You can factory reset an iPad using only its physical buttons, without a computer

A factory reset wipes your iPad back to its original state—erasing all your data, apps, and settings. You can do this using only the buttons on the device itself, without needing a Mac or PC. The exact steps depend on which iPad model you own, because the button layout changed over time. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to know your Apple ID password, since Apple locks the device after a reset to prevent theft.

Before you start, understand that a factory reset is permanent. Everything on the iPad will be gone. If you have photos, documents, or other files you want to keep, you cannot recover them after the reset is complete. If the iPad is tied to an Apple ID, you will need that password to set it up again after the reset finishes.

Key Takeaways

  • The button combination you use depends on your iPad model—newer iPads with Face ID use a different method than older ones with Home buttons.
  • You must know your Apple ID password before you start, because you will need it to unlock the iPad after the reset.
  • The reset process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but the iPad may take longer to restart and fully set up afterward.
  • Once you confirm the reset, all data on the iPad is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Factory reset on iPad with Face ID (iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch, iPad Air 4th generation and newer)

If your iPad has Face ID instead of a Home button, follow these steps. First, press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Top (Power) button until the power-off slider appears on the screen—this usually takes about 10 seconds. Do not release the button when the slider shows up; keep holding it.

After a few more seconds, the screen will show "Slide to power off" and then the device will shut down. Once the screen goes black, continue holding the Top button. The Apple logo will appear, then disappear. Keep holding the button until you see the "Recovery Mode" screen, which shows an Apple logo in the center with text underneath. This usually takes 30 to 45 seconds total. When you see this screen, release the button.

On the Recovery Mode screen, you will see two options: "Restore" and "Update." Tap "Restore." A dialog box will ask you to confirm—tap "Restore" again. The iPad will read the latest software and erase itself. This step can take 5 to 10 minutes depending on your internet connection. When it finishes, the iPad will restart and show the setup screen.

Factory reset on iPad with Home button (iPad Air 3rd generation and older, iPad mini, standard iPad)

If your iPad has a physical Home button at the bottom of the screen, the process is different. Press and hold both the Top (Power) button and the Home button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons even after the power-off slider appears—do not release them.

After a few more seconds, the screen will go black and the device will shut down. The Apple logo will appear on a black screen. Continue holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen with the Apple logo and text. This usually takes 30 to 45 seconds total. When the Recovery Mode screen appears, release both buttons.

Tap "Restore" on the Recovery Mode screen. A confirmation dialog will appear—tap "Restore" again to confirm. The iPad will read the latest software and erase itself, which takes 5 to 10 minutes. When the process finishes, the iPad will restart and show the setup screen.

What happens after the reset completes

Once the reset finishes, your iPad will restart and show the "Hello" setup screen in your language. You will be asked to set up the device as if it were brand new. If the iPad was previously linked to an Apple ID, you will see a screen asking for that Apple ID password before you can proceed. This is called set up Lock, and it is a security feature that prevents someone else from using your iPad if it is stolen.

You must enter the correct Apple ID and password to unlock the device. If you do not remember the password, you can reset it using another device or a computer by visiting iforgot.apple.com. If you do not have access to the Apple ID at all, you will not be able to use the iPad. There is no way around set up Lock without the correct credentials.

After you enter your Apple ID information, the iPad will finish setting up. You can then sign in with your Apple ID to restore your apps and data from a backup if you have one. If you do not have a backup, you will start with a blank iPad and will need to reinstall your apps from the App Store.

Troubleshooting if the reset does not start

If you hold the buttons and nothing happens, the iPad may be frozen or unresponsive. Try again, but hold the buttons for a full 30 seconds without releasing. Sometimes the device needs more time to respond. If the screen is completely black and will not turn on, the battery may be dead. Plug the iPad into power for at least 15 minutes, then try the button combination again.

If you see the power-off slider but the device does not shut down when you keep holding the button, you may have released it too early. The key is to keep holding the button even after the slider appears—do not let go. Try again and hold for the full 30 to 45 seconds until the Recovery Mode screen shows up.

If the Recovery Mode screen appears but you cannot tap "Restore," the screen may be unresponsive. Try tapping the button several times, or try a different area of the screen. If the iPad is still unresponsive, you will need to use a computer to complete the reset through iTunes or Finder.

When to call Apple Support instead

If your iPad is physically damaged—cracked screen, water damage, or buttons that do not respond—a factory reset may not work. In this case, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. If you have forgotten your Apple ID password and cannot reset it, you will need to verify your identity with Apple before they can help you regain access. If the iPad is stuck in Recovery Mode and will not complete the reset, a technician may need to service it.

If you are resetting the iPad to sell it or give it away, make sure you have removed it from your Apple ID account before you hand it over. You can do this in Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, or through iCloud.com on another device. If you do not remove it first, the new owner will be locked out by set up Lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose all my photos and files if I factory reset?

Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the iPad permanently. If you have photos, documents, or other files you want to keep, you cannot recover them after the reset. Before you reset, back up your data through iCloud or by transferring files to a computer if possible.

Do I need WiFi to factory reset my iPad?

Yes. During the reset process, the iPad downloads the latest software from Apple's servers. You need a working WiFi connection for this to happen. If you do not have WiFi, the reset will fail partway through. Make sure you are connected to a stable network before you start.

What if I do not remember my Apple ID password?

You will not be able to use the iPad after the reset without the correct password. Go to iforgot.apple.com on another device to reset your Apple ID password. You will need to answer security questions or receive a code on a trusted device. Once you reset the password, you can use it to unlock your iPad.

How long does a factory reset take?

The button-holding part takes 30 to 45 seconds. The actual erase and software read takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on your internet speed. After that, the iPad restarts and shows the setup screen, which can take another 5 minutes. Total time is usually 15 to 25 minutes.

Can I stop the reset once it starts?

Once you tap "Restore" on the Recovery Mode screen, the reset cannot be stopped. The iPad will erase itself and read new software. If you change your mind before tapping "Restore," you can tap "Update" instead to keep your data, or you can force-quit by holding the buttons again to restart normally.