What a complete reset does and when you need one

A complete reset erases everything on your iPad — all apps, photos, documents, settings, and accounts — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This is different from a restart (which just turns it off and on) or a backup restore (which puts your data back). A true reset wipes the device clean.

You need a complete reset if you are selling or giving away your iPad, if it has become so slow or buggy that nothing else has fixed it, or if you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access to it. A reset also removes any spyware, malware, or tracking software that may have been installed, because those programs live in the device's storage and get deleted along with everything else.

Before you reset, understand that this action cannot be undone. Once you confirm the reset, your data is gone unless you have a backup stored separately — in iCloud, on a computer, or in another cloud service. If you do not have a backup and you reset, you lose everything that was only on the device.

Key Takeaways

  • A complete reset erases all data and returns your iPad to factory settings, and this action cannot be reversed.
  • Back up your iPad to iCloud or a computer before resetting if you want to keep any of your data.
  • You can reset through Settings on the iPad itself, or through a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) if the iPad will not start.
  • After a reset, you will need to sign in with your Apple ID again and restore from a backup or set up as new.
  • If you forget your Apple ID password, you cannot complete the reset without resetting it first through Apple's website.

Back up your data before you reset

If you want to keep any photos, documents, app data, or settings, create a backup first. You have two main options: iCloud (Apple's cloud storage) or a computer backup.

iCloud backup stores your data on Apple's servers. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Make sure it is turned on, then tap Back Up Now. The backup runs in the background and may take several minutes depending on how much data you have. You need a Wi-Fi connection and enough free iCloud storage (you get 5 GB free; additional storage costs money).

Computer backup stores your data on your Mac or Windows PC. On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, plug in your iPad, open Finder, click your iPad in the sidebar, and click Back Up Now. On Windows or older Mac, use iTunes instead. A computer backup is faster than iCloud and does not use your iCloud storage limit, but you can only restore it on that same computer.

Reset your iPad through Settings

This is the most straightforward method if your iPad turns on and responds normally. Go to Settings, then tap General. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

Your iPad will ask you to confirm your Apple ID password. Enter it. (If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you cannot proceed — you will need to reset it on Apple's website first, which takes time.) After you enter the password, the iPad will ask whether you want to keep or remove iCloud Keychain data and whether to keep or erase your Apple ID account. Choose based on whether you plan to use this iPad again or give it away.

Tap Erase again to confirm. The reset begins when ready. Your iPad will restart several times and show a progress bar. Do not unplug it or turn it off during this process. The whole reset usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data was on the device.

Reset through a computer if your iPad will not start

If your iPad is frozen, will not turn on, or is so damaged that you cannot access Settings, you can reset it using a Mac or Windows computer.

On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer: plug your iPad into the Mac with a USB cable, open Finder, click your iPad in the sidebar, and click Restore. Finder will read the latest iPad software and erase the device. On older Mac versions or Windows, use iTunes instead — plug in the iPad, click the device icon, and click Restore.

During a computer-based reset, you will not be asked for your Apple ID password upfront. However, after the reset completes and the iPad starts up, it will ask for your Apple ID before you can use it. This is a security feature called set up Lock. If you do not have the Apple ID password for the account that was on the device, you will be stuck at this screen and cannot proceed further.

What happens after the reset is complete

When the reset finishes, your iPad will show the setup screen as if it were brand new. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with an Apple ID. This is where your choice matters.

If you are keeping the iPad for yourself, sign in with your own Apple ID and then restore from your backup. Choose iCloud backup if you backed up to iCloud, or choose Restore from Mac/PC if you backed up to a computer. Your apps, photos, documents, and settings will return to the device. This takes time — anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you are restoring.

If you are giving the iPad away or selling it, do not sign in with your Apple ID during setup. Instead, hand it to the new owner so they can set it up with their own account. If you do sign in, the new owner will not be able to use the iPad without your Apple ID password, which defeats the purpose of resetting it.

set up Lock and why it matters

set up Lock is a security feature that ties your iPad to your Apple ID. After a reset, the iPad will not fully start until someone signs in with the Apple ID that was originally on the device. This prevents a thief from resetting a stolen iPad and selling it as new.

If you are selling or giving away your iPad, you must sign out of your Apple ID before resetting, or the new owner will be locked out. To do this, go to Settings, tap your name, scroll down, and tap Sign Out. You will be asked for your Apple ID password. Enter it, then choose whether to keep or delete a copy of your data on the device. After you sign out, then reset, the iPad will not ask for your Apple ID during setup.

If you reset without signing out first, the new owner can contact Apple with proof of purchase and Apple can remove the lock. But this takes time and proof, so it is much easier to sign out before you reset.

If you forget your Apple ID password

You cannot reset your iPad without your Apple ID password if set up Lock is on. You will get stuck at the setup screen after the reset completes.

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. Once you have reset your password, return to your iPad and enter the new password at the set up Lock screen. After that, you can proceed with setup.

If you do not have access to the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID, contact Apple Support. They can verify your identity through other means, but this process is slower and may require proof of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my iPad without losing my data?

Not with a complete reset — that erases everything by definition. But you can back up to iCloud or a computer first, then restore from that backup after the reset. This gives you a fresh device with all your data back on it.

Will a reset remove viruses or spyware?

Yes. A complete reset deletes everything on the device, including any malicious software. However, if the malware came from a compromised account (like a hacked email or iCloud account), signing back in with that account after the reset may reinfect the device. Change your passwords before you restore.

How long does a complete reset take?

The reset itself usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. If you then restore from a backup, add another 15 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you are restoring. A computer-based reset may take longer if the iPad's software needs to be downloaded first.

What if my iPad is stuck on the set up Lock screen after reset?

You need the Apple ID password for the account that was on the device before the reset. If you do not have it, go to iforgot.apple.com and reset the password. If you cannot access that email or phone number, contact Apple Support with proof of ownership.

Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting?

No. A reset does not affect your SIM card or cellular service. If you are giving away a cellular iPad, you may want to remove the SIM card separately so the new owner does not inherit your phone number or data plan, but the reset itself does not require it.