How to Erase Your iPad Before Selling It

Erase your iPad completely using Settings, then verify nothing remains

To sell your iPad safely, you need to erase all your data and remove your Apple ID account. The fastest way is to go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This wipes everything on the device and removes your Apple ID in one step. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on your iPad, and you cannot undo it once it starts, so make sure you have backed up anything you want to keep first.

Before you erase, sign out of iCloud manually if you want extra confirmation that your account is gone. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, enter your Apple ID password, and choose whether to keep or delete iCloud data on the device. Then proceed with the full erase. After the erase completes, your iPad will restart and show the setup screen — the same screen a brand-new iPad shows. This is the sign that the erase worked.

Key Takeaways

Back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer before erasing, because the erase process deletes everything and cannot be reversed.
Use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to remove all data and your Apple ID account at once.
After the erase finishes, your iPad will show the setup screen; if it does not, the erase did not complete and you should try again.
Do not sell the iPad until it has been erased and restarted, because the buyer will not be able to use it while your Apple ID is still on it.
If you forgot your Apple ID password, you will need to reset it through Apple's website before you can erase the device.

Back up your data before you erase

Erasing your iPad deletes photos, messages, apps, documents, and any other files stored on it. If you want to keep any of this, back it up first. The easiest way is to use iCloud: go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turn on iCloud Backup. Then go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. This saves your photos, app data, messages, and settings to your iCloud account, and you can restore them to a new iPad later.

If you do not have enough iCloud storage (Apple gives you 5 GB free), you can back up to a Mac or Windows computer instead. Connect your iPad to the computer with a USB cable, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select your iPad, and click Back Up Now. This backs up the same data as iCloud but stores it on your computer instead. Either method takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.

Remove your Apple ID before erasing if you want to double-check

Signing out of your Apple ID before you erase is optional — the erase process removes it automatically — but doing it first lets you confirm your password works and see what happens to your iCloud data. Go to Settings > [Your Name] at the top of the screen. Scroll down and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.

You will see a choice: Keep on iPad or Delete from iPad. If you choose Keep on iPad, your photos, notes, and other iCloud data stay on the device and will be erased later when you run the full erase. If you choose Delete from iPad, that data is removed now, but you still have it in iCloud. Either choice is fine; the full erase will remove everything regardless.

Run the full erase from Settings

Once you have backed up your data and signed out of iCloud (if you chose to), go to Settings > General. Scroll down 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 Continue. If you are signed into your Apple ID, you will be asked to enter your Apple ID password. Type it in and tap Erase.

The iPad will now erase. You will see a progress bar and the message "Erasing iPad." Do not turn off the iPad or disconnect it from power during this time. When the erase finishes, the iPad will restart automatically and show the setup screen with "Hello" at the top and a choice of language. This is the correct end state. If the iPad restarts but shows your home screen with your apps still there, the erase did not work; try again from the beginning.

What to do if you forgot your Apple ID password

If you cannot remember your Apple ID password, you cannot erase the iPad until you reset it. Go to iforgot.apple.com on any computer or phone. Enter your Apple ID email address and follow the steps to reset your password. Apple will send you a verification code by email or text message. Once you have reset your password, return to your iPad and try the erase process again.

If you do not have access to the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID, you will need to contact Apple Support. Go to support.apple.com, select your iPad model, and choose Contact Us. Apple can help you regain access to your account, but this process takes longer than a password reset.

Verify the erase worked before handing over the iPad

After the iPad restarts and shows the setup screen, go through the first few steps of setup to confirm everything is gone. Tap your language, then Continue. You should see options to set up Face ID or Touch ID, choose a Wi-Fi network, and sign in with an Apple ID. If you see any of your old data — your photos, your apps, your contacts — the erase did not work completely. Restart the iPad and try erasing again.

Once you confirm the setup screen appears and no old data is visible, the iPad is ready to sell. The buyer will be able to set it up with their own Apple ID and data. Do not proceed with the sale until you see this setup screen, because a buyer cannot use an iPad that still has another person's Apple ID on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I erase my iPad if I do not remember my Apple ID password?

No, not directly. You must reset your Apple ID password first at iforgot.apple.com. Once you have a new password, you can erase the iPad. If you cannot access your Apple ID email or recovery phone number, contact Apple Support for help.

What happens to my photos and messages after I erase?

They are deleted from the iPad permanently. If you backed them up to iCloud or your computer first, you still have copies there and can restore them to a new device. If you did not back them up, they are gone.

How long does the erase take?

Usually 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much data is on your iPad. Keep the iPad plugged in and do not turn it off during the process. The iPad will restart automatically when it is done.

What if the iPad gets stuck on the erase screen?

Wait at least 30 minutes to see if it finishes. If it is still stuck, force restart the iPad by pressing and holding the top button and either volume button until you see the power-off slider, then release. Slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Try erasing again.

Do I need to remove my SIM card before selling?

If your iPad has cellular service, yes. The SIM card is yours, not part of the device. Eject it using the small tool that came with your iPad or a straightened paperclip, then remove it before handing over 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.