What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your Amazon tablet—all apps, photos, documents, emails, and settings—and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset completes, you'll see the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned on the tablet.
You might factory reset a tablet if it's running slowly, an app keeps crashing, you're selling or giving it away, or you've forgotten your lock screen password. The reset is permanent and cannot be undone, so back up anything you want to keep before you start.
If you've forgotten your Amazon account password or can't remember your lock screen PIN, a factory reset is often the only way forward. If the tablet won't turn on or is stuck in a loop, a reset may fix it—but if it doesn't, the tablet may have a hardware problem that requires professional repair.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all data on the tablet and returns it to factory settings; the process cannot be reversed.
- You can reset through Settings on a working tablet, or use the hardware button method if the tablet is frozen or unresponsive.
- Back up photos, documents, and any files you want to keep before starting the reset.
- After the reset, you'll need to sign in with your Amazon account to restore apps and content you purchased.
- If the tablet won't turn on or remains stuck after a reset, contact Amazon support or visit a repair center.
How to reset through Settings on a working tablet
If your tablet turns on and responds to touch, the easiest path is through the Settings menu. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Settings panel, then tap the gear icon to open Settings.
Scroll down and tap Device Options. Then tap Reset to Factory Defaults. The tablet will ask you to confirm; tap Reset again. The tablet will restart and begin the reset process, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model and how much data is stored on it.
During the reset, the screen may go black or show a progress bar. Do not unplug the tablet or press any buttons while it's resetting. When the reset is complete, you'll see the Amazon setup screen asking you to select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
Using the hardware button method if the tablet is frozen
If your tablet is frozen, unresponsive, or won't start up normally, you can force a reset using the physical buttons on the device. The exact button combination depends on which Amazon tablet model you have.
For most Fire tablets, hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button together for about 10 to 20 seconds. The tablet will vibrate and show a boot menu with options. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Recovery, then press the Power button to select it.
The tablet will restart into recovery mode. You'll see a menu with options including Wipe data/factory reset. Use the Volume buttons to move through the menu and the Power button to select. Choose Wipe data/factory reset, then confirm the selection. The reset will begin and take several minutes to complete.
If your tablet model is different—such as an older Kindle Fire or a Fire HD with a different button layout—the combination may vary. Check the model number on the back of your tablet and search Amazon's support site for the specific button sequence for your device.
Backing up your data before you reset
Photos, documents, and files stored in Amazon Drive or your Amazon account will be restored after you sign back in, so those are safe. However, any files stored only on the tablet's internal storage, sideloaded apps, or personal settings will be lost.
Before you reset, connect to Wi-Fi and open the Amazon Photos app. Any photos you've taken on the tablet should already be backed up to your Amazon account if you've signed in. You can also manually upload important files to Amazon Drive through the Files app or the Amazon Drive website.
If you have apps that are not from the Amazon Appstore—apps you installed from outside Amazon—write down their names. After the reset, you can reinstall them if they're still available, but the reset will not restore them automatically.
What happens after the reset is complete
When the reset finishes, you'll see the setup screen. Select your language and connect to Wi-Fi. You'll then be asked to sign in with your Amazon account. Use the same email and password you used before.
After you sign in, the tablet will read and reinstall all the apps you purchased from the Amazon Appstore. This can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. Your Amazon account also stores your books, music, and video purchases, which will reappear in their respective apps once you're signed in.
Your personal settings—wallpaper, keyboard preferences, notification settings—will be at their factory defaults. You'll need to customize them again. If you had a lock screen PIN or password before the reset, it will be gone; you can set a new one in Settings under Security & Privacy.
Troubleshooting if the reset doesn't work
If the tablet still won't turn on after a factory reset, or if it gets stuck on the setup screen and won't progress, the problem may be a hardware issue rather than a software one. A failed reset can sometimes indicate a problem with the tablet's storage or battery.
Try plugging the tablet into power for at least 30 minutes, then attempt the reset again. If it still doesn't work, contact Amazon Customer Service through your Amazon account. You can chat, email, or call, and they can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or arrange a replacement if the tablet is still under warranty.
If the tablet is out of warranty and won't respond to any reset method, a repair center may be able to diagnose the problem, though repair costs can be high. In some cases, it may be more practical to replace the tablet.
Resetting a tablet you're giving away or selling
If you're passing the tablet to someone else, a factory reset is essential to remove your personal data, emails, and account information. After the reset, the new owner will see the setup screen and can sign in with their own Amazon account.
Before you hand over the tablet, make sure the reset is complete and you see the setup screen. Do not leave your Amazon account signed in. If the new owner has trouble with the setup, they can contact Amazon support—the tablet is now their responsibility.
If you're selling the tablet online or to a store, confirm that the reset completed successfully before you ship it or hand it over. Take a photo of the setup screen as proof that the tablet has been wiped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Amazon books and purchases after a factory reset?
No. Your books, apps, music, and video purchases are tied to your Amazon account, not to the tablet itself. Once you sign back in with your Amazon account after the reset, all your purchases will be available to read again. Photos and documents stored in Amazon Drive will also reappear.
What if I forgot my Amazon password and can't sign back in after the reset?
Go to Amazon.com on a computer or phone and use the "Forgot your password?" link to reset it. Once you've created a new password, use it to sign in on the tablet. If you no longer have access to the email address associated with your account, contact Amazon Customer Service to verify your identity and regain access.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself usually takes 5 to 15 minutes on a working tablet. If you're using the hardware button method on a frozen tablet, it may take longer—up to 30 minutes. After the reset, the initial setup and app reinstallation can take another 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and how many apps you had.
Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?
No. Once the reset begins, you should not interrupt it by unplugging the tablet or pressing buttons. Let it run to completion. If you unplug it during the reset, the tablet may become unresponsive and require another reset attempt or professional repair.
Do I need to remove my Amazon account before I reset?
No. The factory reset will remove your account from the tablet automatically. You do not need to sign out first. After the reset, the tablet will be ready for a new user to sign in with their own account.