What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Onn tablet and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means all your apps, photos, videos, documents, and settings disappear. The operating system itself stays the same — if you have Android, you still have Android after the reset.

You might reset your tablet if it runs slowly, freezes constantly, won't start up properly, or you're selling it and want to remove your personal data. A reset is also the fix when an app crashes repeatedly and nothing else works. If you've forgotten your PIN or password, a factory reset is one way to regain access, though you'll lose everything else on the device.

Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and app data can be saved to Google Drive, OneDrive, or another cloud service. Once the reset begins, you cannot stop it or recover what you didn't back up.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset deletes all apps, photos, files, and settings, returning your tablet to its original state.
  • Back up your photos, documents, and important files to Google Drive or another cloud service before you start.
  • You can reset through Settings by going to System > Reset options > Erase all data, or by holding Power and Volume Down together during startup.
  • The reset takes 5 to 15 minutes, and your tablet will restart several times during the process.
  • After the reset completes, you'll set up the tablet as if it were new, including signing in with a Google account.

Reset through the Settings menu

This is the standard method and works when your tablet starts up normally. Open Settings on your Onn tablet. Scroll down and tap System (on some Onn models this may be labeled About tablet or Device — look for the section that contains information about your tablet's version and storage).

Inside System, look for Reset options or Reset. Tap it. You'll see Erase all data or Factory reset — tap that option. The tablet will ask you to confirm. Read the warning carefully: it will list what will be deleted. Tap the button to confirm (usually labeled Erase all data or Reset phone, even though you have a tablet).

Your tablet will restart and begin the reset process. You'll see a progress bar or spinning icon. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the power cable during this time. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on your device. Your tablet may restart multiple times — this is normal.

Reset using hardware buttons if your tablet won't start

If your Onn tablet won't turn on, freezes before you can reach Settings, or gets stuck on the startup screen, you can force a reset using the power and volume buttons. This method is called a hard reset or recovery mode reset.

Power off your tablet completely. If it's frozen, hold the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds until it shuts down. Once it's off, press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until you see text appear on the screen — usually white text on a black background. This is recovery mode.

Use the Volume Down button to navigate the menu until you see Wipe data/factory reset or Format data/factory reset. Press the Power button to select it. The menu will ask you to confirm. Navigate to Yes using Volume Down, then press Power to confirm. The reset will begin. Do not interrupt it.

What happens after the reset completes

Your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You'll be asked to select your language and connect to Wi-Fi. You'll then need to sign in with a Google account — this can be an existing account or a new one you create during setup.

After you sign in, your tablet will read and reinstall your apps from the Google Play Store if you're using the same Google account you used before the reset. Your photos and files won't return unless you saved them to Google Drive or another cloud service — in that case, you can read them back to your tablet once setup is complete.

If you're selling the tablet or giving it away, stop after the reset completes and the setup screen appears. Do not sign in with your own Google account. The new owner will set it up with their own account.

Backing up your data before you reset

The safest way to back up an Onn tablet is through Google Drive. Open the Files app or Google Drive app (if you don't have it, read it from the Google Play Store). Select the photos, documents, or files you want to keep, then upload them to Google Drive. You can also open Settings, go to Google, and turn on Backup — this backs up your app data and some settings automatically.

For photos specifically, open the Google Photos app, tap your profile picture in the top right, go to Photos settings, and turn on Backup and sync. This uploads your photos to Google Photos automatically. After the reset, sign in with the same Google account and your photos will be there.

If you use Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or another cloud service, upload your files there instead. The method is the same: open the app, select your files, and upload them. After the reset, read them back to your tablet.

Troubleshooting a reset that won't start or complete

If you tap the reset button and nothing happens, your tablet may not have enough battery. Plug it in and wait 30 minutes, then try again. If the reset starts but gets stuck on a progress screen for more than 20 minutes, try a hard reset using the Power and Volume Down buttons instead.

If the hard reset doesn't work either, your tablet may have a hardware problem or corrupted system files that a standard reset cannot fix. At this point, contact Onn support through their website or the retailer where you bought the tablet. They may be able to help you troubleshoot further or arrange a replacement if the tablet is still under warranty.

If you're resetting because you forgot your PIN or password, the reset will remove it — but you'll need to sign in with a Google account during setup. If you don't remember your Google password, go to accounts.google.com on another device and use the "Forgot password?" option to reset it before you start the tablet setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the Android operating system?

No. A factory reset only removes your apps, files, and settings. The Android operating system stays on your tablet. You'll have the same version of Android after the reset that you had before.

Can I stop a reset once it starts?

No. Once the reset begins, you cannot stop it or undo it. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the power cable. Let it finish, even if it takes longer than expected.

What if I reset my tablet but still have the same problem?

If your tablet still freezes, crashes, or won't start after a factory reset, the problem is likely hardware-related rather than software. Contact Onn support or the retailer where you bought it. If the tablet is under warranty, they may repair or replace it.

Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my tablet?

You don't need Wi-Fi to perform the reset itself, but you'll need it during setup afterward when you sign in with your Google account and read your apps. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi before you start the setup process.

Will resetting my tablet remove viruses or malware?

A factory reset will remove most malware because it deletes all apps and files. However, if malware is in the system files themselves, a standard reset may not remove it. If you suspect a serious infection, contact Onn support before resetting.