What happens when you reset a tablet
A factory reset erases everything on your tablet — all apps, photos, documents, and settings — and returns it to the state it left the factory. The operating system stays the same, but your personal data is gone. This is useful when a tablet runs slowly, freezes often, or you plan to sell it or give it away.
Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Photos, documents, and app data can be saved to cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud depending on your tablet's operating system. Once the reset is complete, you can sign back in with your account and read your apps again, but the process takes time.
Key Takeaways
- Back up your photos, documents, and important files to cloud storage before you reset, because the reset will erase everything on the tablet.
- The reset process differs between iPad and Android tablets, so find your tablet's operating system first.
- You will need your account password (Apple ID for iPad, Google account for Android) to complete the reset and sign back in.
- A factory reset takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your tablet's storage and speed, and the tablet will restart several times during the process.
How to reset an iPad
On an iPad, go to Settings, then tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad will ask you to confirm and may ask for your Apple ID password. Tap Erase again to start the process.
The iPad will restart and show a progress bar. Do not turn it off or unplug it while the reset is running. When it finishes, you will see the setup screen where you can sign in with your Apple ID or set up the iPad as new. If you want to restore your apps and data from a backup, choose "Restore from iCloud backup" during setup and sign in with the same Apple ID you used before.
How to reset an Android tablet
On an Android tablet, open Settings and look for System or About Tablet near the bottom of the menu. Tap Reset Options or Factory Reset. You may see a choice between "Erase all data" and "Reset to factory settings" — either one works. Tap the option and confirm by tapping Erase or Reset again.
The tablet will restart and show a progress bar. Let it finish without interruption. When it restarts, you will see the setup screen. Sign in with your Google account to restore your apps and some settings from your Google account backup. Note that not all app data restores automatically — some apps may need you to sign in again or restore their settings manually.
What to do if your tablet is frozen or won't turn on
If your tablet is frozen and you cannot reach the Settings menu, try a force restart first. On an iPad, hold the top button and either volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then drag it to turn off the tablet. Wait 10 seconds and hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears. On an Android tablet, hold the power button for 10 to 30 seconds until it restarts.
If a force restart does not fix the problem, you can reset the tablet using your computer. Connect the tablet to a computer with a USB cable. On a Mac or Windows PC with iTunes or Finder, you should see an option to restore or reset the tablet. Follow the on-screen steps. This method works even if the tablet's screen is broken or unresponsive, as long as the tablet powers on.
Preparing your tablet before you reset
Before you reset, sign into your cloud storage account on the tablet and make sure your photos and documents are synced. On iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and turn on Photos and any other categories you want to back up. On Android, open Settings, tap Google, then Manage your Google Account, and check that Backup is turned on.
Write down any passwords you use for apps or services, because you will need them to sign back in after the reset. Check whether you have any important notes, contacts, or calendar events that are stored only on the tablet and not in a cloud account. If you use a work email on the tablet, contact your IT department first — some work accounts have security settings that prevent a reset without permission.
What to expect after the reset is complete
After the reset finishes, the tablet will be empty and slow at first. Signing in with your account and downloading your apps takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed and how many apps you had. Some apps may not restore automatically — you will need to read them again from the App Store (iPad) or Google Play (Android).
App data like saved games, preferences, and login information may not restore. You will need to sign into each app again or restore its data manually. If you backed up to cloud storage, your photos and documents will read when you sign in, but this can take a while if you have a lot of files. Your tablet should run faster once everything is installed and the initial setup is complete.
When to reset versus when to try other fixes
A reset is a last resort. If your tablet is slow or freezes, try these steps first: restart the tablet by turning it off and on again, delete apps you no longer use, clear the cache by going to Settings and looking for Storage or Apps, and make sure your operating system is up to date. These steps often fix performance problems without erasing your data.
If your tablet still does not work after trying these fixes, or if you are selling it and want to erase your data completely, then a reset makes sense. If your tablet will not turn on at all, a reset may not help — the problem could be hardware damage or a battery that needs replacement. In that case, contact the tablet's manufacturer or a repair shop before attempting a reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a reset remove the operating system from my tablet?
No. A reset removes only your personal data and apps. The operating system (iOS or Android) stays on the tablet. After the reset, your tablet will have the same operating system version it had before, or a slightly newer version if updates were released since you last restarted.
Can I undo a reset after it starts?
Once the reset begins, you cannot stop it. If you turn off the tablet during a reset, it may not restart properly. Let the reset finish completely, even if it takes longer than expected. If something goes wrong, you can try the reset again or contact the tablet's manufacturer for help.
Do I need to charge my tablet before I reset it?
Yes. Plug your tablet into power and let it charge to at least 50 percent before you start the reset. A reset can take 15 to 30 minutes, and if the battery dies during the process, the tablet may not restart. Leaving it plugged in throughout the reset is the safest approach.
What if I forgot my Apple ID or Google account password?
You will need your password to sign back in after the reset. If you forgot it, visit Apple's account recovery page or Google's account recovery page on a computer before you reset. Reset your password there, then use the new password when you set up the tablet after the reset.
Can I reset my tablet if it is connected to a work or school account?
Some work and school accounts have security policies that prevent a reset without permission. Contact your IT department or school tech support before you reset. They may need to remove the account from their system first, or they may provide a special code to enter during the reset process.