What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset wipes your Amazon tablet back to the state it left the warehouse — all your apps, photos, documents, and settings disappear. The operating system stays the same, but everything you added or changed goes. You should do this if the tablet is running slowly, freezing often, or you are selling it and want to erase your personal data before handing it over.
The reset takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much is stored on the device. Your tablet will restart several times during the process. You cannot stop it once it begins, so plug in the power cable and make sure you have time to let it finish.
Before you start, back up anything you want to keep. Photos and documents stored in your Amazon account (Amazon Photos, Amazon Drive, or Kindle books) will still be there after the reset — they live in the cloud, not on the tablet itself. Anything stored only on the device will be gone.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all apps, photos, and settings but keeps your Amazon account linked to the device.
- Photos and documents in Amazon Photos or Amazon Drive remain safe because they are stored in the cloud, not on the tablet.
- The reset takes 10 to 30 minutes and requires a full battery or a power cable plugged in.
- You can reset an Amazon tablet through Settings on the device itself, or remotely through your Amazon account if you cannot access the tablet.
Reset through Settings on the tablet itself
This is the fastest way if your tablet turns on and you can reach the home screen. Open Settings (the gear icon, usually in the top right corner or in the quick menu). Scroll down and tap Device Options.
Tap Reset to Factory Defaults. The tablet will ask you to confirm — tap Reset again. It will then ask for your Amazon account password to make sure you own the device. Enter the password and tap Reset. The tablet will restart and begin erasing itself. Do not unplug it or turn it off during this time.
When the reset finishes, the tablet will show the welcome screen as if it is brand new. You can set it up again with your Amazon account, or leave it as is if you are giving it to someone else.
Reset remotely through your Amazon account
If your tablet will not turn on, is locked, or you cannot reach Settings, you can reset it from another device using your Amazon account. Go to amazon.com and sign in with the account linked to the tablet.
Click on Account in the top right, then Login & Security. Scroll down to Devices and Permissions and click Manage Your Devices. Find the tablet you want to reset in the list and click on it. Click Deregister at the bottom of the page. Amazon will ask you to confirm — click Deregister again.
Deregistering removes your account from the tablet but does not erase the data. To fully reset it, you will still need to access the tablet itself and go through Settings. However, if you are selling the tablet or giving it away, deregistering it first prevents the new owner from seeing your account information.
What to do if the tablet is frozen or will not respond
If your tablet is stuck on a screen and will not open Settings, try a force restart first. Hold down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This often clears temporary glitches without erasing anything.
If the force restart does not work and the tablet still will not respond, you can deregister it from your Amazon account (using the steps above) and then try the Settings reset again once the tablet restarts. If it still will not cooperate, contact Amazon Customer Service — they can sometimes reset the device remotely or walk you through other troubleshooting steps.
Recovering your data after a reset
If you backed up photos to Amazon Photos before the reset, sign back into your Amazon account on the tablet after it restarts, and your photos will reappear in the Photos app. The same applies to documents in Amazon Drive and Kindle books — they are tied to your account, not the device.
Apps you purchased through the Amazon Appstore will also be available to read again once you sign in. Your purchase history is saved in your account, so you will not be charged twice. However, any data inside those apps (game progress, notes, settings) will be lost unless the app itself backs up to the cloud.
If you stored files only on the tablet — not in Amazon's cloud services — they cannot be recovered after a factory reset. This is why backing up before you reset is important.
Preparing to sell or give away your tablet
Before handing the tablet to someone else, do the factory reset through Settings (not just deregistering). This ensures all your personal data is gone. After the reset finishes and the welcome screen appears, do not set it up again — leave it there so the new owner can set it up with their own Amazon account.
If you deregistered the device from your account but did not factory reset it, the new owner will see your old apps, photos, and settings. A full factory reset is the only way to completely clear the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Kindle books if I factory reset?
No. Kindle books are stored in your Amazon account, not on the tablet. After you reset and sign back in, your library will be there. You can read them again to read.
Can I reset my tablet if I forgot my Amazon password?
The Settings reset will ask for your password to confirm ownership. If you cannot remember it, go to amazon.com, click Sign In, and select Forgot Password. Amazon will send a reset link to the email address on your account. Once you reset your password, you can use it to complete the factory reset on the tablet.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most resets finish in 10 to 30 minutes. Tablets with more storage or older models may take longer. Keep the tablet plugged in and do not interrupt the process.
What if the tablet gets stuck during the reset?
If the reset appears to freeze and nothing happens for more than an hour, try a force restart by holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds. If that does not help, contact Amazon Customer Service for support.
Do I need to remove my Amazon account before selling the tablet?
Yes. A factory reset removes your account and all your data. If you only deregister without resetting, your information stays on the device. Always do a full factory reset before giving the tablet to someone else.