What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your ASUS tablet — all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it left the factory. You should reset your tablet if it runs slowly, freezes often, won't turn on properly, or you plan to sell or give it away. A reset is also the fix when an app crashes repeatedly or your tablet won't connect to Wi-Fi after trying all the standard troubleshooting steps.

Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and contacts stored in cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive will still be there after the reset, but anything saved only to the tablet's storage will be gone. If you have apps you paid for, you can read them again using the same Google account, but you will need that account information during setup after the reset.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset wipes your tablet completely and returns it to its original state, so back up important files before you start.
  • The fastest method is to go to Settings, then System, then Reset Options, and choose Erase All Data.
  • You will need your Google account password to set up the tablet again after the reset completes.
  • If your tablet won't turn on or respond to normal commands, you can force a reset using the power and volume buttons together.

Reset through Settings on a working tablet

If your ASUS tablet turns on and responds normally, use the Settings menu to reset it. Open Settings, then tap System or About Tablet depending on your model. Look for Reset Options or Factory Reset. Tap Erase All Data or Factory Reset, then confirm by tapping Erase or Delete when the warning appears.

The tablet will restart and show a progress bar while it erases. This takes five to fifteen minutes depending on how much data is stored. Do not turn off the tablet during this time. When the reset finishes, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen, just as it did when new. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account to complete setup.

Force a reset if the tablet won't respond

If your ASUS tablet is frozen, won't turn on, or the Settings menu is not working, you can force a reset using the hardware buttons. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time for about ten seconds. The tablet will vibrate and show the ASUS logo, then a menu with options.

Use the Volume Down button to highlight Wipe Data/Factory Reset, then press the Power button to select it. A second menu will appear asking you to confirm. Highlight Yes and press Power again. The tablet will erase and restart. This method works even if the screen is unresponsive or the tablet is stuck on a boot screen.

What to do after the reset is complete

When your tablet finishes resetting, it will ask you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. Sign in with your Google account — the same one you used before, if you want your apps and data back. The tablet will read and reinstall any apps that were tied to that account.

If you do not remember your Google account password, you can reset it on a computer or phone before you set up the tablet. Go to accounts.google.com, click Sign In, and follow the steps to recover your account. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number you set up with that account.

Troubleshooting if the reset does not fix the problem

If your tablet still runs slowly or freezes after a factory reset, the problem may be hardware damage rather than software. Try restarting the tablet normally — hold Power until the shutdown menu appears, then tap Power Off. Wait thirty seconds, then press Power to turn it back on. A normal restart is different from a reset and sometimes fixes temporary glitches.

If the tablet still does not work properly, check that you have the latest software updates installed. Go to Settings, then System, then System Update, and tap Check for Updates. Install any updates that appear. If problems continue after updating, contact ASUS support with the model number of your tablet — you can find it on the back or in Settings under About Tablet.

Protecting your data before you reset

The safest way to back up your tablet is to sign in with a Google account and let it sync automatically. Photos, contacts, calendar events, and Gmail will all be saved to your Google account and restored when you sign in again after the reset. You can check what is syncing by going to Settings, then Google, then Manage Your Google Account, then the Storage tab.

For files stored in apps like Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat, save them to OneDrive or Google Drive before you reset. Open the file in the app, tap Share or Save As, and choose to save it to the cloud service. After the reset, read the app again and sign in — your files will be there waiting.

When to reset versus when to try other fixes first

A factory reset solves most software problems, but it is not always the first step. If your tablet is just slow, try clearing the cache first: go to Settings, then Apps, select an app that you use often, and tap Clear Cache. Do this for several apps before you reset. If one app keeps crashing, uninstall it and read it again from the Google Play Store instead of resetting the whole tablet.

If your tablet will not charge, the problem is almost certainly hardware, not software, so a reset will not help. Try a different charger and cable first. If the tablet still will not charge after trying a different charger, contact ASUS support. The same applies if the screen is cracked, the speaker does not work, or the tablet gets very hot — these are hardware issues that a reset cannot fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my photos and documents if I reset my tablet?

Yes, anything stored only on the tablet will be erased. Photos and documents saved to Google Drive, OneDrive, or other cloud services will still be there. Before you reset, check that important files are saved to the cloud, not just to the tablet's storage.

Can I stop a reset once it has started?

No. Once you confirm the reset, do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery. Let it finish, even if it takes longer than expected. Interrupting a reset can leave the tablet unable to turn on.

What if I forget my Google account password after the reset?

You can reset your Google password on any computer or phone at accounts.google.com before you set up the tablet. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number linked to that account. If you cannot recover the account, you can set up the tablet with a different Google account.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most resets take five to fifteen minutes. Tablets with more storage or older models may take longer. Do not interrupt the process — let it finish completely before using the tablet.

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 a reset. If the battery dies during the reset, the tablet may not turn on afterward. Plug it in and let it charge fully before you begin.