What a Master Reset Does and When You Need One
A master reset, also called a factory reset, erases everything on your tablet and returns it to the state it left the factory. This means all your apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts are deleted. The operating system stays the same—an Android tablet stays Android, an iPad stays iOS—but it is as if you just unboxed the device.
You need a master reset when your tablet is running so slowly that basic tasks stall, when apps crash repeatedly no matter what you do, when you are selling or giving away the device, or when you have a virus or malware that won't go away. A master reset is also the last step before contacting the manufacturer's support line, because it rules out software problems.
Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Once you confirm the reset, your data is gone. Back up anything you want to keep first.
Key Takeaways
- A master reset deletes all apps, photos, documents, and accounts from your tablet and returns it to factory settings.
- Back up your photos, documents, and any files you want to keep before you start, because the reset cannot be reversed.
- On an iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and enter your Apple ID password.
- On an Android tablet, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data and confirm twice.
- The reset takes 10 to 30 minutes; do not turn off the tablet or remove the power cable during this time.
Back Up Your Data Before You Reset
The first step is to save anything you cannot afford to lose. For photos and videos, connect your tablet to a computer and copy the files to a folder, or use cloud storage like Google Photos, OneDrive, or iCloud. For documents, check whether they are already in the cloud—Google Docs, Microsoft 365, and similar services save automatically to the internet, so you do not need to do anything.
For iPad users, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Turn on iCloud Backup if it is not already on, then scroll down and tap Back Up Now. This saves your settings, app data, and some files to Apple's servers. For Android users, open Settings, tap Google, then tap Manage Your Google Account, and go to the Backup tab. Make sure Backup to Google One is turned on.
If you have passwords saved in your tablet's browser or apps, write them down or save them in a password manager before you reset. After the reset, you will need these to sign back in.
How to Master Reset an iPad
On an iPad running iOS 16 or later, open the Settings app and tap General at the bottom of the left menu. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. You will see a warning that this action cannot be undone; tap Continue.
Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. If you have Find My iPad turned on, the tablet will ask for your password to make sure you are the owner. After you enter it, the reset begins. The screen will go black, and you will see a progress bar. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it during this time.
The reset usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. When it is done, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen, as if it is brand new. You can then sign in with your Apple ID and restore your backup if you created one.
How to Master Reset an Android Tablet
On most Android tablets, open Settings and scroll down to find System or About Tablet. Tap System, then scroll down and tap Reset Options or Reset. Tap Erase All Data or Factory Reset. The tablet will show you a warning and ask you to confirm. Tap Erase All Data again to confirm a second time.
Some Android tablets ask for your Google account password before the reset starts. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from resetting your tablet without permission. Enter your password and tap Next. The reset will then begin, and you will see a progress bar on the screen.
The reset takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on the tablet. Do not turn it off or remove the power cable. When the reset is complete, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen. You can then sign in with your Google account and restore your backup.
What to Do If the Reset Gets Stuck
If the progress bar stops moving for more than 30 minutes, the reset may be stuck. Wait another 10 minutes to be sure, because large tablets can take longer. If nothing changes after that, try a hard reset by holding down the power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, then release. Wait 30 seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on.
If the tablet is still stuck on the same screen, it may have a hardware problem or a software issue that a master reset cannot fix. At this point, contact the tablet's manufacturer—Apple Support for iPad, or the tablet maker's support line for Android devices. They can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or arrange a repair.
Setting Up Your Tablet After the Reset
When your tablet restarts after the reset, it will ask you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. Follow the on-screen prompts. You will then be asked to sign in with your account—Apple ID for iPad, Google account for Android. Use the same account you had before, because this is how the tablet finds your backup and restores your apps and settings.
If you created a backup before the reset, the tablet will offer to restore it. Tap Restore from Backup and choose the most recent one. This brings back your apps, photos, documents, and settings. The restore can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you had. Leave the tablet plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during this time.
After the restore is complete, check that your apps are working and your files are there. If something is missing, check your cloud storage accounts—Google Photos, OneDrive, iCloud—to see if the files are still there. They usually are, even if the tablet's backup did not include them.
When a Master Reset Does Not Fix the Problem
If your tablet is still slow, crashing, or behaving strangely after a master reset and restore, the problem is likely hardware-related rather than software-related. This could be a failing storage drive, a battery that is not holding a charge, or a processor that is overheating. A master reset cannot fix these issues.
Contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center. Bring your tablet and proof of purchase if you still have it. If the tablet is under warranty, the repair may be free or low-cost. If it is out of warranty, ask for a repair estimate before you agree to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a master reset remove the operating system?
No. A master reset only erases your data and settings. The operating system—iOS for iPad, Android for Android tablets—stays in place. After the reset, the tablet runs the same version of the operating system it had before.
Can I stop a master reset once it has started?
Not safely. Once you confirm the reset, the process begins and should not be interrupted. Turning off the tablet or unplugging it during a reset can damage the operating system and make the tablet unusable. If you change your mind, wait for the reset to finish, then restore your backup.
What if I forgot my Apple ID or Google password?
If you forgot your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer and follow the steps to reset it. For Google, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on a computer. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to your account. Reset your password before you start the master reset, because you will need it to sign back in.
Do I lose my apps when I master reset?
Yes, all apps are deleted during a master reset. However, if you restore from a backup, the tablet will automatically read and reinstall the apps you had before. This can take an hour or more depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed.
Can I master reset a tablet that is locked with a passcode?
Yes, but you will need to enter the passcode or your account password during the reset process. If you forgot the passcode, you will need to contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center, because there is no way to bypass it without erasing the device in a way that requires professional tools.