What Resetting Your Amazon Tablet Does
A factory reset erases everything on your tablet — all apps, photos, documents, and settings — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset completes, you will see the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned on the tablet. This is useful if the tablet is running slowly, if you are selling or giving it away, or if you want to start fresh with a clean installation.
The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is stored on your tablet. During the reset, the tablet will restart several times. Do not unplug it or force it off — let the process finish on its own. Once it is done, you can sign back in with your Amazon account and read your apps again.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset deletes all apps, photos, files, and personal settings and returns the tablet to its original state.
- You can reset through Settings on the tablet itself, or through your Amazon account online if the tablet will not turn on.
- Back up any photos or documents you want to keep before you start, because the reset cannot be undone.
- After the reset finishes, sign in with your Amazon account to restore your apps and settings automatically.
Back Up Your Data Before You Reset
Before you reset, save anything you want to keep. Photos and documents stored in Amazon Drive or Amazon Photos will still be there after the reset — they are stored in the cloud, not on the tablet itself. But anything saved only to the tablet's internal storage will be gone forever.
To back up files, open the Files app, select the files you want to save, and choose the option to upload them to Amazon Drive. For photos, open the Photos app, tap the menu, and turn on backup to Amazon Photos if it is not already on. Once backup is enabled, all new photos will save to the cloud automatically. Check that the backup has finished before you reset — look for a checkmark or "backed up" label next to your photos.
Reset Through Settings on Your Tablet
This is the fastest method if your tablet turns on and responds normally. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel. Tap Settings (the gear icon).
Scroll down and tap Device Options. Tap Reset to Factory Defaults. The tablet will ask you to confirm — read the warning, then tap Reset or Erase Everything (the exact wording varies by model). The tablet will restart and begin erasing. You will see a progress bar. When it finishes, the setup screen will appear.
If you cannot find Device Options, look for System or About Tablet instead — the menu structure varies slightly between Fire tablet models and Fire HD models. The reset option is always in the settings area near the bottom of the menu.
Reset Through Your Amazon Account If the Tablet Won't Start
If your tablet will not turn on, will not respond, or is stuck on a boot screen, you can reset it remotely through your Amazon account. Go to amazon.com/mytablet or amazon.com/mydevices on a computer or phone.
Sign in with the Amazon account that is registered to the tablet. Find the tablet in your device list and select it. Look for an option labeled Reset Device, Factory Reset, or Deregister. Confirm the reset. Amazon will send a command to the tablet, and it will begin erasing itself. This can take 10 to 20 minutes. The tablet does not need to be turned on — Amazon's servers will handle the reset when the tablet next connects to the internet.
After the remote reset finishes, turn on the tablet. It will show the setup screen. You can then sign in again with your Amazon account.
What Happens After the Reset Completes
When the tablet finishes resetting, you will see the language selection screen, then the Wi-Fi setup screen. Connect to your Wi-Fi network. The tablet will then ask you to sign in with an Amazon account. Use the same account that was registered to the tablet before the reset — this is important, because it allows Amazon to restore your apps and settings automatically.
After you sign in, the tablet will read and reinstall your apps in the background. This can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many apps you had and how fast your internet is. You do not have to wait — you can use the tablet while apps are installing. Your photos and documents from Amazon Drive will also reappear once you open the Photos or Files app.
If you do not remember your Amazon password, go to amazon.com/login on another device and use the "Forgot password" link. You will receive an email with a reset link. Change your password, then use the new password to sign in on the tablet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not unplug the tablet during the reset. Even if the screen goes black or shows no progress for several minutes, the tablet is still working. Unplugging it can damage the system and make the tablet unusable.
Do not assume your apps will return exactly as they were. Apps will reinstall, but their data (saved games, login information, custom settings within the app) may not. Some apps store this data in the cloud, so it will return; others do not. If an app is important to you, check its settings before you reset to see if it has a backup or cloud sync option.
Do not reset if you are not sure which Amazon account is registered to the tablet. If you reset and then sign in with a different account, you will not see your old apps and purchases. If this happens, sign out and sign in again with the original account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Amazon purchases and books after a reset?
No. Your books, apps, and purchases are tied to your Amazon account, not to the tablet itself. Once you sign back in with your account, you can read them again at no cost. They will not be on the tablet when ready — you have to read them — but they are still yours.
Can I reset my tablet if I forgot the Amazon password?
Yes. Go to amazon.com/login on a computer, click "Forgot password," and follow the email link to reset your password. Once you have a new password, you can use it to sign in on the tablet after the reset. If you cannot access the email address linked to the account, contact Amazon customer service — they can help you regain access.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself takes 5 to 15 minutes. After that, the tablet will read and reinstall your apps, which can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. You can use the tablet while apps are installing.
What if the tablet gets stuck during the reset?
If the screen is black or frozen for more than 20 minutes, try holding the power button for 30 seconds to force the tablet off, then turn it back on. If it is still stuck, try the remote reset method through your Amazon account instead. If neither works, contact Amazon customer service — they can troubleshoot further or arrange a replacement if the tablet is still under warranty.
Do I need to remove my Amazon account before I give the tablet to someone else?
Yes. Before you hand over the tablet, do a factory reset. This removes your account and all your personal data. After the reset, the new owner can sign in with their own Amazon account and set it up as their own tablet. Do not just sign out — a factory reset is the only way to make sure your data is completely removed.