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 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 device.

You might factory reset because the 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 back in. A reset is also the nuclear option when malware or a serious software glitch won't respond to anything else.

Before you start: back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and app data can be recovered after a reset only if you saved them to cloud storage (like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud) or transferred them to a computer beforehand. Once the reset finishes, local files are gone.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset wipes your tablet completely and returns it to its original state, so back up photos, documents, and other files to cloud storage or a computer first.
  • On an Android tablet, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data, and on an iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • The reset process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on the device and how full the storage is.
  • After the reset, you'll need to sign in with your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad) and reinstall any apps you want to use.
  • If you've forgotten your password and can't access Settings, you may need to use your device's recovery mode or contact the manufacturer for help.

How to factory reset an Android tablet

Open Settings and scroll down to find System (on some tablets this is called About tablet or Device). Tap it, then look for Reset options or Reset. Tap Erase all data or Factory reset.

The tablet will ask you to confirm. Read the warning — it will list what will be deleted. Tap the button to confirm, usually labeled Erase all data or Reset device. The tablet may ask for your PIN, password, or fingerprint to make sure you really want to do this. Enter it.

The reset will begin. You'll see a progress bar. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it. The process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. When it finishes, the tablet will restart and show you the setup screen, as if it's brand new.

Sign in with your Google account when prompted. This restores your contacts, calendar, and any apps you had installed from the Google Play Store. You'll need to reinstall apps manually — the Play Store won't do it automatically on most tablets.

How to factory reset an iPad

Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset (on older iPads this may be labeled Reset). Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

If you have an Apple ID set up on the iPad, you'll be asked to enter your password. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from wiping your device remotely. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.

The iPad will ask you to confirm one more time. Tap Continue, then Erase. The device will begin the reset. Do not turn it off or disconnect it from power. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes. When it's done, the iPad will restart and show the setup screen.

Sign in with your Apple ID when the setup completes. This restores your iCloud data, contacts, and calendar. Apps from the App Store won't reinstall automatically — you'll need to read them again from the App Store if you want them back.

Backing up before you reset

The safest way to back up an Android tablet is to sign into your Google account in Settings, then go to Google > Manage your Google Account > Storage. You can see what's already syncing to Google Drive. Photos and videos can also be backed up through Google Photos — open the app, tap your profile icon, and turn on Backup and sync.

For an iPad, open Settings > [Your name] > iCloud and make sure iCloud Backup is turned on. You can also plug the iPad into a computer and back it up through iTunes or Finder. On a Mac, open Finder, select the iPad, and click Back Up Now. On a Windows PC, open iTunes, select the device, and click Back Up.

If you have documents, spreadsheets, or other files stored locally on the tablet, move them to OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service before you reset. After the reset, you can read them again.

What to do if you're locked out and can't access Settings

If you've forgotten your password or PIN and can't get into Settings, you have limited options. On an Android tablet, you can try signing into your Google account on the lock screen — some tablets allow you to unlock with your Google credentials. If that doesn't work, you'll need to use recovery mode.

To enter recovery mode on most Android tablets, turn off the device, then hold the power button and volume-up button together for about 10 seconds. You'll see a menu with options like Wipe data/factory reset. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select. Choose the wipe option and confirm. This erases the device without needing your password.

On an iPad, if you've forgotten your password, you'll need to use a computer. Connect the iPad to a Mac or PC with iTunes or Finder installed. Put the iPad into recovery mode by holding the top button and volume-down button together until the recovery screen appears. Choose Restore to erase and reset the device. You'll need your Apple ID password afterward to set it up again.

If you don't remember your Apple ID password, visit iforgot.apple.com to reset it before you start the recovery process. If you can't recover your Google account password, visit accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.

After the reset: what to expect

Once the reset is complete and you've signed in with your account, the tablet will be blank except for the default apps that came with it. You'll need to reinstall anything else you want. On Android, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, go to Manage apps & device > Manage, and you'll see a list of apps you've installed before — tap Install next to the ones you want back.

On iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, and go to Purchased. You'll see apps you've bought or downloaded before. Tap the cloud icon next to any you want to reinstall.

Your tablet may take a few minutes to fully settle after the reset. Apps may update, and your account may finish syncing. If the tablet feels slow or unresponsive for the first hour or two, that's normal — give it time to finish its background tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware?

Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the device, including any malware. However, if you reinstall an infected app or revisit the website that caused the problem, you can get infected again. After resetting, be cautious about what you read and which links you tap.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. Once a factory reset completes, the data is gone permanently. This is why backing up beforehand is critical. If you backed up to cloud storage or a computer, you can restore those files after the reset by signing into your account or reconnecting to your computer.

Do I need to charge my tablet before I reset it?

Yes. Make sure your tablet has at least 50 percent battery before you start. If the battery dies during the reset, the device may not finish properly and could become unusable. Plug it in and let it charge fully if possible.

What if my tablet is stuck on the setup screen after the reset?

Try restarting the tablet by holding the power button until it shuts down, then turn it back on. If it's still stuck, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or using a mobile hotspot. If the problem persists, contact the tablet manufacturer's support line — there may be a software issue that needs professional help.