What a Factory Reset Does and When You Need One
A factory reset erases everything on your tablet — all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the manufacturer. After the reset completes, you will see the same setup screen you saw the first time you turned it on.
You might reset your tablet if it is running slowly, freezing frequently, or behaving unpredictably. A reset also removes malware or unwanted apps that won't uninstall normally. If you are selling or giving away the tablet, a factory reset ensures the next owner cannot access your personal data.
Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, contacts, app data — to cloud storage, a computer, or an external drive. Once the reset begins, that data is gone from the tablet.
Key Takeaways
- Back up all your photos, documents, and important files before starting, because a factory reset permanently deletes everything on the tablet.
- The reset process differs between iPad and Android tablets, so locate your tablet's brand and model before you begin.
- Most resets take 10 to 30 minutes and require the tablet to be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
- After the reset finishes, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID or Google account and reinstall your apps.
How to Reset an iPad
On an iPad, open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Then tap Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad will ask you to confirm and may prompt you to enter your Apple ID password — this is a security measure to prevent someone else from erasing your device remotely.
If you have a passcode set, you will need to enter it. If you have Find My iPad turned on, you must sign in with your Apple ID. The reset will then begin. Do not unplug the iPad or turn it off during this process. The screen will show a progress bar, and the tablet may restart several times. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
When the reset is complete, you will see the setup screen asking you to choose a language and region. You can then sign in with your Apple ID to restore your contacts, calendar, and other data that was backed up to iCloud. Your apps will not restore automatically — you will need to read them again from the App Store.
How to Reset an Android Tablet
On an Android tablet, open Settings and look for System or About Tablet (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap Reset Options or Reset, then select Erase All Data or Factory Reset. The tablet will ask you to confirm by entering your PIN or pattern lock if you have one set.
Some Android tablets require you to sign in with your Google account before the reset proceeds. This is another security feature. Once you confirm, the reset begins. Like an iPad, do not interrupt the process — keep the tablet plugged in and do not turn it off. The screen will show a progress bar, and the tablet may restart. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on the device.
When the reset finishes, you will see the initial setup screen. Sign in with your Google account, and the tablet will restore your contacts, calendar, Gmail, and other Google services. Apps you had installed will appear in the Play Store as "Installed" so you can read them again without paying twice.
Backing Up Before You Reset
The safest approach is to back up your tablet a day or two before you plan to reset. On an iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on, then tap Back Up Now. The backup will upload to Apple's servers and may take several minutes depending on how much data you have.
On an Android tablet, open Settings, tap Google, then Manage Your Google Account. Go to the Data & Privacy tab and look for Google One or Backup. Make sure backup is turned on. You can also manually back up photos and documents to Google Drive or another cloud service like Dropbox or OneDrive.
For files you want to keep offline, connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable. On an iPad, open Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows) and look for your iPad in the sidebar. On Android, the tablet will appear as a removable drive. Drag your photos and documents to a folder on your computer.
What to Do If Your Tablet Won't Reset
If the reset starts but gets stuck on a progress screen, try a force restart. On an iPad, the method depends on your model. For iPad Pro 11-inch or newer, press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears. For older iPads, press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together. For Android, press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, then release.
If the tablet is frozen before the reset even starts, you can try a force restart first, then attempt the reset again. Make sure the tablet is plugged in and has at least 50 percent battery. If the reset fails multiple times, the tablet may have a hardware problem. At that point, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center.
Setting Up Your Tablet After the Reset
After the reset completes and you see the setup screen, follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language, region, and Wi-Fi network. You will then be asked to sign in with your Apple ID (iPad) or Google account (Android). Use the same account you used before — this will restore your backed-up data and let you read your previous apps.
The first sign-in and data restoration can take 15 to 45 minutes depending on how much data you have and how fast your Wi-Fi is. Do not unplug the tablet during this time. Once the setup is complete, open the App Store (iPad) or Play Store (Android) and read the apps you use regularly. They will read faster the second time because the store remembers you have already purchased them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Google or Apple account?
The reset erases the account from the tablet, but the account itself still exists. When you sign back in after the reset, you will be able to access all your backed-up data, contacts, and apps associated with that account. You will not lose the account or any data stored in the cloud.
Can I reset my tablet if I forgot my passcode?
On an iPad, you can reset it without the passcode if you know your Apple ID password. Go to Settings, tap General, then Transfer or Reset, and follow the prompts. On Android, you will need either your PIN, pattern, or Google account password. If you have forgotten all of these, you will need to contact the manufacturer or visit a repair center.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most factory resets take between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on how much data is on the tablet and how fast your Wi-Fi connection is. Keep the tablet plugged in and do not interrupt the process. The tablet may restart several times during the reset.
Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my tablet?
You do not need Wi-Fi to start the reset, but you will need it afterward to sign back in and restore your data. If you do not have Wi-Fi available, you can reset the tablet and set it up later when you have internet access.
What happens to my apps after a factory reset?
All apps are deleted during the reset. After you sign back in with your account, the apps you previously owned will be available in the App Store or Play Store, and you can read them again at no cost. Paid apps you purchased will not charge you again.