset options, Reset, or Factory reset. Tap it. The tablet will show you a warning that all data will be erased and ask you to confirm. Read the warning, then tap Erase all data, Reset device, or similar. The tablet will restart and begin the reset process, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.

When the reset is done, the tablet will restart and show you a setup screen as if it were brand new. You will need to sign in with a Google account to finish setup. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one on the tablet or on a computer first.

Factory reset from the lock screen (if you are locked out)

If you cannot unlock the tablet because you forgot the PIN, password, or pattern, you may still be able to reset it without entering those details. On most Android tablets, hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time for about 10 seconds until the tablet vibrates or shows a boot menu. This takes you to a screen called Recovery Mode.

In Recovery Mode, use the Volume buttons to move up and down through the menu options, and use the Power button to select. Look for an option that says Wipe data, Factory reset, or Erase all data. Select it, then confirm when the tablet asks. The reset will begin. This process can take 10 to 20 minutes.

Recovery Mode looks different on different tablets. Some show a menu with text options; others show a picture-based menu. If you cannot find a reset option in Recovery Mode, or if holding Power and Volume Down does not work, you may need to look up the specific steps for your tablet brand and model number.

Using your Google account to reset a locked tablet

If Recovery Mode does not work or you do not want to use it, you can sometimes reset a tablet through your Google account. After you enter the wrong PIN or password several times, the tablet will lock you out temporarily and offer an option like "Forgot pattern," "Forgot PIN," or "Forgot password." Tap that option.

The tablet will ask you to sign in with the Google account that is linked to the tablet. If you remember that account's email and password, enter them. Once you sign in, you can usually set a new PIN or password, or in some cases reset the entire device. This method only works if you remember your Google account details.

If you do not remember your Google account password, go to google.com/accounts/recovery on a computer or another device. Follow Google's steps to recover your account, which usually involve answering security questions or checking your recovery email. Once you have access to your account again, you can use that email and password to unlock or reset your tablet.

What happens after the factory reset

Once the reset is complete, the tablet will restart and show a setup screen. It will ask you to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. You need a Google account to use most Android tablets — if you do not have one, you can create one for free at google.com.

After you sign in, the tablet will read and reinstall any apps that were linked to that Google account. Photos and files that you backed up to Google Drive or another cloud service will not automatically reappear on the tablet — you will need to open Google Drive or that service and read them again. Apps that you paid for will still be free to read again, because Google remembers your purchase history.

If you are setting up the tablet for someone else, do not sign in with your own Google account. Create a new account for them, or ask them to create one themselves. That way, their apps and data will be separate from yours.

Troubleshooting a reset that does not work

If the Settings route does not work — for example, if the Settings app crashes or the reset option is missing — try clearing the cache first. Go to Settings > Apps, find the Settings app itself, tap Storage, and tap Clear cache. Then try the reset again.

If Recovery Mode does not work, or if you cannot remember your Google account password and cannot recover it, you may need to contact the tablet's manufacturer. Samsung, Apple, Amazon, and other brands have support pages where you can enter your tablet's serial number and get help. Some manufacturers can unlock a tablet if you prove you own it, though the process can take several days.

If the tablet will not turn on at all, or if it is physically damaged, a factory reset will not help. In that case, the tablet may need hardware repair or replacement.

Preparing your tablet before you sell or give it away

Before you hand a tablet to someone else, do a factory reset to remove all your personal data. After the reset, do not sign in with your own Google account — let the new owner set up the tablet with their own account. If you are selling the tablet, you can leave it at the setup screen so the buyer can complete setup themselves.

If you are giving the tablet to someone who does not have a Google account, you can either create one for them or show them how to create one when they first turn on the tablet. Without a Google account, they will not be able to read apps from the Google Play Store or use many Android features.

After you factory reset, double-check that your personal data is gone by turning the tablet back on and looking at the home screen. If you see your old apps or files, the reset did not complete — try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove a Google account lock?

A factory reset removes the PIN or password, but not the Google account lock. After the reset, the tablet will ask you to sign in with the Google account that was linked to it before the reset. If you do not remember that account's password, you will need to recover it through Google's account recovery page before you can finish setting up the tablet.

Can I factory reset an Android tablet without losing my apps?

No. A factory reset erases everything, including all apps. However, if those apps are linked to your Google account, they will read again automatically when you sign in after the reset. Paid apps will still be free to read again.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. If you are using Recovery Mode, it can take up to 20 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet while the reset is happening, or it may not complete.

What if I factory reset by accident?

If you reset the tablet by accident, you cannot undo it. However, if you back up your files to Google Drive or another cloud service, you can read them again after you sign in with your Google account. Apps that you paid for can be downloaded again for free.

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

You do not need Wi-Fi to start the reset, but you will need it after the reset is complete to sign in with your Google account and read apps. If you do not have Wi-Fi available, you can use a mobile hotspot from a phone, or wait until you have access to Wi-Fi before you finish setup.