How to Reset an Apple Tablet to Factory Settings

What resetting your Apple tablet means and when to do it

A reset wipes your iPad back to the state it left the factory — all your apps, photos, messages, and settings disappear. You are left with a blank device that asks for your Apple ID when you turn it on. Do this when you are selling or giving away the device, when it has become so slow or buggy that nothing else fixes it, or when you have forgotten your passcode and cannot get in.

Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. A reset is permanent and fast. Once you start, you cannot stop it partway through.

Key Takeaways

You can reset an iPad through Settings on the device itself, or through a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) if you cannot access Settings.
Back up your photos, documents, and other files to iCloud or a computer before you reset, because the reset deletes everything on the device.
A reset takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your iPad model and how much data was on it.
After the reset finishes, the iPad will ask for your Apple ID — you will need the password to set it up again.
If you have forgotten your Apple ID password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you reset the device.

How to reset through Settings on your iPad

This is the fastest way if your iPad turns on and you can unlock it. Open Settings, then tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad will ask you to enter your passcode and your Apple ID password — this is a security step to make sure you own the device. Enter both, then tap Erase.

The iPad will show a progress bar and count down the time remaining. Do not turn off the device or close the lid during this time. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen asking for your Apple ID.

How to reset using a computer if you cannot access Settings

If your iPad is frozen, you forgot the passcode, or Settings will not open, you can reset it from a Mac or Windows computer. Connect the iPad to the computer with a USB cable. On a Mac running Monterey or newer, open Finder and click the iPad name in the sidebar. On a Windows computer or an older Mac, open iTunes instead.

In Finder or iTunes, look for a button that says Restore or Restore iPad. Click it. The computer will read the current iPad software and install it on the device, which erases everything. This takes longer than a Settings reset — usually 20 to 45 minutes — because the computer has to read and write the entire operating system.

When the restore finishes, disconnect the iPad and turn it on. It will show the setup screen.

What to do before you reset

Back up your files to iCloud or a computer. On your iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on, then tap Back Up Now. This saves your photos, messages, app data, and settings to Apple's servers. The backup takes a few minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.

If you prefer to back up to a computer instead, connect your iPad to a Mac or Windows computer. In Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), click the iPad name, then click Back Up Now. A computer backup is faster and gives you a file you can see and move around.

Write down any passwords you use regularly — your email password, banking passwords, or passwords to apps you use. After the reset, you will need to enter these again to sign back in.

What happens after the reset finishes

The iPad will restart and show a screen that says "Hello" in many languages. Swipe up from the bottom. You will see a series of setup screens asking for your language, country, Wi-Fi network, and Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID email and password — this is the same account you used before the reset.

The iPad will then ask whether you want to restore from a backup. If you backed up to iCloud, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in. If you backed up to a computer, choose Restore from Mac or Restore from PC, connect the device to the computer, and follow the prompts in Finder or iTunes. The restore copies your photos, apps, messages, and settings back onto the device. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you are restoring.

If you do not want to restore a backup, choose Set Up as New iPad. You will have a blank device and can read your apps one by one from the App Store.

Troubleshooting a reset that is stuck or not working

If the reset starts but the progress bar does not move for more than an hour, force restart the iPad. Press and quickly release the volume-up button, press and quickly release the volume-down button, then press and hold the top button until you see the power-off slider. Drag the slider to turn off the device. Wait 30 seconds, then press the top button again to turn it back on.

If the iPad is stuck on the setup screen after a reset, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network. Some networks block the traffic needed to complete setup. If you do not have another network, you can use a mobile hotspot from a phone.

If the reset fails when you try it through Settings, try resetting through a computer instead. A computer reset is more reliable because it downloads the operating system fresh from Apple's servers rather than relying on the iPad's own software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my photos and messages when I reset?

Yes. A reset erases everything on the device. Before you reset, back up to iCloud or a computer. After the reset finishes, you can restore the backup and your photos and messages will come back.

What if I do not remember my Apple ID password?

Go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer or phone and enter your Apple ID email. Apple will send you a link to reset the password. Do this before you reset the iPad, because you will need the password to set up the device again after the reset.

Can I reset an iPad that is not turning on?

Yes, but only through a computer. Connect the iPad to a Mac or Windows computer with a USB cable, open Finder or iTunes, and click Restore. The computer will turn on the iPad and reset it at the same time.

How long does a reset take?

A reset through Settings usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. A reset through a computer takes 20 to 45 minutes because the computer has to read the operating system. Restoring a backup afterward can add 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you are restoring.

Will resetting fix a slow or buggy iPad?

Often yes. A reset clears out corrupted files and removes apps that might be causing problems. However, if the iPad is slow because the hardware is old or damaged, a reset will not fix that. A reset is worth trying before you replace the device.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.