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. You are left with a blank device that you set up from scratch, the same way you would a brand-new tablet.
You might reset your tablet if it runs slowly, freezes repeatedly, has a virus or malware, or if you are selling it and want to remove your personal data. A reset also fixes some software problems that restarting alone will not solve.
Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Once the reset is complete, those files are gone unless you saved them elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset wipes your tablet completely and returns it to its original state, so back up photos, documents, and other files first.
- On most tablets, you reach the reset option through Settings, then System or About, then Reset or Erase All Data — the exact path depends on your device.
- The reset process takes 10 to 30 minutes and your tablet will restart several times; do not turn it off during this time.
- After the reset, you will see the initial setup screen, and you can sign in with your account to restore apps and settings you saved to the cloud.
How to back up your data before resetting
Most tablets let you save your data to the cloud automatically. On an iPad, turn on iCloud by going to Settings, tapping your name at the top, then selecting iCloud. Choose which apps and data you want to back up — Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendar, and others — and toggle them on. iCloud will back up your device when it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
On an Android tablet, go to Settings, then Google, then Manage Your Google Account, then the Backup tab. Make sure Backup to Google One is turned on. This saves your apps, contacts, messages, and some settings to your Google account.
You can also manually copy files to a computer or external drive. Connect your tablet to your computer with a USB cable, open the file manager on your computer, and drag photos, videos, or documents to a folder you choose. This method works for any file type and does not depend on cloud storage.
Factory reset on an iPad
Open Settings and tap your name at the very top of the screen. Scroll down and tap General, then scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. You will see a warning that this action cannot be undone; tap Erase again to confirm.
If you are signed into an Apple ID, you will be asked to enter your password. This is a security step to prevent someone else from erasing your device without permission. After you enter your password, the reset begins. Your iPad will restart, show an Apple logo, and take 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Do not turn off the device during this time.
When the reset is finished, you will see the Hello screen, the same one you saw when you first turned on the iPad. You can set it up as a new device or sign in with your Apple ID to restore your apps and settings from iCloud.
Factory reset on an Android tablet
Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About Device — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap System, then scroll down and tap Reset Options or Reset. Look for an option called Erase All Data, Factory Reset, or Reset to Factory Settings. Tap it.
You will see a confirmation screen listing what will be erased. Read it carefully, then tap Erase or Confirm. If you are signed into a Google account, you will be asked to enter your password. After you confirm, the tablet restarts and the reset process begins. This usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your tablet may restart several times; this is normal. Do not turn it off.
When the reset finishes, you will see the setup screen. You can set up the tablet as new or sign in with your Google account to restore your apps, contacts, and other data that was backed up to Google One.
What to do if your tablet is frozen or will not start
If your tablet is frozen and you cannot reach Settings, you can force a restart first. On an iPad, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the power-off slider appears. Slide it to turn off the device, wait 30 seconds, then press the Top button again to turn it back on.
On an Android tablet, the restart method depends on the model. Most Android tablets: press and hold the Power button for 10 to 30 seconds until the device vibrates or shows a restart menu. If a menu appears, tap Restart. If the device just powers off, wait 30 seconds and press Power again to turn it back on.
If the tablet still will not respond after a forced restart, you may need to use recovery mode to reset it. This is a more advanced step and the exact process differs by device. Look up your tablet model and "recovery mode reset" to find the specific button combination for your device. Recovery mode resets the tablet without needing to reach the Settings app.
After the reset: setting up your tablet again
Once the reset is complete, your tablet shows the initial setup screen. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your account — Apple ID for iPad, Google account for Android. Signing in restores your apps, photos, contacts, and settings that were backed up to the cloud.
The restoration process happens in the background and can take an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Your tablet will read and install your apps one by one. You can use the device while this happens, but it will be slower until the process is complete.
If you do not want to restore from a backup, you can skip signing in and set up the tablet as new. You will have a blank device with no apps except the ones that came with it. You can then read apps from the App Store (iPad) or Google Play (Android) as you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove a virus or malware?
A factory reset removes most malware because it erases everything on the device and reinstalls the operating system. However, some sophisticated malware can survive a reset. If you suspect a serious infection, reset the tablet, then avoid downloading apps from unknown sources and keep your device updated with the latest software patches.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is why backing up your data first is critical. If you have a backup saved to iCloud or Google One, you can restore your data after the reset, but the original files on the device are gone.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most factory resets take 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The time depends on your tablet model, how much storage it has, and how fast your internet connection is. Do not turn off the device during the reset, even if it seems to be taking longer than expected.
What if I forget my Apple ID or Google password during reset?
You will need your password to complete the reset and sign back in. If you do not remember it, use the password recovery option on the Apple or Google website before you start the reset. You can reset your password on any computer or phone, then use the new password on your tablet.
Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting?
No. A factory reset does not affect your SIM card or cellular service. If your tablet has a SIM card slot and you use it for cellular data, the SIM card will continue to work after the reset. You do not need to remove it.