What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your Amazon tablet — all apps, photos, documents, and settings — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is useful when the tablet is running slowly, freezing, or behaving strangely; when you are selling or giving it away; or when you have forgotten your lock screen password and cannot get back in.
A reset is permanent. Once you start the process, you cannot stop it partway through or recover files afterward. If you have photos, documents, or other files you want to keep, move them to a cloud service like Amazon Photos or Amazon Drive before you begin.
There are two ways to reset: from the tablet's settings menu (if you can still access it) or from the boot screen (if the tablet will not start or you cannot log in). Both take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all data on your tablet and returns it to original settings, so back up any files to Amazon Photos or Amazon Drive first.
- If you can access the Settings menu, use the Erase All Content and Settings option, which is the fastest method.
- If the tablet will not start or you cannot log in, hold the power button and volume up button together to reach the boot menu and reset from there.
- After a reset, the tablet will ask you to sign in with your Amazon account to reactivate it and read your apps again.
Resetting from the Settings menu
This method works if your tablet turns on and you can navigate to the settings. Open the Settings app (usually a gear icon on the home screen or in the app drawer). Scroll down and tap Device Options or System, depending on your tablet model.
Look for an option called Erase All Content and Settings, Reset to Factory Defaults, or Reset Device. Tap it. The tablet will ask you to confirm — it will warn you that all data will be erased. Tap Erase or Reset to proceed. The tablet will restart and begin the reset process, which takes several minutes. Do not turn it off during this time.
When the reset is complete, the tablet will show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You will be asked to sign in with your Amazon account. Enter your email address and password. The tablet will then read and reinstall your apps automatically.
Resetting from the boot menu if you cannot access Settings
If your tablet will not start, is stuck on a loading screen, or you cannot log in because you forgot your password, you can reset it from the boot menu. First, turn off the tablet completely. If it is frozen and will not respond to the power button, hold the power button for 30 seconds until it shuts down.
Once the tablet is off, hold down the Power button and Volume Up button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until you see a menu appear on the screen — this usually takes 10 to 15 seconds. The menu will show options like "Reboot System Now" and "Recovery Mode" or similar text.
Use the volume buttons to highlight Recovery Mode or Wipe Data / Factory Reset (the exact wording varies by model). Press the power button to select it. A second menu will appear asking you to confirm. Highlight Yes or Confirm and press the power button again. The reset will begin. This process takes several minutes — the screen may go black or show a progress bar.
When it finishes, you will see the boot menu again. Select Reboot System Now and press the power button. The tablet will restart and show the setup screen. Sign in with your Amazon account to reactivate it.
What to do if you forgot your Amazon password
If you reset the tablet but cannot remember your Amazon account password, you can recover it before you sign back in. On the setup screen, when prompted to enter your email and password, tap Forgot Password or a similar link.
Amazon will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to the email address or phone number associated with your account. Check your email (or text message) for the code, enter it on the tablet, and follow the prompts to create a new password. Once you have set a new password, use it to sign in and complete the setup.
Reactivating your tablet after a reset
After the reset is complete and you have signed in with your Amazon account, the tablet will begin downloading your apps automatically. This can take 30 minutes or longer depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. Leave the tablet plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during this time.
Your Amazon library — books, music, videos, and documents stored in the cloud — will reappear as the tablet downloads them. Files stored only on the tablet itself (not backed up to Amazon Photos or Amazon Drive) will not return. This is why backing up before a reset is important.
If an app does not read automatically, you can find it in the Amazon Appstore and read it manually. Some apps may require you to sign in again with your account credentials.
Troubleshooting a reset that goes wrong
If the tablet gets stuck during a reset, the screen freezes, or it will not turn back on after the process, try a hard reset. Turn off the tablet, then hold the power button for 60 seconds without releasing it. This forces a complete shutdown. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
If the tablet still will not respond, it may have a hardware problem. Plug it into a charger and leave it for at least an hour — sometimes a completely drained battery prevents the tablet from starting. If it still does not turn on after charging, contact Amazon support. They can help you determine whether the tablet needs repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Amazon account from the tablet?
Yes. A factory reset removes your account from the tablet completely. When the tablet restarts, it will ask you to sign in again. You will need your Amazon email address and password to reactivate it.
Can I stop a reset once it has started?
No. Once you confirm the reset, the process cannot be interrupted or reversed. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it during the reset. If you change your mind, wait for the reset to finish, then sign in and set up your apps again.
Will I lose my books and documents stored in the cloud?
No. Books, documents, and other files stored in your Amazon account (Amazon Drive, Kindle library, Amazon Photos) will still be there after the reset. They will redownload to the tablet once you sign back in. Only files stored locally on the tablet itself will be erased.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. After that, the tablet will restart and ask you to sign in, which takes another few minutes. Downloading and reinstalling your apps can take 30 minutes or longer depending on how many you had and your internet speed.
What if I do not remember which Amazon account the tablet is registered to?
Check your email for an order confirmation from when you bought the tablet — it will show which account was used. If you cannot find the email, you can try signing in with different Amazon accounts during setup. Once you sign in with the correct account, the tablet will reactivate and your apps will read.