What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your Android tablet — all your apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset completes, you'll see the initial setup screen, as if you'd just unboxed the device.
You might reset your tablet if it's running slowly, freezing repeatedly, or behaving erratically. A reset also removes malware or unwanted apps that won't uninstall normally. If you're selling or giving away the tablet, a factory reset ensures the next owner doesn't inherit your personal data.
Before you start, understand that a factory reset is permanent. Files deleted during the reset cannot be recovered unless you have a backup. If your tablet is connected to a Google account, you can sign back in after the reset and restore some data — but not everything.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all data on your tablet and returns it to its original state; back up important files first if you want to keep them.
- You can reset through Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data, or through the recovery menu if your tablet won't start normally.
- If your tablet is locked with a Google account, you'll need to sign in with that account after the reset to use the device.
- A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the tablet.
- If the tablet is frozen or won't respond, force a restart first; if that doesn't work, use the recovery menu method instead of the Settings method.
Back up your data before resetting
If there are files, photos, or documents you want to keep, back them up before you reset. The easiest way is to sign into your Google account on the tablet — Google Photos, Google Drive, and Gmail will sync automatically to your Google account in the cloud, and you can access them from any device after the reset.
For files stored only on the tablet itself, connect it to a computer with a USB cable and copy them to your computer's hard drive. You can also email important files to yourself or upload them to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Once you've backed up what you need, you're ready to proceed with the reset.
Reset through Settings if your tablet responds normally
If your tablet turns on and responds to touches, use the Settings method — it's the most straightforward route.
- Open Settings (usually a gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap System or About tablet (the exact name varies by manufacturer and Android version).
- Look for Reset options, Reset, or Erase all data.
- Tap Erase all data or Factory reset.
- The tablet will ask you to confirm. Read the warning — it will tell you that all data will be erased. Tap Erase or Reset to confirm.
- The tablet will restart and begin erasing data. This takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.
- When the reset finishes, you'll see the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up the tablet again.
If you cannot find the reset option in Settings, your tablet's manufacturer may have placed it elsewhere. Check the tablet's manual or the manufacturer's support website for your specific model.
Reset through recovery mode if the tablet is frozen or won't start
If your tablet is frozen, won't turn on, or won't respond to touches, the Settings method won't work. Instead, use the recovery menu — a built-in tool that runs before Android loads.
First, try a force restart: hold down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the tablet vibrates or shows a logo, then release. Wait for the tablet to restart. If it responds normally after that, use the Settings method above.
If the force restart doesn't help, enter recovery mode. The button combination varies by manufacturer, but the most common is holding Power + Volume Up together until you see a menu with white text on a black background. Some tablets use Power + Volume Down instead. Consult your tablet's manual or manufacturer website if neither works.
Once you're in the recovery menu, use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select. Look for an option called Wipe data / factory reset or Erase all data. Select it, then confirm when prompted. The reset will begin and take several minutes. When it finishes, select Reboot system now to restart the tablet.
Set up your tablet after the reset
After the reset completes and the tablet restarts, you'll see the initial setup screen. You'll be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign into a Google account.
If your tablet was previously linked to a Google account, sign in with that same account. Google will offer to restore some data — contacts, calendar events, and app names — though not photos or files stored only on the tablet itself. If you backed up photos and files to Google Drive or Google Photos, you can read them after setup is complete.
If you're setting up the tablet for someone else, have them create or sign into their own Google account during setup. This ensures they own the device and can manage their own apps and data.
What to do if you're locked out after the reset
If the tablet was protected by a Google account before the reset, Android will ask you to sign in with that account after the reset completes. This is a security feature to prevent theft.
If you remember the Google account email and password, sign in normally. If you don't remember the password, go to the Google account recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password, then use the new password on the tablet.
If you don't remember the email address or can't recover the account, you may not be able to use the tablet. Contact the tablet's manufacturer support line — they may ask for proof of purchase before they can help you regain access.
When to call a professional instead
If your tablet won't turn on at all, won't charge, or shows only a black screen even after a force restart, the problem may be hardware-related rather than software. A factory reset won't fix a broken battery, damaged screen, or failed motherboard. In that case, contact the manufacturer's support or take the tablet to an authorized repair center.
If you've tried both the Settings method and the recovery mode method and the tablet still won't reset or still behaves erratically after resetting, there may be a deeper issue. The manufacturer's support team can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or arrange a repair or replacement if the tablet is still under warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove a virus or malware?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the tablet, including any malware. However, if you reinstall the app that contained the malware, you'll get infected again. After resetting, be cautious about which apps you read and only install from the Google Play Store.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. This is why backing up important files before you reset is essential. If you have a backup in Google Drive or Google Photos, you can restore those files after the reset by signing into your Google account.
Do I need the password to factory reset my own tablet?
If you're using the Settings method, you don't need a password — you just need the tablet to be unlocked. If you're using the recovery mode method, you also don't need a password. However, after the reset, if the tablet was linked to a Google account, you'll need to sign in with that account's email and password to use the tablet.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset typically takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much data is stored on the tablet. Larger tablets with more apps and files may take longer. Do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during the reset.
What happens to my Google account after a factory reset?
Your Google account itself is not affected. The reset only removes it from the tablet. After the reset, you can sign back in with the same email and password, and Google will restore contacts, calendar events, and other data synced to your account. Photos and files stored in Google Drive or Google Photos will also be available after you sign in.