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 factory. You lose all your personal data, so back up anything you want to keep before you start. A reset fixes problems like frozen screens, apps that crash repeatedly, severe slowdowns, or forgotten passwords when you cannot recover the account any other way.

Do not reset your tablet just because it is running slowly or an app misbehaves. Try closing the app, restarting the tablet, or uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic app first. A reset is the last step, not the first one.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up your photos, documents, and any files you want to keep before you reset, because a factory reset deletes everything.
  • On most tablets, you access the reset option through Settings > System > Reset or Settings > About Device > Reset, though the exact path varies by brand and operating system.
  • 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 completes, you will need to sign in with your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad) and reinstall your apps.

How to back up your data before resetting

On an Android tablet, open Settings, tap Accounts, and select the Google account linked to your tablet. Tap Account sync and make sure Photos, Documents, and other important categories show a green checkmark. These items sync to your Google account automatically. For files stored only on your tablet, connect it to a computer with a USB cable and copy them to a folder on your computer, or use a cloud storage app like Google Drive or Dropbox to upload them.

On an iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Turn on iCloud Backup if it is not already on, then tap Back Up Now. This saves your photos, app data, and settings to your Apple account. For files in the Files app, open Files, select any folders you want to keep, tap the three dots, and choose read to save them to your computer.

Resetting an Android tablet

Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About Device — the exact name depends on your tablet's brand and Android version. Tap it, then look for Reset, Factory Reset, or Erase All Data. Tap that option. You will see a warning that all data will be deleted; read it carefully, then tap Erase or Confirm. Your tablet will restart and begin the reset process. This takes 10 to 30 minutes. Do not turn off your tablet or remove the battery during this time.

When the reset finishes, your tablet will restart and show a setup screen similar to the one you saw when you first turned it on. You will be asked to sign in with your Google account. Use the same account you used before, and your apps, contacts, and synced data will read automatically. If you used a different Google account before, you can add it after setup is complete by going to Settings > Accounts > Add Account.

Resetting an iPad

Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset — on newer iPads, this may be called Erase iPad. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID password and confirm that you want to erase. Tap Erase again. Your iPad will restart and begin the reset. This takes 10 to 30 minutes. Do not turn it off during this time.

When the reset finishes, your iPad will show the setup screen. Sign in with your Apple ID — the same one you used before — and your apps, photos, and data will restore from your iCloud backup. If you want to set up as a new iPad instead, you can skip signing in, but you will need to reinstall all your apps manually from the App Store.

What to do if your tablet is frozen or will not turn on

If your tablet is frozen and you cannot reach the Settings menu, try a force restart first. On most Android tablets, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and the tablet restarts. On an iPad, the method depends on the model: if it has a home button, hold the top button and home button together for 10 seconds; if it does not have a home button, quickly press and release the volume up button, quickly press and release the volume down button, then hold the top button until the screen goes black.

If a force restart does not work and you still need to reset, you may need to use your tablet's recovery mode. On Android, this usually means holding specific button combinations while the tablet starts up — the exact combination varies by brand, so search for "[your tablet brand] recovery mode" online. On an iPad, you can use a computer with iTunes or Finder to put the iPad in recovery mode and reset it from there. If you are not comfortable doing this, contact the tablet's manufacturer for help.

Reinstalling apps and signing back in after a reset

After your tablet finishes resetting and you have signed in with your account, open the app store — Google Play on Android, the App Store on iPad. Search for each app you want to use and tap Install or Get. Apps you bought or installed before will show as already owned, and you can reinstall them without paying again. This can take an hour or more if you had many apps, so you may want to install only the ones you use most often first.

Check your email, cloud storage, and social media apps to make sure you are still signed in. Some apps may ask you to sign in again. If an app asks for a password you do not remember, use the app's "Forgot Password" option to reset it before you try to sign in on your tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my photos and documents if I reset my tablet?

Yes, a factory reset deletes everything stored only on your tablet. Photos and documents synced to Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, or another cloud service will still be there after the reset. Before you reset, make sure anything you want to keep is either synced to the cloud or copied to a computer.

Can I stop a reset once it has started?

No. Once the reset begins, you must let it finish. Turning off your tablet during a reset can damage it and make it unusable. If you change your mind, do not touch the tablet — let it complete the process, which usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.

What if I forget my Google account password after resetting?

Go to the Google account recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password. Once you have a new password, sign in on your tablet with that password. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number linked to your account.

Do I need to charge my tablet before resetting?

Yes. Make sure your tablet has at least 50 percent battery before you start a reset. If the battery runs out during the reset, your tablet may not restart properly. Plug it in and let it charge fully before you begin.

Will resetting my tablet remove viruses or malware?

A factory reset removes most malware because it deletes all apps and files. However, if malware is in your Google account or Apple ID, it may return when you sign back in. If you suspect a serious infection, change your account password on a computer before signing back in on your tablet.