What factory reset does and when you need it
A factory reset erases everything on your tablet — all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it left the manufacturer. The tablet itself stays the same; you are not changing the hardware or the operating system version. After the reset completes, you will see the initial setup screen, as though the tablet is brand new.
You might reset a tablet to fix persistent crashes or freezing, remove malware, clear out old data before selling or giving it away, or start fresh after inheriting a used device. A reset is also the standard troubleshooting step when a tablet becomes too slow or buggy to use normally.
Before you start, understand that a factory reset is permanent and irreversible. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, documents, login information for apps — because the reset will delete it all. Most tablets let you back up to cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive) or to a computer.
Key Takeaways
- Back up all photos, documents, and account information before you start, because a factory reset deletes everything on the tablet.
- On Android tablets, go to Settings, find System or About, and look for Reset or Factory Reset; on iPads, use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
- The reset process takes 10 to 30 minutes and the tablet will restart several times; do not turn it off during this time.
- After the reset finishes, you will see the initial setup screen and can sign back into your accounts and reinstall apps.
- If you forget your Google or Apple account password, you will not be able to complete setup, so verify your login information before you begin.
How to reset an Android tablet
On most Android tablets, open Settings and scroll down to find System or About (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap it, then look for Reset or Factory Reset. You may see Reset options or Erase all data instead.
Tap the reset option. The tablet will ask you to confirm and may ask for your Google account password. Enter it if prompted — this is a security step to prevent someone else from wiping your tablet without permission. Then tap Erase all data or Reset phone (the button name varies). The tablet will restart and begin the reset process, which usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Do not turn off the tablet or remove the battery during this time. You will see a progress bar or spinning animation. The tablet may restart multiple times. When it finishes, you will see the initial setup screen asking you to select a language and connect to Wi-Fi. At this point the reset is complete.
How to reset an iPad
On an iPad running iOS 16 or later, open Settings, tap General, then scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase all content and settings. If you have a passcode, the iPad will ask you to enter it. If you have an Apple ID linked to the device, you will need to enter that password as well.
On older iPad models (iOS 15 and earlier), go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Erase all content and settings. The process is the same: enter your passcode and Apple ID password if prompted, then confirm.
The iPad will restart and show a progress screen. The reset usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Do not interrupt it. When it finishes, you will see the Hello screen and the option to set up the iPad as new or restore from a backup.
What to do if the tablet is frozen or will not start
If your tablet is frozen and will not respond to taps, try a forced restart first. On Android, press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the device vibrates or the power menu appears, then tap Restart. On iPad, the method depends on the model: for newer iPads without a home button, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the power button until you see the power-off slider.
If a forced restart does not work, or if the tablet will not turn on at all, you can reset it from recovery mode. On Android, turn off the tablet, then press and hold the power button and volume down button together for several seconds until you see the recovery menu. Use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data / factory reset and press the power button to select it. On iPad, connect it to a computer with iTunes or Finder, force restart it while connected, and choose Restore when prompted.
Recovery mode resets are more technical and the exact steps vary by device model. If you are not sure, look up "[your tablet model] recovery mode reset" or contact the manufacturer's support line.
Signing back in after the reset
After the reset finishes and you see the setup screen, the tablet will ask you to sign into your Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPad). Use the same email and password you used before. If you do not remember your password, you will need to reset it on a computer or phone before you continue, because you cannot complete the setup without it.
Once you sign in, the tablet will offer to restore your apps and data from a backup if one exists. If you backed up to Google Drive or iCloud before the reset, you can choose to restore from that backup now. If you did not back up, you will need to reinstall apps one by one from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Your accounts (email, social media, banking apps) will not automatically sign back in. You will need to open each app and enter your username and password again. This is normal and expected.
Backing up before you reset
On Android, open Settings, tap Google, then Manage your Google Account. Go to the Data & Privacy tab and look for Google One or Backup. Tap Backup and reset and make sure Back up to Google One is turned on. This backs up your apps, settings, and some data to your Google account.
For photos and documents, open Google Drive or Google Photos on your tablet and make sure your files are synced. You can also connect your Android tablet to a computer via USB and copy files to the computer manually.
On iPad, go to Settings > [Your name] > iCloud and turn on iCloud Backup. Make sure you are signed into iCloud with your Apple ID. You can also back up to a computer by connecting the iPad to a Mac or PC with Finder or iTunes, selecting the device, and clicking Back up now.
Troubleshooting a reset that will not complete
If the reset starts but gets stuck on a progress screen or keeps restarting without finishing, try a forced restart and then attempt the reset again. Make sure the tablet has at least 20 percent battery before you start, or plug it in during the process.
If the tablet is stuck on the setup screen after the reset and will not let you proceed, try signing out of your Google or Apple account on a computer or phone, waiting a few minutes, and then trying to sign in on the tablet again. Sometimes account verification takes time.
If the reset still will not complete after two or three attempts, the tablet may have a hardware problem or corrupted system files. At this point, contact the manufacturer's support team or visit an authorized repair center. Provide them with the model number and a description of what happens when you try to reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the tablet, including any malware. After the reset, the tablet is clean. However, if you reinstall the same apps or visit the same websites that caused the infection, you may get infected again. Be cautious about which apps you read and only use the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. If you have a backup from before the reset, you can restore from that backup to get your apps and data back. If you do not have a backup, the data is gone. This is why backing up before you reset is essential.
What if I forget my Google or Apple password before resetting?
You will not be able to complete the setup after the reset without your password. Before you reset, go to google.com or appleid.apple.com on a computer, sign in, and make sure you can access your account. If you cannot remember your password, reset it there first. Write down your password or store it somewhere safe so you have it when you need it.
Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my tablet?
You need Wi-Fi to complete the setup after the reset, but not to perform the reset itself. The reset process happens on the tablet without an internet connection. However, once the reset finishes and you see the setup screen, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to sign into your account and read apps.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most factory resets take 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish, depending on how much data is on the tablet and the tablet's age. Older tablets or tablets with a lot of data may take longer. Do not interrupt the process or turn off the tablet while it is resetting.