What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your Android tablet — all apps, photos, files, accounts, 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, as though you had just unboxed the device.
You should reset your tablet if it is running slowly, freezing frequently, or behaving unpredictably. A reset also removes malware or unwanted apps that won't uninstall normally. If you are selling or giving away the tablet, a reset ensures the next owner cannot access your personal data.
A reset takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires your tablet to be plugged in. You will lose access to any files stored only on the device itself, so back up photos, documents, and other data before you start.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all data and returns your tablet to its original state, so back up your files and photos first.
- The fastest method is Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data, which takes about 15 minutes.
- If your tablet is frozen or unresponsive, you can force a reset using the power button and volume button combination specific to your device model.
- After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with a Google account and reinstall your apps from the Play Store.
- If you forget the Google account password associated with your tablet, you cannot complete the setup and will need to contact Google or the tablet manufacturer for recovery options.
Reset through Settings on a working tablet
If your tablet is responsive and you can navigate the menus, this is the standard path. Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About tablet — the exact location varies by manufacturer and Android version.
Tap System, then look for Reset options or Reset. You will see Erase all data or Factory reset. Tap it. The tablet will ask you to confirm and may ask for your PIN or pattern lock. Enter it if prompted. The tablet will then restart and begin erasing data. Do not unplug it during this process.
When the reset finishes, you will see the setup screen. You can now sign in with a Google account, set a new lock, and reinstall apps. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one during setup or skip it and use the tablet without one.
Force a reset if your tablet is frozen
If your tablet is stuck, unresponsive, or will not turn on, you can force a reset using button combinations. The exact buttons depend on your tablet model, but the most common method is to hold the power button and volume down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the device vibrates or a menu appears.
On Samsung tablets, hold power and volume down until the Samsung logo appears, then release and when ready press volume down again to highlight Wipe data/factory reset. Press the power button to select it. On other brands, the menu may say Recovery mode — use volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select Factory reset or Wipe data.
If you are unsure which buttons to use, search "[your tablet model] force factory reset" online. The process takes longer than a normal reset — up to 45 minutes — because the tablet is working from a limited recovery system. Keep the tablet plugged in and do not interrupt it.
What happens if you forget your Google account password
After a factory reset, your tablet will ask you to sign in with the Google account that was previously on the device. If you forget the password, you cannot proceed past this screen. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from using a stolen tablet.
Go to the Google Account Recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number you set up with the account. Once you have reset the password, return to your tablet and sign in with the new password.
If you cannot recover the account, contact Google support directly. They can verify your identity and help you regain access. This process can take several days.
Backing up your data before a reset
Photos and videos stored in Google Photos are backed up automatically if you signed in with a Google account. Documents in Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets are also saved to your account. Contacts synced to your Google account will reappear after you sign back in.
Files stored only on your tablet — such as downloads, documents in local storage, or photos not uploaded to the cloud — will be erased. Before you reset, connect your tablet to a computer and copy these files to your computer, or upload them to Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service.
Check your email and messaging apps to see where your data is stored. Gmail and most messaging apps sync to your account, so messages will return after you sign in. Text messages and call logs stored only on the device will be lost.
Reinstalling apps after the reset
After you sign in with your Google account, open the Play Store app. Tap your profile icon in the top right, then tap Manage apps and device. Go to the Manage tab and you will see a list of apps you previously installed. Tap Install next to each app you want to restore, or tap Install all to reinstall everything at once.
The Play Store will read and install the apps in the background. This can take an hour or more depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. You do not need to wait for all apps to finish before using your tablet.
Some apps, particularly older ones or those no longer available in the Play Store, may not reinstall. If an app you need is missing, search for it in the Play Store by name. If it does not appear, it may no longer be supported on your version of Android.
Troubleshooting a reset that will not complete
If your tablet gets stuck during a reset, it is usually because the battery died or the connection was interrupted. Plug the tablet in and wait at least an hour. If it still shows the same screen, try forcing a restart by holding the power button for 30 seconds, then attempt the reset again.
If the tablet will not turn on at all after a failed reset, plug it in and leave it for 30 minutes, then try to turn it on. If it still does not respond, you may need to contact the tablet manufacturer's support line. Provide them with your tablet model number, which you can find in the original box or on the device itself.
In rare cases, a reset can fail due to a hardware problem. If you have tried multiple times and the tablet still will not complete the process, hardware service may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my tablet?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the device, including malware. However, if you reinstall the same app that contained the malware, you will get infected again. Be cautious about which apps you reinstall, and only read from the official Play Store.
Can I undo a factory reset after it is done?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is why backing up your data first is important. If you have files backed up to Google Drive or another cloud service, you can read them after the reset is complete.
Do I need to remove my Google account before selling my tablet?
A factory reset removes all data and apps, but the new owner will still need to sign in with a Google account to use the tablet. If you want to prevent the new owner from accessing your account, change your Google password before you hand over the device. The factory reset itself does not remove account protection.
How long does a factory reset take?
A normal reset through Settings takes 15 to 30 minutes. A forced reset using button combinations takes longer — up to 45 minutes — because the tablet is working from recovery mode. Keep your tablet plugged in and do not interrupt the process.
What if my tablet asks for a PIN or pattern after the reset?
If you set a PIN or pattern lock before the reset, the tablet may ask for it during the reset process to confirm you own the device. Enter the PIN or pattern you used before. If you forget it, you will need to contact the tablet manufacturer for recovery options.