What resetting your iPad actually does

A reset on an iPad means erasing everything on the device and returning it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This wipes all your apps, photos, documents, settings, and passwords. After a reset, your iPad will ask you to set it up again from scratch, just like the first time you turned it on.

People reset iPads for different reasons. You might do it before selling or giving away the device so the next person starts with a clean slate. You might reset if your iPad is running slowly, freezing constantly, or behaving strangely. You might also reset if you forgot your passcode and cannot get back in.

A reset is different from a restart. A restart just turns your iPad off and back on — it keeps all your data and settings. A reset erases everything.

Key Takeaways

  • A reset erases all data, apps, and settings from your iPad and returns it to factory condition.
  • You can reset through Settings if you know your passcode, or through a computer if you do not.
  • Before resetting, back up your iPad through iCloud or a computer so you can recover your data later.
  • After a reset, your iPad will walk you through setup again and ask for your Apple ID.
  • A reset takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your iPad model and internet speed.

Back up your iPad before you reset

Once you reset your iPad, the data is gone unless you saved a copy first. The easiest way to back up is through iCloud, which is Apple's cloud storage service. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. Turn on the toggle switch, then tap Back Up Now. This saves your photos, documents, app data, and settings to Apple's servers.

If you do not want to use iCloud, you can back up to a computer instead. On a Mac, plug in your iPad and open Finder. Click your iPad in the sidebar, then click General. Under Backups, click Back Up Now. On a Windows computer, plug in your iPad and open iTunes, click your iPad icon, then click Back Up Now under the Backups section.

The backup process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. Do not unplug your iPad or close the window until it finishes.

Reset through Settings if you know your passcode

This is the most straightforward method. Open the Settings app and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Your iPad will ask you to enter your passcode to confirm. Type it in.

Next, your iPad will ask for your Apple ID password. This is the password for the account you use to read apps and access iCloud. Enter it. This step prevents someone else from using your iPad after the reset without your permission.

Your iPad will show a warning that everything will be erased. Tap Erase to confirm. The reset will start when ready. Your screen will go black, and you will see the Apple logo. Do not turn off your iPad or unplug it during this time. The whole process takes 10 to 30 minutes.

Reset through a computer if you forgot your passcode

If you cannot remember your passcode, you cannot reset through Settings. Instead, you will need a Mac or Windows computer. Plug your iPad into the computer with a USB cable. On a Mac, open Finder and click your iPad in the sidebar. On Windows, open iTunes and click the iPad icon.

Look for a button or option that says Restore. Click it. Your computer will read the latest iPad software and install it on your device. This process erases everything and installs a fresh copy of the operating system. It takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed and iPad model.

When the restore finishes, your iPad will restart and show the setup screen. You can now set it up as a new device or restore from your backup.

Set up your iPad after the reset

When your iPad finishes resetting, it will show the setup screen in the language you selected during the initial reset process. You will see options to connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Apple ID, and restore from a backup.

If you backed up your iPad before resetting, you can restore from that backup now. Tap Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac/PC Backup depending on where you saved it. Sign in with your Apple ID and choose which backup to restore. Your apps, photos, documents, and settings will come back.

If you want to start completely fresh without restoring anything, tap Set Up as New iPad instead. You will still need to sign in with an Apple ID to use the App Store and iCloud features.

What to do if your reset gets stuck

Occasionally a reset will freeze partway through or seem to take much longer than expected. If your iPad is stuck on the Apple logo screen for more than an hour, try a force restart. The method depends on your iPad model. On most newer iPads, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top button until you see the power-off slider. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Top button again to turn it back on.

If the reset still does not complete, try the restore process through a computer again. Sometimes a computer connection is more stable than doing the reset on the iPad itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my photos and documents if I reset?

Yes, a reset erases everything on your iPad. That is why backing up through iCloud or a computer first is important. After you reset and set up your iPad again, you can restore from that backup and get your photos and documents back.

Can I reset my iPad without knowing my Apple ID password?

If you know your passcode, you can start the reset through Settings, but you will need your Apple ID password to complete it. If you do not know either one, you will need to use a computer and restore through Finder or iTunes instead. You may also contact Apple Support for help recovering your account.

How long does a reset actually take?

Most resets take 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish. If you are restoring from a backup afterward, add extra time depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. A large backup with thousands of photos can take an additional 30 minutes to an hour to restore.

What is the difference between reset and restore?

A reset erases your iPad and returns it to factory settings through the Settings app or a computer. A restore does the same thing but specifically refers to using a computer and Finder or iTunes. Both end with the same result: a blank iPad ready to set up again.

Do I need to reset my iPad if it is running slowly?

A reset can help if your iPad is very slow, but try other steps first. Restart your iPad, close apps you are not using, delete large files you do not need, and update to the latest software through Settings > General > Software Update. Many slowness problems go away without a full reset.