What a reset does and when you need one
A reset clears all your personal data from the tablet and returns it to factory settings. You lose everything: apps you installed, books you downloaded, photos, documents, login information, and any changes you made to settings. The tablet itself stays the same — you are not updating the software or fixing a broken screen. You are erasing the contents and starting fresh.
Reset the tablet if it runs slowly, freezes often, an app crashes repeatedly, or you are selling it and want to remove your account. If the tablet won't turn on or the screen is cracked, a reset will not fix that — those are hardware problems. If you forgot your Amazon password, you can reset the tablet, but you will need the password again to set it up afterward.
Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Books and apps tied to your Amazon account will read again after you sign back in. Photos, documents, and files stored only on the tablet will be gone forever.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all personal data and returns the tablet to its original state, so back up photos and documents first.
- You can reset through Settings on the tablet itself, or use your Amazon account online if the tablet won't respond.
- After a reset, you will need your Amazon password to sign back in and restore your books and apps.
- A reset does not fix hardware problems like a broken screen or battery that won't charge.
- Books and apps you purchased will read again automatically once you sign in with your Amazon account.
Reset through the tablet's Settings menu
This is the standard method if your tablet turns on and responds to touch. Open Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon, or by opening the app drawer and selecting Settings.
Scroll down and tap Device Options. Then tap Reset to Factory Defaults. The tablet will ask you to confirm — tap Reset again. The process takes a few minutes. The tablet will restart and show the setup screen, as if it just came from the box.
If you cannot find Device Options, your tablet model may use a different menu structure. Look for System, About Device, or Advanced Options. The reset button is usually near the bottom of one of these menus. If you are stuck, note your tablet model (printed on the back) and search the Amazon Help pages for that specific model.
Reset using your Amazon account online
Use this method if your tablet is frozen, unresponsive, or you cannot reach the Settings menu. Go to your Amazon account on a computer or phone, sign in, and navigate to Manage Your Content and Devices. Select the Devices tab.
Find your tablet in the list and click the three-dot menu next to it. Select Deregister. This removes the tablet from your account but does not erase the data on the device itself. After deregistering, the tablet will ask for your Amazon password the next time you try to use it.
Deregistering is not the same as a factory reset — it only disconnects the tablet from your account. If you need to fully erase the tablet and it will not respond, you may need to force a restart first. Hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds until the screen goes black, then release. Wait a few seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on. Then try the Settings reset method.
What happens after the reset
The tablet restarts and shows the Welcome screen. You will be asked to connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Amazon account, and choose your language and time zone. This is the same setup you went through when the tablet was new.
Once you sign in, your Amazon account automatically downloads your books, audiobooks, and any free apps you previously installed. Paid apps do not read automatically — you will need to open the Appstore and reinstall them yourself. Your library and reading progress for books will be there, but any notes or highlights you made are gone.
Photos, documents, and files you stored on the tablet are permanently deleted. If you saved them to Amazon Photos or another cloud service before the reset, you can read them again. If they were only on the tablet, they cannot be recovered.
Troubleshooting a stuck reset
Occasionally a reset hangs or takes much longer than expected. If the tablet shows the same screen for more than 10 minutes, force a restart by holding the power button for 30 seconds. Release it, wait 10 seconds, and press the power button again to turn it back on.
If the tablet still will not complete the reset, try connecting it to a computer with a USB cable and checking the Amazon Device Support pages for your model. Some tablets can be reset using Amazon's Device Utility software on a Windows or Mac computer, though this is less common with newer models.
If the tablet is under warranty and you cannot get it to reset or turn on, contact Amazon Customer Service. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting or arrange a replacement if the hardware is faulty.
Protecting your data before a reset
Back up any photos or documents you want to keep. The easiest way is to upload them to Amazon Photos (included free with your Amazon account) or to another cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive. Open the Files app on your tablet, select the files you want to save, and use the Share button to upload them.
For books and reading progress, your Amazon account stores this automatically — you do not need to do anything. When you sign back in after the reset, your library and your place in each book will be there.
If you have a lot of apps installed, take a screenshot of your home screen or app drawer so you remember which ones you had. After the reset, you can reinstall them from the Appstore. Paid apps will not charge you again — Amazon remembers your purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my books if I reset the tablet?
No. Your books are tied to your Amazon account, not the tablet. When you sign back in after the reset, all your books and your reading progress will read automatically. Notes and highlights you made are stored with your account too.
Do I need my Amazon password to reset the tablet?
You do not need it to perform the reset itself. But you will need it to sign back in after the reset is complete. If you have forgotten your password, reset it on Amazon.com before you reset the tablet, so you have the new password ready.
Can I reset the tablet if it won't turn on?
If the screen is completely black and will not respond to the power button, try charging it for at least 30 minutes. Then hold the power button for 30 seconds. If it still will not turn on, the battery or hardware may be faulty — a reset will not help. Contact Amazon Customer Service.
How long does a factory reset take?
Usually 5 to 15 minutes from the moment you confirm the reset until the Welcome screen appears. Do not unplug the tablet or force a restart during this time. If it takes longer than 20 minutes, force a restart by holding the power button for 30 seconds.
What if I reset the tablet by mistake?
You cannot undo a reset. But if you sign back in with your Amazon account right away, your books, apps, and account settings will read again. Any photos or documents stored only on the tablet are gone, but your library is safe.