What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your ASUS tablet and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means all your apps, photos, files, accounts, and settings disappear. You are left with a blank tablet that you set up from scratch, the same way you did the first time you turned it on.
You might reset your tablet if it is running slowly, freezing constantly, or behaving erratically. A reset also solves problems with apps that crash repeatedly or won't uninstall. If you are selling or giving away your tablet, a reset ensures the next owner cannot see your personal data.
Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and app data stored only on the tablet itself will be gone after the reset. Once you start the process, you cannot stop it partway through.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all data on your tablet and returns it to its original state; back up your photos and files first.
- You can reset through Settings on most ASUS tablets by going to System > Reset options > Erase all data.
- If your tablet is frozen or won't turn on, you can force a reset using the power and volume buttons together.
- After a reset, your tablet will ask you to sign in with a Google account and set it up as if it were new.
- A reset takes 5 to 15 minutes; do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during this time.
Reset through Settings when your tablet is working
If your ASUS tablet turns on and responds to touch, use the Settings menu to reset it. Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About tablet (the exact name varies by model). Tap it.
Look for Reset options or Reset. Tap it, then select Erase all data or Factory reset. The tablet will ask you to confirm—this is your final note to change your mind. Tap the button to confirm, and the reset will begin. The screen may go black or show a progress bar. Leave the tablet alone until it finishes, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
When the reset is complete, your tablet will restart and show the setup screen, as if it were brand new. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account and choose your language and preferences. If you do not remember your Google password, you will need to recover it on another device before you proceed.
Force a reset if your tablet is frozen or won't start
If your ASUS tablet is stuck on a screen, frozen, or will not turn on, you can force a reset using the physical buttons. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Hold them for 10 to 15 seconds, even if nothing happens on screen.
A menu should appear with options like "Reboot system now" or "Wipe data/factory reset." Use the Volume buttons to move down to Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power button to select it. The tablet will ask you to confirm—press Power again to confirm. The reset will begin, and you should not interrupt it.
If the menu does not appear after 15 seconds, release the buttons and try again. Some ASUS models use different button combinations; if this does not work, try holding Power and Volume Up instead. If neither combination works, your tablet may need professional service.
What to do before you reset
Back up your photos and important files to a cloud service or a computer before you reset. Google Photos, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive all work on ASUS tablets. Open the app, sign in, and let it upload your photos and documents automatically.
If you use your tablet for work or school, check whether your organization stores files in a cloud folder you can access later. Many workplaces use Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, or Slack, where your files stay in the cloud even after a reset.
Write down any account information you will need after the reset, such as your Google account email and password. If you use a Microsoft account, a Samsung account, or any other service on your tablet, note those credentials too. You will need them to sign back in after the reset is complete.
After the reset: setting up your tablet again
When your tablet restarts after a reset, it will ask you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. Sign in with your Google account—this is the account you use for Gmail, Google Play, or YouTube. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one on the tablet itself.
The tablet will then ask whether you want to restore apps and data from a backup. If you backed up your tablet before the reset, you can restore your apps, contacts, and settings here. If you did not back up, you will start with a blank tablet and can read apps from Google Play as you need them.
Take time to set up your security: add a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint lock if you want one. Go back to Settings and look for Security or Biometrics and security to set this up. This protects your tablet if it is lost or stolen.
Troubleshooting a reset that goes wrong
If your tablet gets stuck during a reset—for example, the screen stays black for more than 20 minutes—try a force restart. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then press Power again to turn it back on. This may interrupt the reset, but it also prevents your tablet from being stuck indefinitely.
If the reset completes but your tablet will not turn on, plug it into power and leave it charging for at least 30 minutes. Some tablets drain completely during a reset and need time to charge before they will respond. After 30 minutes, press the Power button and wait.
If your tablet still will not start or keeps restarting in a loop, the reset may have encountered a hardware problem. At this point, contact ASUS support or visit a repair shop. Do not attempt another reset; a technician can diagnose what went wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Google account?
Yes. After a reset, your tablet will ask you to sign in with a Google account again. You can use the same account you had before, or a different one. If you forget your password, you will need to recover it on a computer or another device before you can sign back in on your tablet.
Can I reset my ASUS tablet without losing my photos?
A factory reset erases everything on the tablet itself, including photos. To keep your photos, upload them to Google Photos, OneDrive, or another cloud service before you reset. After the reset, sign in to that service and your photos will be there. You can also connect your tablet to a computer and copy photos to it before you reset.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most factory resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Larger tablets or older models may take longer. Do not turn off your tablet or remove the battery while it is resetting, even if the screen goes black or shows no progress for a few minutes.
What if I forget my Google password after a reset?
You will not be able to sign in to your tablet. Go to a computer or another device and visit accounts.google.com. Click "Forgot password?" and follow the steps to recover your account. Once you have reset your password, use the new one to sign in on your tablet.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. If you backed up your data before the reset, you can restore it after the reset is complete. If you did not back up, your data is gone. This is why backing up before a reset is important.