What a Factory Reset Does and When You Need One

A factory reset erases everything on your Onn tablet—all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts—and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset completes, you will see the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned on the tablet.

You might factory reset an Onn tablet if it is running slowly, freezing frequently, or behaving unpredictably. A reset also removes all your personal data before you sell, donate, or give away the device. Unlike deleting individual files, a factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone, so back up anything you want to keep before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all photos, documents, and files to cloud storage or a computer before you begin, because a factory reset deletes everything on the tablet.
  • The most common path is Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data, though the exact menu names vary slightly by Onn model and Android version.
  • The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes and the tablet will restart multiple times; do not turn it off or unplug it during this time.
  • After the reset finishes, you will need to sign in with a Google account and set up the tablet again from the beginning.

Back Up Your Data Before You Start

Before you reset, move anything you want to keep to a safe location. The easiest method is to sign in to Google Drive, Google Photos, or OneDrive on your tablet and upload your files there. These cloud services store your data on the internet, so it will be there after the reset.

For photos and videos, open Google Photos (or the Photos app if it is already installed), sign in with your Google account, and turn on backup. The app will upload your media automatically. For documents and other files, open Google Drive, tap the plus button, and upload files from your tablet's storage. You can also connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable and copy files directly to the computer's hard drive.

Write down your Google account email and password before you reset. You will need them to sign back in after the reset is complete.

Access the Reset Menu on Your Onn Tablet

Open the Settings app. On most Onn tablets, you will find it on the home screen or in the app drawer—look for a gear icon. Tap it to open Settings.

Once Settings is open, scroll down and look for System or About Tablet. The exact name depends on your Onn model and Android version. Tap System (or About Tablet if that is what you see). Then look for Reset Options or Reset. Tap it.

You should now see an option that says Erase All Data, Factory Reset, or Reset to Factory Settings. Tap this option. The tablet will ask you to confirm—it will warn you that all data will be deleted. Read the warning carefully, then tap the button to confirm (usually labeled Erase or Reset).

What Happens During the Reset Process

Once you confirm, the tablet will begin erasing data. You will see a progress bar or a spinning circle. The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much data is on the tablet and how fast it is. Do not turn off the tablet, unplug it, or remove the battery during this time. If the power runs out, the reset may fail and leave the tablet in an unusable state.

The tablet may restart several times during the reset. This is normal. Each time it restarts, you will see the Android logo or the Onn logo. Wait for the process to finish. When the reset is complete, the tablet will show the initial setup screen—the same screen you saw when you first turned it on.

Set Up Your Tablet After the Reset

The setup screen will ask you to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. Follow each step. When you reach the Google sign-in screen, enter the email address and password you wrote down earlier. This will restore your Google account and any data you backed up to Google Drive or Google Photos.

After you sign in, the tablet will read and reinstall your apps automatically if you had them linked to your Google account. This may take several minutes. You can also manually reinstall apps by opening the Google Play Store, tapping your profile icon, and selecting Manage Your Apps and Device. Go to the Manage tab and tap Install next to any app you want to put back on the tablet.

Once setup is complete, your tablet is ready to use. It will run faster than it did before the reset because it no longer has old files, temporary data, or unused apps slowing it down.

Troubleshooting a Stuck or Failed Reset

If the reset appears to be stuck on the progress screen for more than 20 minutes, try a hard reset. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until the tablet shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. The reset should continue where it left off.

If the tablet will not turn on or is stuck in a boot loop (restarting over and over), you may need to use recovery mode. Press and hold the power button and the volume-up button together for about 10 seconds until you see the recovery menu. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select Wipe Data / Factory Reset. This method is more technical but can fix resets that failed the first time.

If you are still having trouble after trying these steps, contact Onn customer support or visit an electronics repair shop. Provide them with the model number of your tablet (usually found on the back or in Settings > About Tablet) so they can give you specific help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my Google account?

The reset erases the account from the tablet, but your Google account itself still exists. After the reset, you will sign back in with the same email and password, and your backed-up data will return to the tablet.

Can I stop the reset once it has started?

No. Once you confirm the reset, it will run to completion. Turning off the tablet or interrupting the process can damage the device and make it unusable. Let it finish, even if it takes longer than expected.

What if I forgot my Google password before resetting?

Go to accounts.google.com on a computer or another device and use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it. Write down the new password before you start the tablet reset, because you will need it to sign back in.

Will the reset remove the Onn operating system?

No. A factory reset only removes your personal data and apps. The Onn tablet's operating system (Android) stays in place, so the tablet will work exactly as it did when new.

How much free storage will I have after the reset?

You will have nearly all the tablet's storage available. For example, if your Onn tablet has 32 GB of storage, you will have close to 32 GB free after the reset (some space is used by the operating system itself). The exact amount depends on your tablet model.