You can reset an Onn tablet without a Google account by using the Settings menu or the hardware reset buttons

An Onn tablet can be reset to factory settings in two main ways: through the Settings app on the device itself, or by holding down physical buttons on the tablet. The Settings method works if your tablet still powers on and you can navigate the menu. The button method works even if the tablet is locked or won't respond to touch. Neither method requires you to know or enter a Google account password, though a full factory reset will erase all data on the device.

The reason you might reset without a Google account is straightforward: you inherited or bought a used tablet, forgot the password, or the device is frozen. Onn tablets are sold by Walmart and run Android, so the process follows Android's standard reset paths.

Key Takeaways

  • A Settings-based reset takes about 10 minutes and works if the tablet powers on and responds to touch.
  • A hardware reset using physical buttons works even if the screen is locked or unresponsive, but the exact button combination varies by Onn model.
  • Both methods erase all apps, photos, files, and accounts stored on the tablet.
  • After a factory reset, the tablet will ask you to sign in to a Google account during setup, but you can skip this step or create a new account.
  • If the tablet is locked with a PIN or pattern and won't let you reach Settings, the hardware reset is your only option.

Reset through Settings if the tablet powers on

If your Onn tablet turns on and you can see the home screen or lock screen, you can reset it from the Settings app. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the notification panel, then tap the gear icon to open Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings menu and look for System or About tablet.

Tap System, then look for Reset options or Reset. You will see two choices: Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth and Erase all data (factory reset). Tap Erase all data. The tablet will ask you to confirm. Tap Erase all data again. The reset will take 5 to 10 minutes. The tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen.

If you cannot find these options in Settings, your Onn model may have a slightly different menu layout. Look for Storage or Privacy instead. If you are locked out by a PIN, pattern, or password and cannot reach Settings at all, skip to the hardware reset section below.

Reset using hardware buttons if the tablet is locked

If the tablet is frozen, locked, or will not turn on, you can force a reset by holding down physical buttons. The exact combination depends on your Onn model, but most Onn tablets use one of these two methods.

Method 1: Volume Down + Power — Hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds. Keep holding even after the screen goes black. You should see the Android recovery menu appear. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to Wipe data / factory reset and press the Power button to select it. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes with the Volume Down button and Power button.

Method 2: Volume Up + Power — Some Onn models use Volume Up instead. Hold both buttons for 10 to 15 seconds until the recovery menu appears. The rest of the process is the same: navigate with Volume buttons, select with Power.

If neither combination works, check the model number on the back of your tablet (usually printed as "Onn" followed by numbers) and search online for "[your model number] recovery mode" to find the correct button combination for that specific tablet.

What happens after the reset is complete

Once the reset finishes, the tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, just as if it were brand new. You will be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and then sign in to a Google account. At this point, you have three choices: sign in with an existing Google account, create a new Google account, or skip this step.

If you skip the Google account sign-in, the tablet will still work for basic tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and using pre-installed apps. However, you will not be able to read apps from the Google Play Store without a Google account. If you plan to use the tablet regularly, creating a new Google account (which is free) is the simplest path forward.

The reset erases everything: all apps you installed, all photos and files, all saved passwords, and all accounts. If you had important data on the tablet, it is gone after a factory reset. There is no undo.

Troubleshooting if the reset does not work

If the Settings reset starts but does not finish, or if the hardware reset does not bring up the recovery menu, the tablet may have a deeper software problem. Try the hardware reset again, but hold the buttons for a full 20 seconds instead of 10 to 15. Some tablets need the longer hold.

If the tablet will not charge or does not respond to any button presses, the battery may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger for at least 30 minutes, then try the hardware reset again. If the tablet still does not respond after charging, the device may have a hardware fault and a reset will not help.

If you are stuck on the setup screen after the reset and cannot proceed without a Google account, you can create a free Google account on any computer or phone, then use those credentials on the tablet. You do not need to use the account that was on the tablet before.

When to call for help

If you have tried both the Settings reset and the hardware reset and neither one works, or if the tablet will not charge or respond to any input, the device likely has a hardware problem that a reset cannot fix. At that point, contact Onn support through Walmart's website or visit a Walmart store with the tablet and its receipt if you have one.

If the tablet belonged to someone else and you are trying to reset it to use yourself, be aware that some tablets may be linked to a previous owner's account through Google's Find My Mobile or similar services. A factory reset will remove the account from the tablet, but the previous owner may still be able to lock it remotely if they have access to that account. If this happens, you will need proof of purchase or ownership to unlock it, which Walmart or Onn support can help with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose everything on the tablet if I do a factory reset?

Yes. A factory reset erases all apps, photos, files, contacts, messages, and saved passwords. The only things that remain are the operating system and the apps that came with the tablet from the factory. If you have photos or files you want to keep, connect the tablet to a computer and copy them to the computer before you reset.

Can I reset the tablet if I do not know the PIN or password?

Yes. Use the hardware reset method with the physical buttons. The button combination bypasses the lock screen entirely and forces the tablet into recovery mode, where you can erase all data without entering any password.

Do I have to create a Google account after the reset?

No, but it is strongly recommended. You can skip the Google account step during setup and use the tablet for basic tasks. However, you will not be able to read apps from the Google Play Store without an account. Creating a free Google account takes about two minutes.

What if the tablet is still locked to the previous owner's Google account after the reset?

This is rare after a full factory reset, but if it happens, the previous owner's account is still linked to the device through Google's security system. Contact Walmart or Onn support with proof of purchase. They can help remove the previous account or provide instructions for the previous owner to remove it remotely.

How long does a factory reset take?

A Settings-based reset usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. A hardware reset can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on how much data is on the tablet. Do not unplug the tablet or press any buttons during the reset, or you may corrupt the system.