What a hard reset does and when you need one

A hard reset erases all data on your Onn tablet and returns it to factory settings. This means every app you installed, every photo, every account sign-in, and every setting change disappears. The operating system itself stays the same — if you have Android 11, you'll still have Android 11 after the reset.

A hard reset is useful when your tablet freezes constantly, won't start up properly, runs so slowly it's unusable, or you're selling it and want to remove your personal information. It's different from a soft reset (just restarting the device), which fixes temporary glitches but keeps your data intact.

Before you start, back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, login information for apps. Once you begin a hard reset, there's no undo button.

Key Takeaways

  • A hard reset wipes all your data and returns the tablet to how it came from the factory, so back up anything you need first.
  • The most common method is to hold the power button and volume-up button together until the recovery menu appears, then select "Wipe data/factory reset."
  • The exact button combination and menu names vary slightly depending on your Onn model and Android version, so check your tablet's manual if the standard method doesn't work.
  • A hard reset takes five to fifteen minutes total, and your tablet will restart several times during the process.
  • After the reset completes, you'll see the initial setup screen as if the tablet is brand new, and you can sign in with your Google account to restore some apps and settings.

The standard hard reset method for most Onn tablets

Power off your tablet completely. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button and the volume-up button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until you see text appear on the screen — usually after 5 to 10 seconds. You'll see a menu with options like "Reboot system now," "Wipe data/factory reset," and others.

Use the volume buttons to move down to "Wipe data/factory reset" and press the power button to select it. The tablet will ask you to confirm — you'll see text saying something like "Yes, delete all user data." Use the volume buttons to highlight "Yes" and press power to confirm. The reset process will begin, and you'll see a progress bar.

Do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during this process. Let it run until it finishes, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The tablet may restart multiple times — this is normal. When it's done, you'll see the initial setup screen asking you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

If the button combination doesn't work on your model

Some older or less common Onn models use a different button combination. If holding power and volume-up doesn't bring up the recovery menu, try holding power and volume-down instead. Press and hold both buttons for 10 to 15 seconds and watch for the menu to appear.

If neither combination works, your tablet may have a physical reset button — a small hole on the back or side of the device. Use a straightened paperclip or a SIM card ejector tool to press and hold this button for 10 seconds while the tablet is powered on. This triggers a factory reset without entering the recovery menu.

If you're still stuck, check the manual that came with your tablet or search online for "[Your Onn model number] hard reset" — the model number is usually on the back of the device or in Settings under "About tablet."

Resetting through the Settings menu (if your tablet still powers on)

If your tablet turns on and responds to touch, you can hard reset without using button combinations. Open Settings and scroll down to find "System" or "About tablet." Look for an option called "Reset options" or "Factory reset."

Tap it, and you'll see a warning that all data will be erased. Confirm by tapping "Erase all data" or "Reset phone" (some tablets use "phone" terminology even though they're tablets). The tablet will restart and begin the reset process. This method is gentler on the device if the button method isn't working, but it only works if the tablet can still boot up and respond to touch.

What to expect after the reset is complete

When the reset finishes, your tablet will show the setup screen you saw when it was brand new. You'll be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. If you sign in with the same Google account you used before, the tablet will automatically read and reinstall many of your apps from the Google Play Store.

Your photos, messages, and documents won't come back unless you backed them up to Google Drive, Google Photos, or another cloud service before the reset. If you backed up to the cloud, you can sign into those services after setup and read your files again.

The reset doesn't affect your Google account or any online services — it only wipes what was stored on the tablet itself. Your email, calendar, and contacts will sync back once you sign in.

Common mistakes to avoid during a hard reset

Don't interrupt the process by turning off the tablet or pulling the battery. If the screen goes black and stays black for more than a minute, the tablet is likely still working — wait at least five minutes before assuming something went wrong.

Don't forget to back up your data first. Once the reset starts, there's no recovery option. If you have photos or documents you care about, copy them to a computer, email them to yourself, or upload them to Google Drive before you begin.

Don't assume the button combination is the same as other Android devices you've owned. Onn tablets sometimes use different combinations than Samsung, Google, or other brands. If the standard method fails, look up your specific model rather than trying random button presses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a hard reset remove the Android operating system?

No. A hard reset only removes apps, photos, and settings. The Android version that came with your tablet stays the same. If you had Android 11 before the reset, you'll have Android 11 after.

Can I undo a hard reset after it starts?

Not once the process begins. If you haven't started yet, you can cancel by pressing the back button or power button (depending on which menu you're in). Once the wipe starts, let it finish — stopping it mid-process can damage the tablet's software.

What if my tablet is completely frozen and won't respond to anything?

Try holding the power button for 30 seconds to force a shutdown, then wait a minute and power it back on. If it still won't respond, use the button combination method (power and volume-up) to enter recovery mode. You don't need the tablet to be responsive — you only need it to power on.

Do I need Wi-Fi to do a hard reset?

No. The reset itself doesn't require an internet connection. However, you'll need Wi-Fi after the reset to sign into your Google account and read apps again. You can connect to Wi-Fi during the setup process that appears after the reset finishes.

How long does a hard reset actually take?

The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes from the moment you select "Wipe data" to when you see the setup screen. Larger tablets or older models may take closer to 20 minutes. The tablet will restart several times — this is normal and part of the process.