What Resetting Your iPad Actually Does

Resetting your Apple tablet means erasing all the data on it and returning it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is different from restarting, which straightforward turns the device off and back on. A reset wipes your apps, photos, messages, settings, and everything else you've stored on the device.

You might reset your iPad if it's running slowly, freezing frequently, or if you're preparing to sell it or give it away. You can also reset just your settings without erasing content, or reset specific features like your network settings or your home screen layout. The method you choose depends on what problem you're trying to solve.

Key Takeaways

  • A full reset erases everything on your iPad, so back up your data first using iCloud or a computer.
  • You can reset just your settings, network settings, or keyboard dictionary without erasing your apps and files.
  • If your iPad is frozen or won't respond, you may need to force restart it before attempting a reset.
  • If you've forgotten your passcode, you'll need to use a computer with iTunes or Finder to reset the device.
  • After a full reset, your iPad will ask for your Apple ID and password to reactivate, so have that information ready.

How to Back Up Your iPad Before Resetting

Before you erase your iPad, save your data to iCloud or to a computer. If you back up to iCloud, your apps, photos, messages, and settings are stored in your Apple account and can be restored to any iPad later. To back up to iCloud, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, select iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup. Turn on iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.

If you prefer to back up to a computer, connect your iPad with a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or newer, open Finder and select your iPad in the sidebar. On a Windows PC or older Mac, open iTunes. Click the device icon, select Back Up Now, and wait for the backup to finish. This creates a local copy of your data on your computer that you can restore later.

Resetting Only Settings Without Erasing Content

If your iPad is misbehaving but you want to keep your apps and files, you can reset specific settings. Go to Settings, scroll down, and tap General. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset. You'll see several options: Reset All Settings erases your preferences but keeps your data; Reset Network Settings clears saved Wi-Fi passwords and cellular settings; Reset Keyboard Dictionary removes custom words you've added.

Choose the option that matches your problem. If apps are crashing, try Reset All Settings first. If you're having Wi-Fi trouble, choose Reset Network Settings. After you select an option, enter your passcode if prompted, and confirm. Your iPad will restart and explore the reset.

Performing a Full Reset When You Know Your Passcode

To erase everything on your iPad, go to Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. You'll be asked to enter your passcode and your Apple ID password. This is a safety feature—it prevents someone else from erasing your device remotely.

After you enter both passwords, tap Erase again to confirm. Your iPad will begin the reset process, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is stored. Do not turn off your iPad or disconnect it during this time. When the reset is complete, your iPad will restart and show the setup screen, as if it's brand new.

Resetting Your iPad Using a Computer If You Forgot Your Passcode

If you've forgotten your passcode and can't reset through Settings, you'll need a computer. Connect your iPad to a Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or newer, open Finder and click your iPad in the sidebar. On a Windows PC or older Mac, open iTunes and click the device icon.

Look for a Restore button (or Restore iPad). Click it and confirm that you want to erase and restore the device. Your computer will read the latest iPad software and install it, which erases all your data. When it's done, your iPad will restart and show the setup screen. You can then restore your backup from iCloud or your computer if you created one before forgetting your passcode.

Force Restarting Your iPad If It's Frozen

If your iPad is completely frozen and won't respond to taps or button presses, try a force restart before attempting a reset. The steps depend on which iPad model you have. On iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or newer) and iPad Pro 11-inch, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears. Release the button and slide to power off.

On iPad Air (3rd generation or newer), iPad (7th generation or newer), and iPad mini (5th generation or newer, press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears. On older iPad models with a Home button, press and hold both the Top (or Side) button and the Home button together until the power-off slider appears. In all cases, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.

What Happens After Your iPad Resets

Once your iPad finishes resetting, it will restart and show the setup screen, just like a new device. You'll be asked to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID. If you have a backup, you can restore it during setup by selecting Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC. Choose the backup you created before the reset, and your apps, photos, and settings will be reinstalled.

If you don't restore a backup, your iPad will be completely blank. You can then read apps from the App Store and sign in to services like email and cloud storage. Keep in mind that if you reset your iPad and it's linked to your Apple ID, you'll need to enter your Apple ID password during setup—this is set up Lock, and it's a security feature that prevents someone else from using your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my iPad delete photos and videos?

Yes, a full reset erases everything, including photos and videos stored on the device. Photos saved only to iCloud (not downloaded to your iPad) will still be in your iCloud account. Back up your iPad before resetting if you want to keep your photos, or make sure they're saved to iCloud or another cloud service first.

How long does a full reset take?

A full reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much data is stored on your iPad and how fast your device is. Do not interrupt the process by turning off your iPad or disconnecting it from power. If the reset takes longer than 30 minutes, try force restarting your iPad and attempting the reset again.

Can I reset my iPad if I don't remember my Apple ID password?

You can reset your iPad using a computer without your Apple ID password, but you will need it during setup after the reset is complete due to set up Lock. If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, visit iforgot.apple.com to reset it before you reset your iPad, or have it ready before you start the setup process.

What's the difference between restarting and resetting?

Restarting turns your iPad off and back on, which clears temporary memory and can fix freezing or slow performance. Resetting erases all your data and returns your iPad to factory settings. Try restarting first if your iPad is slow or frozen; reset only if restarting doesn't solve the problem or if you're preparing to sell the device.

Do I need to erase my iPad before selling it?

Yes, you should perform a full reset before giving your iPad to someone else. This erases your personal data, photos, messages, and login information. After the reset, the new owner will need to sign in with their own Apple ID during setup. Make sure you back up your data first if you want to keep it.