What Resetting Your Fire Tablet Does
A factory reset erases everything on your Fire tablet and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means all your apps, photos, documents, downloaded books, and personal settings disappear. Your Amazon account information is also removed from the device.
You would reset a Fire tablet if it is running slowly, freezing frequently, or if you are giving it to someone else. A reset also fixes some software problems that restarting alone cannot solve. Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, and app data should be saved to your Amazon cloud storage or transferred to a computer.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset deletes all apps, files, photos, and personal settings from your Fire tablet and cannot be undone.
- You can reset through Settings on the tablet itself, or through your Amazon account online if the tablet will not turn on.
- The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your tablet model and how much data is stored on it.
- After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with your Amazon account again and re-read any apps you want to use.
How to Reset Through the Settings Menu
This is the most common way to reset a Fire tablet. Start by opening the Settings app — swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick menu, then tap the gear icon. If you do not see Settings in the quick menu, swipe down again or look for it in your app library.
Once Settings is open, scroll down and tap Device Options. Then tap Reset to Factory Defaults. The tablet will ask you to confirm — read the warning carefully, because this action cannot be reversed. Tap the confirmation button to proceed. Your tablet will restart and begin the reset process, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not unplug the tablet or press any buttons while it is resetting.
When the reset is complete, your Fire tablet will show the welcome screen as if it is brand new. You will need to sign in with your Amazon account to use it again. After you sign in, the tablet will restore your Amazon apps and any content you purchased through Amazon, but you will need to re-read any other apps from the Amazon Appstore.
Resetting a Tablet That Will Not Start or Respond
If your Fire tablet is frozen, will not turn on, or is completely unresponsive, you can still reset it using your Amazon account online. Go to amazon.com on a computer or phone, sign in to the account linked to your tablet, and look for Manage Your Content and Devices under the Account menu. This option may also appear as Your Devices or Devices and Content depending on your region.
Find your Fire tablet in the list of devices and select it. Look for an option to reset, deregister, or factory reset the device — the exact wording varies by Amazon region. Follow the prompts to confirm the reset. The tablet does not need to be powered on or connected to the internet for this to work, though it will need to connect to Amazon servers the next time you turn it on.
After the online reset is complete, turn on your tablet. It will show the welcome screen and ask you to sign in. This method is slower than resetting through Settings because the tablet must sync with Amazon's servers, but it works when the tablet itself is not responding to touch or buttons.
What to Do Before You Reset
Back up any files you want to keep before you start the reset. Photos and documents stored in Amazon Drive or Amazon Photos are safe — they stay in your Amazon account and will not be deleted by a factory reset. However, files stored only on the tablet itself will be erased.
To save files to Amazon Drive, open the Files app on your tablet, select the files you want to keep, and tap the upload or save option. You can also email important documents to yourself or transfer them to a computer using a USB cable. If you have downloaded books, magazines, or movies, they are tied to your Amazon account and will be available again after you sign back in — you do not need to back them up separately.
Write down any passwords or account information you use on the tablet, such as email accounts or streaming service logins. After the reset, you will need to sign in to these accounts again on the tablet, and the tablet will not remember them.
After the Reset Is Complete
Your Fire tablet will restart and show the welcome screen. Tap through the setup steps and sign in with your Amazon account. The tablet will automatically restore your Amazon-purchased apps and content, though this can take several minutes depending on how much you own.
Any apps you downloaded from outside the Amazon Appstore will not be restored — you will need to re-read them. Open the Amazon Appstore, search for each app you want, and tap the read button. If you had customized your home screen, lock screen, or display settings, you will need to set those up again.
If you are giving the tablet to someone else, do not sign back in with your account. Instead, let them complete the setup with their own Amazon account. This ensures they own the device and can manage their own content and settings.
Troubleshooting a Reset That Does Not Work
If your tablet is still frozen or unresponsive after a factory reset, try a hard reset instead. A hard reset is different from a factory reset — it forces the tablet to shut down and restart without erasing anything. Press and hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds until the screen goes black, then release. Wait 10 seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on.
If the hard reset does not help and the tablet still will not respond, the device may have a hardware problem. Try charging it for at least 30 minutes — sometimes a completely drained battery makes a tablet appear frozen. If it still does not respond after charging, contact Amazon customer service through your account on amazon.com. They can troubleshoot further or discuss repair or replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my Fire tablet delete my Amazon books and movies?
No. Your Amazon purchases stay in your Amazon account and will be available again after you sign back in. The reset only removes the copies stored on the tablet itself. You can re-read them anytime.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset cannot be reversed. If you reset by mistake, you can sign back in with your Amazon account and restore your Amazon purchases, but any files or apps that were only on the tablet are gone permanently. This is why backing up important files before you reset is important.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most resets take 5 to 15 minutes. Older tablet models or tablets with a lot of stored data may take longer. Do not interrupt the process by unplugging the tablet or pressing buttons — let it complete on its own.
Do I need to remove my Amazon account before I reset?
No. The reset removes your account automatically. If you are giving the tablet to someone else, just let them sign in with their own account during setup.
What if I forgot my Amazon password?
You can reset your Amazon password on amazon.com before you reset the tablet. Go to Account, then Login and Security, and follow the steps to change your password. Use your new password when you sign in to the tablet after the reset.