What a factory reset does and when to use it
A factory reset wipes your Onn tablet back to the state it left the factory — all your apps, photos, files, and settings disappear, and the operating system reinstalls itself fresh. You are left with a blank tablet that works like it did on day one.
Do this when your tablet is running slowly, freezing constantly, or behaving strangely after installing an app you cannot remove. A factory reset also clears your personal data if you are selling or giving away the device. It is the nuclear option: try restarting the tablet first, or uninstalling the problem app, because those steps are reversible.
Before you start, back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and contacts stored only on the tablet will be gone after the reset. If you use Google Drive, Gmail, or another cloud service, your data there is safe — you can sign back in after the reset and read it again.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all apps, files, and settings on your Onn tablet and returns it to its original state.
- Back up your photos, documents, and any files stored only on the tablet before you begin, because they cannot be recovered after the reset.
- The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your tablet model and how much data is on it.
- After the reset completes, you will sign in with your Google account to restore apps and settings that were backed up to the cloud.
How to reset through Settings on most Onn tablets
This method works on most Onn tablets running Android 9 or later. Open the Settings app — it looks like a gear icon and is usually on your home screen or in the app drawer. Tap System or About tablet (the exact name varies by model).
Scroll down and look for Reset options or Reset. Tap it. You will see two choices: Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth and Erase all data (factory reset). Tap the second one. The tablet will ask you to confirm — it may ask for your PIN or password. Enter it and tap Erase all data or Reset phone (the button name depends on your model).
The tablet will restart and begin erasing. You will see a progress bar or spinning icon. Do not turn off the tablet or unplug it during this time. The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. When it finishes, the tablet will restart and show the setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on.
How to reset using the power button and volume keys
If your tablet will not start, is stuck on a boot screen, or the Settings method does not work, you can force a reset using hardware buttons. This method works on nearly all Onn tablets.
Turn off the tablet completely. Press and hold the power button and the volume up button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons for about 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Android logo or a menu appear on screen. Release the buttons.
You will see a menu with options like Reboot system now, Recovery mode, or Wipe data/factory reset. Use the volume buttons to move up and down in the menu, and press the power button to select. Highlight Wipe data/factory reset and press the power button. The tablet will ask you to confirm — select Yes using the same buttons. The reset will begin and take 5 to 15 minutes.
Setting up your tablet after the reset
When the reset finishes, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account. Use the same Google account you used before the reset if you want to restore your apps and settings.
After you sign in, the tablet will begin downloading and reinstalling apps that were previously installed on your account. This can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. Let the process finish without interrupting it.
Once setup is complete, check that your apps are back and working. Any photos or files stored in Google Drive, Google Photos, or other cloud services will be there. Files that were only on the tablet storage are gone permanently.
Common problems during a reset
If the reset gets stuck on a loading screen or progress bar for more than 30 minutes, force the tablet off by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then try the hardware button method instead. If the tablet will not turn on at all after a reset, plug it in and let it charge for at least 30 minutes — sometimes a reset drains the battery completely.
If you see an error message about storage space, the tablet may not have enough free room to complete the reset. Try connecting to Wi-Fi and plugging in the charger, then restart the reset process. If the error persists, the tablet may have a hardware problem and should be checked by a repair technician.
If you forgot your Google password and cannot sign in after the reset, visit the Google account recovery page on a computer or another device. You can reset your password there and then sign in on your tablet.
Protecting your data before you reset
The safest way to back up is to sign into your Google account before you reset. Google automatically backs up your contacts, calendar, Gmail, and some app data to your account. After the reset, sign in with the same account and this information returns.
For photos and videos, open Google Photos before the reset, tap your profile picture, and make sure Backup and sync is turned on. This uploads your photos to the cloud. After the reset, sign in to Google Photos and your photos will be there.
For documents and other files, move them to Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox before the reset. These cloud services keep your files safe even after the tablet is wiped. After the reset, install the app again and sign in to read your files.
When to try something else instead of a factory reset
If your tablet is just slow, restart it first — hold the power button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart. Wait for it to turn back on. This often fixes temporary slowness without erasing anything.
If one app is causing problems, open Settings, tap Apps or process manager, find the problem app, and tap Uninstall. This removes just that app without touching the rest of your tablet.
If your tablet is running out of storage space, open Settings, tap Storage, and delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use. Clearing space often improves performance without a full reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove my Google account?
The reset erases your account from the tablet, but your Google account itself still exists. After the reset, you sign back in with the same email and password, and your backed-up contacts, calendar, and apps return automatically.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most resets finish in 5 to 15 minutes. Older tablets or those with a lot of data may take up to 30 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during the process — let it finish completely.
Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?
No. Once you confirm the reset, it will complete. Turning off the tablet or removing the battery during the reset can damage the system, so let it finish even if it seems stuck.
What if I reset my tablet but it still does not work?
If problems continue after a factory reset, the issue is likely hardware-related rather than software. Contact Onn support or visit a repair shop to have the tablet checked.
Do I need Wi-Fi to do a factory reset?
You do not need Wi-Fi to perform the reset itself, but you will need it afterward to sign in to your Google account and read your apps. Connect to Wi-Fi before you start the setup process.