How to Completely Erase an iPad and Start Over

What happens when you erase an iPad

Erasing an iPad removes all your personal data — photos, messages, apps, passwords, browsing history, and settings — and returns the device to factory condition. The process is permanent and cannot be undone, so you should back up anything you want to keep before you start.

There are two main reasons to erase: you are selling or giving away the device, or you want to fix serious problems like constant crashes or malware. If you are just trying to free up storage space or remove a few apps, erasing is overkill — you can delete individual apps or photos instead.

The erase itself takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on the device and which method you use. After erasing, the iPad will ask you to sign in with an Apple ID before you can use it again. If you forget the Apple ID password, you will need to recover it before you can proceed.

Key Takeaways

Back up your iPad to iCloud or a computer using Finder before erasing, because the process deletes everything and cannot be reversed.
You can erase directly on the iPad through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, which is the fastest method.
If the iPad is frozen or will not start, use a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to erase it remotely.
After erasing, the iPad will ask for your Apple ID and password, so write down the correct password before you start if you are unsure.
If you are giving the device to someone else, erase it first, then have them sign in with their own Apple ID rather than yours.

Back up your data before you erase

The fastest backup method is iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turn on iCloud Backup if it is not already on. Then go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap "Back Up Now". The backup will run in the background and may take an hour or more depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. You can check the progress by going back to that same screen.

If you do not want to use iCloud, you can back up to a computer instead. On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, plug in the iPad and open Finder, click the iPad name in the sidebar, and click "Back Up Now". On a Windows computer or older Mac, use iTunes instead: plug in the iPad, click the device icon, and click "Back Up".

Write down your Apple ID password before you erase. You will need it to sign back in after the erase is complete. If you do not remember it, go to iforgot.apple.com on another device and reset it now, while you still have access to your iPad.

Erase the iPad using Settings

This is the simplest method if the iPad is working normally. Open Settings, tap General, scroll down and tap "Transfer or Reset", then tap "Erase All Content and Settings". The iPad will ask you to confirm and may ask for your Apple ID password. Enter it and tap "Erase".

The screen will show a progress bar. Do not turn off the iPad or disconnect it from power during this time. When the erase is complete, the iPad will restart and show the setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on.

If you see a message saying "This iPad is linked to an Apple ID", the device has set up Lock turned on. This is a security feature that prevents anyone else from using the iPad without your permission. You will need to sign in with the correct Apple ID and password to proceed. If you do not know the password, you cannot continue — go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it first.

Erase using a computer if the iPad will not respond

If the iPad is frozen, will not turn on, or will not let you access Settings, you can erase it from a computer. Plug the iPad into a Mac or Windows computer using the USB cable.

On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer: Open Finder, click the iPad name in the sidebar, click the General tab, and click "Restore". Finder will read the latest iPad software and erase the device. This takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the iPad model and your internet speed.

On a Windows computer or older Mac: Open iTunes, click the device icon at the top, and click "Restore". iTunes will read the software and erase the device the same way.

If the computer does not recognize the iPad, try a different USB cable or a different USB port. If you still cannot see the iPad, the device may have a hardware problem and you may need to take it to an Apple Store.

What to do after the iPad is erased

The iPad will restart and show the setup screen. You can either sign in with your Apple ID to restore your backup, or skip this step and set up the iPad as new. If you are giving the device to someone else, do not sign in with your Apple ID — let them set it up with their own account instead.

If you are keeping the iPad, signing in with your Apple ID will restore your apps, photos, and settings from the backup you made earlier. This usually takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. Keep the iPad plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during this time.

If you are selling the device, do not sign in at all. Leave it on the setup screen so the new owner can set it up with their own Apple ID. This ensures they have full control of the device and you have no access to it.

Removing set up Lock if you are selling the device

set up Lock is a security feature that ties the iPad to your Apple ID. Even after you erase the device, the new owner will see a screen asking for your Apple ID password before they can use it. To prevent this, you need to remove the iPad from your Apple ID account before you hand it over.

Go to iCloud.com on a computer or another device and sign in with your Apple ID. Click the account icon at the top right, then click "Find My". Click "Find My iPad", find the iPad you are selling in the list, click it, and click "Remove from Account". This unlinks the device from your Apple ID so the new owner can set it up with their own account without needing your password.

Do this step after you erase the iPad but before you give it to the new owner. If you forget to do it, the new owner will be stuck on the set up Lock screen and will need to contact you to remove it.

Troubleshooting common problems

The iPad asks for an Apple ID password and you do not remember it. Go to iforgot.apple.com on another device and reset your password. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to your Apple ID. Once you have reset the password, go back to the iPad and enter the new password.

The erase process stops or the iPad restarts during erasing. Plug the iPad into a computer and use Finder or iTunes to erase it instead. The computer can complete the erase even if the iPad keeps restarting.

After erasing, the iPad shows "iPhone/iPad unavailable" or a red exclamation mark. This usually means the device lost its internet connection during setup. Connect to Wi-Fi and wait a few minutes. If the message persists, plug the iPad into a computer and use Finder or iTunes to restore it again.

You erased the iPad but forgot to back up your photos first. If you have iCloud Photos turned on, your photos may still be in iCloud.com. Sign in with your Apple ID, click Photos, and check if your photos are there. If they are not, the photos are permanently gone — there is no way to recover them after erasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I erase just part of the iPad instead of everything?

No. The erase function removes all data and settings. If you only want to delete certain apps or photos, go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, find the app or photo library, and delete them individually. This is much faster than erasing the whole device.

What if I erase the iPad and then change my mind?

If you have a backup, you can restore it. After the erase is complete and the iPad shows the setup screen, sign in with your Apple ID and choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from Mac/PC Backup". The iPad will read your backup and restore your apps, photos, and settings.

Do I need to erase the iPad before I sell it?

Yes. If you do not erase it, the new owner will have access to your photos, messages, passwords, and other personal data. Always erase and remove set up Lock before handing the device to someone else.

How long does it take to erase an iPad?

The erase itself takes 10 to 30 minutes. After that, if you restore from a backup, the restore can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.

What if the iPad is password-protected and I forgot the password?

You can still erase it using a computer with Finder or iTunes. The computer can erase the device without needing the iPad password. After erasing, you will need your Apple ID password to set it up again.

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.