What resetting your iPad means and when to do it

A factory reset wipes your iPad completely clean — it removes all your photos, apps, messages, settings, and personal data, then returns the device to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset finishes, you'll see the setup screen you saw the first time you turned it on.

You should reset your iPad if you're selling it, giving it away, or handing it to someone else. You should also reset it if the device is running so slowly or crashing so often that normal troubleshooting hasn't helped. A reset is different from a restart (which just turns the device off and back on) — a reset erases everything.

Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Once the reset is complete, those files are gone unless you saved them to iCloud or your computer first.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all data on your iPad and returns it to its original state, so back up anything you want to keep first.
  • You can reset your iPad through Settings on the device itself, or through a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
  • If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you'll need to reset it before you can complete the factory reset on your iPad.
  • The reset process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your iPad model and how much data is on it.
  • After the reset finishes, your iPad will show the setup screen and ask you to sign in with an Apple ID to continue.

Back up your data before you start

The fastest way to back up is through iCloud, Apple's cloud storage service. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Turn on iCloud Backup by tapping the toggle switch. Your iPad will back up automatically when it's plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi. This backup includes photos, messages, app data, and settings.

If you want to back up to a computer instead, connect your iPad with a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, open Finder and click your iPad in the sidebar, then click Back Up Now. On a Windows PC, open iTunes, click your iPad at the top left, then click Back Up Now. This method backs up everything on your device.

You can also save photos and videos separately by opening the Photos app, selecting the images you want, tapping Share, and choosing where to save them — to iCloud Photos, Google Photos, or your computer. This way you keep those files even if you don't back up the whole device.

Reset through Settings on your iPad

This is the simplest method if your iPad is working well enough to navigate the menus. Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Your iPad will ask you to confirm — tap Erase again.

If your iPad asks for your Apple ID password, enter it. This is a security feature that prevents someone else from wiping your device and using it. If you don't remember your password, you'll need to reset it through your Apple account before you can continue. Go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer or another device, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the steps to reset your password.

The reset will take 10 to 30 minutes. Your iPad will restart several times and show a progress bar. Don't unplug it or turn it off during this time. When it finishes, you'll see the setup screen asking you to choose a language and country.

Reset through a computer if your iPad won't start

If your iPad won't turn on, won't respond to taps, or is stuck on the Apple logo, you can reset it from a computer. Connect your iPad to a Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, open Finder and click your iPad in the sidebar. On a Windows PC, open iTunes. Look for a Restore button and click it. Your computer will download the latest iPad software and install it, which erases the device in the process.

Your computer will ask you to confirm the restore. Click Restore again. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed and iPad model. Your iPad will restart and show the setup screen when it's done.

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPad, try a different USB cable or a different USB port on your computer. If it still doesn't show up, restart both your computer and your iPad, then try again.

What to do after the reset is complete

When your iPad finishes resetting, it will show the setup screen. Choose your language and country, then connect to a Wi-Fi network. You'll be asked to sign in with an Apple ID. Use the same Apple ID you used before — this lets you restore your backed-up data, your apps, and your settings.

If you backed up to iCloud, your iPad will ask whether you want to restore from that backup. Tap Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in with your Apple ID. Choose the backup you want to restore from (usually the most recent one), and your iPad will download your photos, messages, apps, and settings. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you're restoring and your internet speed.

If you backed up to a computer instead, connect your iPad to that computer after setup finishes. On a Mac, open Finder and click your iPad, then click Restore Backup. On a Windows PC, open iTunes, click your iPad, then click Restore Backup. Choose the backup file and your data will restore to your iPad.

Troubleshooting if the reset gets stuck

If your iPad is stuck on the setup screen or the progress bar isn't moving after 45 minutes, force restart it. The method depends on your iPad model. On iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or newer) and iPad Pro 11-inch, press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears. On older iPad models, press and hold both the Top (or Side) button and the Home button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

If the reset still won't complete, try resetting through a computer instead. Connect your iPad to a Mac or Windows PC and use Finder or iTunes to restore it. This method often works when the device itself is having trouble.

If you see an error message during the reset, write down the exact error code. Restart your iPad and your computer, check that both are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network, and try again. If the same error appears, that code can help Apple Support troubleshoot the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my iPad remove the operating system?

No. A factory reset removes your personal data but keeps the iPad's operating system (iPadOS) in place. When the reset finishes, your iPad will have the same version of iPadOS it had before, or a newer version if one was released. You'll never have an iPad with no operating system.

Can I reset my iPad if I don't remember my Apple ID password?

You'll need to reset your password before the factory reset can finish. Go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer or another device, enter your Apple ID email address, and follow the steps to reset your password. Once you've created a new password, you can complete the factory reset on your iPad.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most resets take 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Older iPad models or devices with a lot of data may take longer. Don't unplug your iPad or turn it off during the reset — let it finish completely, even if it restarts multiple times.

Will I lose my photos if I reset my iPad?

Yes, unless you back them up first. Before you reset, turn on iCloud Backup in Settings, or connect your iPad to a computer and back up through Finder or iTunes. You can also save photos to Google Photos or another cloud service. After you back up, the reset won't affect those copies.

What if I reset my iPad by mistake?

If you have an iCloud backup, you can restore your data after the reset finishes. During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in with your Apple ID. If you don't have a backup, the data is gone. This is why backing up before a reset is important.