What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your tablet — all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the manufacturer. After the reset completes, you will see the same setup screen you saw the first time you turned it on.
You might 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 your tablet, a factory reset ensures the next owner cannot access your personal data.
Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, contacts, app data — to cloud storage or a computer first. The reset itself takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your tablet model and how much data is stored on it.
Key Takeaways
- Back up all your photos, documents, and important files to cloud storage or a computer before you begin, because a factory reset permanently deletes everything on the tablet.
- On most tablets, you reach the factory reset option through Settings > System > Reset or Settings > About Device > Reset, though the exact path varies by brand and operating system version.
- You will need to enter your Google account password (Android) or Apple ID password (iPad) to confirm the reset and prevent someone else from locking you out of your own device.
- After the reset finishes, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen, and you can then sign back into your accounts and reinstall your apps.
How to reset an Android tablet
On most Android tablets, open the Settings app and scroll down to find System or About Device — the exact name depends on your tablet's manufacturer and Android version. Tap it, then look for an option called Reset, Reset Options, or Erase All Data.
Tap Erase All Data or Factory Reset. The tablet will ask you to confirm by entering your Google account password. This password is the one you use to sign into Gmail or any Google service on the tablet. Type it in and tap Erase or Reset. The tablet will then restart and begin the reset process, which may take 15 to 30 minutes. Do not turn off the tablet during this time.
If you cannot remember your Google password, you can reset it on a computer or phone before you start the tablet reset. Go to accounts.google.com, click Sign in, and follow the password recovery steps. Once you have reset your Google password, use the new password to confirm the tablet factory reset.
How to reset an iPad
On an iPad, open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad will ask for your Apple ID password — this is the password you use to sign into iCloud or the App Store. Enter it and tap Erase.
If you have a passcode set on your iPad, you will also need to enter that before the reset begins. The iPad will restart and the reset process will start. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Leave the iPad plugged in and do not turn it off until the reset is complete and the setup screen appears.
If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you start the iPad reset. You will need access to the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID. Once you have a new password, use it to confirm the iPad factory reset.
What to do if your tablet is frozen or won't start
If your tablet is completely frozen and will not respond to taps or button presses, you can force a restart before attempting a factory reset. For most Android tablets, hold down the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the tablet vibrates or the screen goes black, then release. Wait a few seconds and press the Power button again to turn it back on.
For an iPad, the restart method depends on which model you have. On newer iPads without a home button, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then hold the Power button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the iPad, wait 10 seconds, then press Power again to restart it.
On older iPads with a home button, hold both the Power button and the Home button at the same time for 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears, then release both buttons. If a force restart does not fix the problem and you still need to factory reset, try the reset steps again once the tablet has restarted.
Backing up your data before you reset
The easiest way to back up an Android tablet is to sign into your Google account in Settings and turn on Backup or Sync. This automatically backs up your contacts, calendar, Gmail, and some app data to Google Drive. Photos and videos can be backed up through Google Photos — open the app, tap your profile picture, go to Photos Settings, and turn on Backup and Sync.
For an iPad, turn on iCloud backup by opening Settings, tapping your name at the top, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup. Toggle it on and tap Back Up Now. This backs up your photos, contacts, calendar, and app data. You can also back up photos to iCloud Photos by going to Settings > Photos and turning on iCloud Photos.
For files and documents you want to keep, use cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. read the app on your tablet, sign in, and upload the files you want to save. After your tablet resets, you can read these files again once you sign back into the same account.
What happens after the reset is complete
When the factory reset finishes, your tablet will restart and show the initial setup screen — the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign into your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad). Sign in with the same account you used before the reset.
Once you are signed in, your tablet will automatically restore backed-up data like contacts, calendar events, and photos. Apps you had installed before the reset will not automatically reinstall — you will need to read them again from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPad). This usually takes a few minutes per app depending on their size and your internet speed.
If you backed up files to cloud storage, open the storage app (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) and read the files you need. Your tablet is now reset and ready to use as if it were brand new.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is forgetting to back up important data before starting the reset. Once the reset begins, there is no way to stop it or recover the erased data. Always back up photos, documents, and any files you want to keep before you tap the final confirmation button.
Another mistake is turning off the tablet during the reset process. If you unplug it or press the power button while the reset is running, the tablet may not restart properly and could become unusable. Let the reset run to completion without interruption, even if it seems to be taking a long time.
Do not forget your Google password (Android) or Apple ID password (iPad) before you start. You will need one of these to confirm the reset and to sign back in afterward. If you are unsure of your password, reset it on a computer or phone first, before you begin the tablet reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my tablet?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the tablet, including any malware or unwanted apps. However, if the malware came from a specific app or website, make sure not to reinstall that app or visit that site again after the reset, or you may get infected again.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset permanently deletes all data on your tablet. The only way to recover your information is if you backed it up to cloud storage or a computer before the reset. This is why backing up is so important before you start.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most factory resets take between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on how much data is on your tablet and which model you have. Older tablets or those with a lot of stored files may take longer. Keep your tablet plugged in and do not turn it off during this time.
Do I need Wi-Fi to factory reset my tablet?
You do not need Wi-Fi to start the reset, but you will need it after the reset is complete to sign back into your accounts and read your apps. It is a good idea to have Wi-Fi available before you begin.
What if I forget my Google or Apple ID password during the reset?
Stop and reset your password on a computer or phone before you continue. Go to accounts.google.com (Android) or iforgot.apple.com (iPad) and follow the password recovery steps. Once you have a new password, you can use it to confirm the tablet reset.