What a Factory Reset Does and When to Use It

A factory reset erases everything on your tablet and returns it to the state it left the factory — all your apps, photos, documents, and settings disappear. The operating system stays, but your personal data does not. You should factory reset a tablet when you plan to sell it, give it away, or hand it to someone else; when it runs so slowly that normal troubleshooting has not helped; or when you have a serious software problem that won't clear any other way.

Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Once you press the final button, your data is gone. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, login information for apps — to cloud storage like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive before you begin. If you are selling or giving away the tablet, a factory reset is the responsible way to protect your privacy.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your photos, documents, and important files to cloud storage before starting, because a factory reset permanently erases everything on the tablet.
  • On an iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
  • On an Android tablet, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset) and confirm twice.
  • The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes and the tablet will restart several times — do not turn it off or unplug it during this time.
  • After the reset completes, the tablet will ask you to set it up as new or sign into an account, just like when it first came out of the box.

Factory Reset on an iPad

On an iPad running iPadOS 16 or later, open the Settings app and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. The tablet will ask you to enter your Apple ID password — this is the password for the account that signed into the iPad, not your screen lock code. Type it in and tap Erase.

If you have a screen lock code or Face ID set up, the tablet will ask for that next. Enter it, then confirm that you want to erase by tapping Erase again. The reset will begin when ready. Your iPad will show a progress bar and may restart several times. This is normal. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it from power — let it finish on its own, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

When the reset finishes, you will see the setup screen that appears on a brand-new iPad. If you are giving the tablet to someone else, you can stop here and hand it over. If you want to use it yourself, sign in with your Apple ID or set up a new account.

Factory Reset on an Android Tablet

On an Android tablet, open the Settings app. The exact path depends on your tablet's manufacturer, but look for System or About Tablet. Tap System, then scroll down and tap Reset Options or Reset. You should see an option that says Erase All Data (Factory Reset) or straightforward Factory Reset. Tap it.

Android will ask you to confirm twice. The first confirmation usually just requires a tap. The second may ask you to enter your screen lock code or pattern to prove you own the tablet. Enter it, then tap Erase Everything or Confirm. The reset will start when ready. Your tablet will show a progress bar, restart, and display the Android boot logo. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Do not interrupt it.

When the reset finishes, the tablet will boot into the setup screen. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign into a Google account (or skip this step). If you are passing the tablet to someone else, stop after setup completes and let them sign in with their own account.

What to Do If You Forgot Your Password

If you cannot remember your Apple ID password on an iPad, you can reset it through Apple's website before you start the factory reset. Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the steps to reset your password. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number linked to your account. Once you have reset your password, return to the iPad and proceed with the factory reset as normal.

On an Android tablet, if you cannot remember your Google account password, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on a computer, enter your email address, and follow the recovery steps. You may need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Once you have reset your password, you can proceed with the factory reset on the tablet.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down or Stop the Reset

The most common mistake is unplugging the tablet or turning it off while the reset is running. The progress bar may seem stuck for a minute or two — this is normal. Wait at least 15 minutes before assuming something went wrong. If the tablet does turn off unexpectedly, plug it back in and turn it on. It should resume the reset process or ask you to try again.

Another mistake is forgetting to back up your data first. Once the reset starts, there is no way to stop it or recover what you erased. If you realize mid-reset that you needed something, you cannot go back. Always back up to cloud storage before you begin.

A third mistake is not having a strong Wi-Fi connection. If your Wi-Fi drops during the reset, the process may fail or take much longer. Make sure you are close to your router and that the connection is stable before you start.

What Happens After the Reset Is Complete

When the reset finishes, your tablet will be completely blank and will show the same setup screen a new tablet shows. If you are selling or giving away the tablet, you can hand it over at this point. The new owner will sign in with their own account and set it up as their own device.

If you are keeping the tablet for yourself, sign in with your Apple ID (iPad) or Google account (Android) and restore your apps and data from your backups. Your photos, documents, and app data that you backed up to cloud storage will sync back onto the tablet automatically once you sign in. Apps you had installed will need to be downloaded again from the App Store or Google Play Store, but your login information and settings for those apps will restore from your backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my tablet?

Yes. A factory reset erases everything, including any malware or unwanted software. However, if you restore from a backup that was infected, you may restore the malware too. If you suspect your tablet had malware, do not restore from a backup — set it up fresh instead.

Can I factory reset a tablet that is locked with a passcode I do not remember?

On an iPad, you will need your Apple ID password to complete the reset, even if you do not remember your passcode. On Android, you may be able to reset without the passcode if you can sign into your Google account. If you cannot access either, contact the tablet's manufacturer or a repair shop — they may be able to help you regain access.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The exact time depends on how much data was on the tablet and how fast your tablet's processor is. Older tablets may take longer. Do not interrupt the process — let it run to completion.

Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi during a factory reset?

You do not need Wi-Fi to start the reset, but a stable connection helps. If your Wi-Fi drops during the reset, the process may pause or fail. It is safest to stay connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout.

What should I do with my tablet after a factory reset if I am not using it anymore?

After a factory reset, the tablet is blank and safe to sell, donate, or recycle. If you are recycling it, check with your local waste management program — many have special collection days for electronics. If you are donating it, include the charger and any original documentation if you have it.