How to Reset an iPad Without a Computer

You can reset an iPad without a computer using Settings alone

If you have access to your iPad and remember your Apple ID password, you can erase it and restore it to factory settings entirely from the device itself. You do not need a computer, iTunes, or any external tools. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and works on any iPad model running iOS 15.1 or later.

The reset happens in the Settings app under General, where you will find an option to erase all content and settings. Apple will ask you to confirm your Apple ID password before the wipe begins—this is a security measure to prevent theft. Once confirmed, the iPad will restart, delete everything on it, and return to the setup screen you see when a new iPad first turns on.

Key Takeaways

You can reset an iPad from Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings without needing a computer.
You must know your Apple ID password before you start, because Apple requires it to confirm the erase.
The reset erases all apps, photos, documents, and settings, but does not remove the iPad from your Apple ID account unless you sign out first.
If you forget your Apple ID password or are locked out of the device, you will need to use iCloud.com or contact Apple Support to regain access.

How to erase your iPad from Settings

Open the Settings app and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset (on older iPad models, this may say Reset). You will see several reset options listed.

Tap Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad will warn you that this action cannot be undone and will ask you to enter your Apple ID password. Type in the password you use to sign into your Apple account—not your iPad lock code. Once you enter it, tap Erase and the process begins. The iPad will restart, show a progress bar, and then display the setup screen.

What happens after the reset is complete

When the iPad finishes erasing, it will boot into the same welcome screen you see when you unbox a new device. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and set up Face ID or Touch ID. At this point, the iPad is completely blank—no apps, no photos, no settings remain from before.

You can then set it up as a new iPad or sign back into your Apple ID to restore your apps and data from a backup. If you do sign back in with the same Apple ID, the iPad will read your apps automatically and offer to restore your photos and documents if you have them backed up to iCloud.

If you do not know your Apple ID password

If you cannot remember your Apple ID password, you cannot complete the erase from Settings because Apple requires it as a security check. Instead, go to iforgot.apple.com on any web browser and follow the steps to reset your password. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to your Apple ID.

Once you have reset your password, return to your iPad and try the erase process again. If you do not have access to the recovery email or phone number, you will need to contact Apple Support by phone or through their website to verify your identity and regain access to your account.

If your iPad is locked and you cannot open Settings

If you have forgotten your iPad lock code and cannot get into Settings at all, the device is effectively locked down. You cannot erase it from the device itself in this case. Your options are to use iCloud's Find My feature or to contact Apple Support.

If you have another Apple device (iPhone, Mac, or another iPad) signed into the same Apple ID, you can use the Find My app to erase the locked iPad remotely. Open Find My, select the locked iPad from the list of devices, and choose Erase This Device. This will wipe it without needing the lock code. If you do not have another device, Apple Support can walk you through identity verification and help you regain access.

The difference between reset and sign-out

Erasing all content and settings is not the same as signing out of your Apple ID. When you erase, the iPad is wiped completely and returns to the setup screen, but it remains linked to your Apple ID account. This means if someone turns it on after the erase, they will see the setup screen and will be asked to sign in with an Apple ID before they can use it.

If you want to remove the iPad from your Apple ID account entirely before selling or giving it away, sign out first. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, enter your Apple ID password, and choose whether to keep or delete a copy of your iCloud data on the device. Then perform the erase. This way, the next person to set it up will not see your account linked to it.

When to call Apple Support instead

If you are locked out of your iPad, do not know your Apple ID password, or the erase process fails or gets stuck, contact Apple Support. You can reach them through the Apple Support app on any Apple device, through apple.com/support, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. They can verify your identity and help you regain access or complete the reset remotely.

Do not attempt to force the iPad off or remove the battery if the erase is in progress—let it finish. If it has been stuck on the same screen for more than an hour, it is safe to force restart it by pressing and holding the top button and volume down button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my iPad delete my iCloud backup?

No. Resetting the iPad erases only the device itself. Your iCloud backup remains in your Apple ID account and can be restored to this iPad or any other device you sign into. You can view your backups at iCloud.com under Account Settings > iCloud > Manage Storage.

Can I undo a reset after I have started it?

No. Once you tap Erase and confirm your Apple ID password, the process cannot be stopped or reversed. The data is deleted when ready. This is why Apple asks for confirmation before starting.

Do I need Wi-Fi to reset my iPad?

Yes. Your iPad must be connected to Wi-Fi to verify your Apple ID password and complete the erase. If you are not connected, the Settings app will prompt you to join a network before you can proceed.

What if I reset my iPad and then forgot what I wanted to do with it?

After the reset, your iPad is in the same state as a brand-new device. You can set it up as a new iPad, restore from an iCloud backup, or restore from a backup on a computer if you have one. You have full control over what happens next.

Does factory reset remove viruses or malware from an iPad?

A factory reset erases everything on the device, so it removes any malicious software that was installed. However, iPads are less vulnerable to viruses than computers because of how iOS is designed. If you suspect malware, a reset is the most thorough way to clean the device.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.