What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Android tablet — all apps, photos, messages, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is useful when your tablet is running slowly, freezing constantly, or acting unpredictably. It is also the step to take before selling or giving away the device, since it removes your personal data.

A factory reset is not the same as restarting. Restarting turns the tablet off and back on; a factory reset wipes the storage. Once you start a factory reset, you cannot stop it partway through. Make sure you have backed up anything you want to keep before you begin.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all data on your tablet and returns it to its original state, which takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the device.
  • You can reset through Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data, or through the recovery menu if your tablet will not start normally.
  • Back up photos, documents, and other files to Google Drive, a computer, or an external drive before you reset, since the process cannot be undone.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with a Google account and reinstall any apps you want to use.

Reset through Settings if your tablet starts normally

If your tablet turns on and responds to touch, the fastest way to reset is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then look for a section called System, Advanced, or About tablet — the exact name varies by manufacturer and Android version. Tap Reset options or Factory reset.

You will see a warning that all data will be erased. Confirm that you want to proceed. The tablet will restart and begin the reset process. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time. The process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. When it finishes, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen, as if it were brand new.

Reset through recovery mode if the tablet will not start

If your tablet is frozen, will not turn on, or will not respond in Settings, you can reset it through recovery mode. First, turn off the tablet completely. Then press and hold a combination of buttons to enter recovery mode. The button combination depends on the manufacturer: for Samsung tablets, hold Power and Volume Up together; for other brands, try Power and Volume Down, or Power and Home. Hold them for 10 to 15 seconds until you see a menu appear on the screen.

Use the volume buttons to navigate the menu and the power button to select. Look for an option called Wipe data, Factory reset, or Reset to factory settings. Select it, then confirm. The tablet will reset and restart. This process also takes 10 to 30 minutes and cannot be interrupted.

Back up your files before you reset

Once a factory reset starts, all your files are gone. Before you begin, move anything you want to keep to a backup location. The easiest method is to sign in to your Google account on the tablet and let Google Photos back up your pictures automatically. Google Drive also backs up documents and spreadsheets if you use those apps.

For other files, connect your tablet to a computer with a USB cable and copy files to a folder on your hard drive. You can also use a microSD card if your tablet has a card slot — copy files to the card, then remove it before the reset. After the reset, you can copy the files back.

What to do after the reset is complete

When the tablet finishes resetting, it will ask you to set up the device as if it were new. You will need to sign in with a Google account — use the same account you used before if you want to restore apps and settings. The tablet will read and reinstall apps that were previously installed on that account.

Photos and documents backed up to Google Drive or Google Photos will reappear once you sign in. Apps you paid for will be available to reinstall at no charge. Any apps you sideloaded (installed from outside the Google Play Store) will need to be reinstalled manually. Take time to check that everything is working correctly before you consider the reset complete.

Troubleshooting a reset that goes wrong

If the tablet gets stuck during the reset, do not force it off. Let it sit for at least an hour — some resets take longer than expected. If it is still stuck after an hour, you can try holding the power button for 30 seconds to force it to shut down, then turn it back on and try the reset again.

If the tablet will not turn on at all after a reset, try charging it for at least 30 minutes, as the battery may have drained during the process. If it still will not respond, the tablet may have a hardware problem that a reset cannot fix. At that point, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit a repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my Google account?

The reset erases the account from the tablet, but your Google account itself still exists. When you set up the tablet after the reset, you can sign back in with the same email and password. Your apps, photos, and other data linked to that account will be restored.

Can I reset my tablet if I forgot my Google password?

Yes. You can reset through Settings or recovery mode without knowing your password. After the reset, you will be asked to sign in again. If you do not remember your password, go to the Google account recovery page on a computer and reset it there, then use the new password on your tablet.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take between 10 and 30 minutes. Older tablets or those with a lot of storage may take longer. Do not interrupt the process by turning off the tablet or removing the battery, as this can leave the device in an unusable state.

Will a factory reset fix my tablet if it is running slowly?

Often yes. A slow tablet is usually caused by too many apps running at once or storage that is nearly full. A factory reset clears out old files and unnecessary apps, which usually improves speed. However, if the tablet is old or has a hardware problem, the slowness may return over time.