Factory reset time depends on your device type and storage size
A factory reset on a phone typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. On a computer, expect 20 minutes to over an hour. A tablet falls somewhere in between — usually 10 to 20 minutes. The variation comes down to how much data your device is erasing and rewriting, not the complexity of the process itself.
The actual time your device needs breaks into two parts: the time it takes to erase everything, and the time it takes to reinstall the operating system. A phone with 64 gigabytes of storage erases faster than one with 256 gigabytes. A computer with a traditional hard drive takes longer than one with a solid-state drive, because the older drive technology writes data more slowly.
During the reset, your device will restart several times. You will see progress bars, loading screens, or a spinning icon. The screen may go black for stretches. This is normal. Do not unplug the device or force it off — stopping the process partway through can leave your device unable to start.
Key Takeaways
- Phones reset in 5 to 15 minutes; computers take 20 minutes to over an hour; tablets usually fall between 10 and 20 minutes.
- Larger storage capacity and older hard drives both add time to the reset process.
- Your device will restart multiple times and show progress bars or loading screens — this is expected behavior.
- Keep your device plugged in and do not interrupt the process, or it may fail to restart afterward.
- After the reset completes, you will need to set up the device again from the beginning, which takes an additional 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Why factory resets take different amounts of time
The speed of your device's storage is the biggest factor. A phone with a solid-state drive (which all modern phones have) erases and rewrites data much faster than a computer with a traditional hard drive. If your computer is older and still uses a spinning hard drive, the reset can take significantly longer — sometimes 90 minutes or more.
Storage size matters too. A phone with 128 gigabytes takes longer to reset than one with 64 gigabytes, because there is more data to erase. However, the difference is usually only a few minutes. A computer with a terabyte of storage will take noticeably longer than a phone, even if both have solid-state drives.
Your device's processor speed has almost no effect on reset time. A newer, faster processor does not make the reset happen significantly quicker. The bottleneck is the storage device, not the brain of the machine.
What happens during each stage of a factory reset
When you start a factory reset, your device first backs up any settings you want to keep — things like your Wi-Fi networks or display preferences, depending on the device. This stage usually takes a minute or two.
Next, the device erases all your personal data: photos, messages, apps, documents, everything. This is the longest part of the process. The device does not just delete files; it overwrites the storage space so the data cannot be recovered. On a phone, this takes 5 to 10 minutes. On a computer with a large hard drive, it can take 30 to 45 minutes.
Finally, the device reinstalls a fresh copy of the operating system — Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. This is the stage where you see the most restart cycles and progress bars. The device may restart 2 to 4 times during this phase. On a phone, this takes another 5 to 10 minutes. On a computer, it can take 20 to 30 minutes.
How to prepare so the reset goes faster
Plug your device into power before you start. A reset that runs out of battery partway through will fail, and your device may not start again. Use a wall outlet, not a laptop or power bank, because those sources can lose power unexpectedly.
Close all apps and programs before you begin. On a phone, swipe them away from the app switcher. On a computer, close everything in your taskbar or dock. This does not speed up the reset itself, but it prevents accidental interruptions if you tap the screen or keyboard by mistake.
Clear some storage space if your device is nearly full. A device with less than 10 percent of its storage free may reset more slowly or encounter errors. Delete old photos, videos, or large files before you start.
What to do after the reset finishes
When the reset is complete, your device will show the initial setup screen — the same screen you saw when the device was brand new. You will need to set it up again: choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, sign into your account, and restore your apps and data from a backup if you have one.
This setup process takes an additional 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how fast your internet is and how many apps you are restoring. If you are restoring from a backup, the device downloads your apps and data in the background while you use it, so the setup screen finishes faster than the actual restoration.
If you did not back up your data before the reset, it is gone. There is no recovery step. This is why factory resets are used to erase devices before selling them or giving them away — the data cannot come back.
Differences between phone, tablet, and computer resets
Phones reset the fastest because they have the smallest storage and the fastest solid-state drives. Most phones finish in 5 to 15 minutes total. iPhones and Android phones take roughly the same amount of time.
Tablets fall in the middle. They have more storage than phones but less than most computers. Expect 10 to 20 minutes. iPad resets and Android tablet resets are similar in speed.
Computers take the longest because they have the most storage. A Windows computer with a solid-state drive usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. A Mac with solid-state storage takes 15 to 30 minutes. If your computer has an older hard drive, add 30 to 60 minutes to those estimates.
When a reset is taking longer than expected
If your device has been resetting for more than twice the time you expected, something may have gone wrong. Check whether the screen is still showing activity — a progress bar, a loading icon, or text. If the screen is completely black and has been for more than 10 minutes, the reset may have failed.
Do not force the device off when ready. Wait another 10 minutes in case it is in a slow part of the process. If nothing changes after that, hold the power button until the device shuts down, then turn it back on. The device may restart into recovery mode or show an error message. Follow the on-screen instructions, or contact the device manufacturer's support line if you are unsure what to do.
A reset that fails partway through usually leaves the device in a state where it will not start normally. You may need to use recovery mode or a computer to reinstall the operating system. This is rare, but it is why keeping your device plugged in and undisturbed during the reset is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my device while it is resetting?
No. Your device will be locked and unresponsive during a factory reset. The screen will show progress bars or loading messages. Trying to tap the screen or press buttons will not interrupt the process, but it is best to leave the device alone until it finishes.
Does a factory reset on a Mac take longer than on a Windows computer?
Not significantly. Both take roughly the same time if they have the same type of storage. A Mac with a solid-state drive resets in 15 to 30 minutes. A Windows computer with a solid-state drive takes 20 to 40 minutes. The difference is usually just a few minutes.
What if I need to reset my device but do not have a backup?
You can still reset it. Your data will be erased and cannot be recovered. If you want to keep your photos, messages, or files, back them up to cloud storage or a computer before you start the reset.
Will a factory reset make my old device faster?
Temporarily, yes. A reset removes apps and files that may have been slowing the device down. However, if the device is old, the hardware itself may be the limiting factor, and the speed improvement will not last long as you add apps and files again.
Does the internet speed affect how long a factory reset takes?
Not during the reset itself. The reset erases and reinstalls data on your device's storage, which does not depend on internet speed. However, after the reset finishes, downloading your apps and data from a backup does depend on internet speed — a slower connection means a longer setup process.