What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your iPad and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. All your photos, apps, documents, and settings disappear. The iPad becomes blank and ready to set up as new or restore from a backup.

You might need a factory reset if your iPad is frozen and won't respond, if you forgot your passcode, if you're selling or giving away the device, or if it's running so slowly that nothing else has fixed it. A disabled iPad — one that's locked and you can't get past the lock screen — requires a specific reset method because you can't access the normal settings.

The reset itself doesn't fix hardware problems like a broken screen or battery that won't charge. It only clears the software and data.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset on a disabled iPad requires a computer with iTunes or Finder, a USB cable, and your Apple ID password or recovery key.
  • You can reset through Recovery Mode (the fastest method) or DFU Mode if Recovery Mode doesn't work.
  • The reset erases everything on the iPad, so you should back up your data first if the device is still accessible.
  • After the reset completes, you'll need to sign in with your Apple ID to reactivate the iPad and restore your data from a backup.
  • If you don't know your Apple ID password, you can reset it through Apple's website before you start the factory reset process.

Using Recovery Mode on a Mac or Windows computer

Recovery Mode is the standard way to factory reset a disabled iPad. You'll need a computer running macOS or Windows, a USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your iPad model), and your Apple ID password or a recovery key.

On a Mac with macOS Monterey or newer, plug the iPad into the computer with the cable. Open Finder, click the iPad name in the sidebar, and click "Restore". On a Mac with an older operating system, use iTunes instead — plug in the iPad, click the device icon, and select "Restore". On Windows, open iTunes, plug in the iPad, click the device icon, and click "Restore".

When you click Restore, the computer downloads the current iPad software and erases the device. This takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and which iPad model you have. Do not unplug the iPad during this process.

When the reset finishes, the iPad shows the setup screen. You can sign in with your Apple ID to restore your data from a backup, or set it up as a new device.

Putting your iPad into Recovery Mode if it won't respond

If your iPad is completely frozen or won't turn on, you need to force it into Recovery Mode before the computer can see it. The steps depend on which iPad model you have.

For iPad Pro models with Face ID (all recent models), press and hold the top button and either volume button together until the power-off slider appears. Keep holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer icon). For iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini with Face ID, do the same thing. For older iPad models with a Home button, press and hold the top button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. For iPad mini 4 and earlier, press and hold the Home button and top button together.

Once Recovery Mode appears on the iPad screen, the computer will recognize it and you can proceed with the Restore step in Recovery Mode.

Using DFU Mode if Recovery Mode fails

DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update Mode) is a deeper reset than Recovery Mode. Use it only if Recovery Mode didn't work or if the computer says it can't restore the iPad.

The steps to enter DFU Mode are similar to Recovery Mode but with different timing. For iPad Pro with Face ID, press and hold the top button and a volume button, release when the power-off slider appears, then when ready press and hold both buttons again for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black. The Recovery Mode screen should appear. For iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini with Face ID, follow the same process. For older models with a Home button, press and hold the top button, release when the slider appears, then press and hold the Home button and top button together for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black.

Once the iPad enters DFU Mode, the computer will recognize it and you can restore it the same way as in Recovery Mode.

What to do if you don't know your Apple ID password

After a factory reset, your iPad will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID before you can use it. If you don't remember your password, you can reset it before you start the factory reset process.

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 a verification code to your email or phone number on file. You can also use a recovery key if you saved one when you set up your Apple ID.

Write down your new password before you start the factory reset, so you have it ready when the iPad asks for it after the reset completes.

Restoring your data after the reset

Once the factory reset finishes and your iPad shows the setup screen, you have two choices: restore from a backup or set up as new.

If you have a backup from iCloud, sign in with your Apple ID during setup and choose "Restore from iCloud Backup". Select the backup you want (usually the most recent one) and the iPad will read your photos, apps, documents, and settings. This takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.

If you have a backup on your computer from iTunes or Finder, plug the iPad into the computer after setup and choose "Restore Backup" in Finder or iTunes. Select the backup file and the computer will restore your data to the iPad.

If you don't have a backup, set up the iPad as new and reinstall your apps from the App Store. Your photos and documents won't be recoverable unless you have them backed up elsewhere.

Why the reset might not work and what to try next

Sometimes the computer won't recognize the iPad even in Recovery Mode, or the restore process fails partway through. This usually means a USB connection problem, an outdated version of iTunes or macOS, or a hardware issue with the iPad.

Try a different USB cable first — the cable might be damaged even if it looks fine. Try a different USB port on the computer. If you're on Windows, make sure iTunes is fully updated from the Microsoft Store or Apple's website. If you're on Mac, make sure macOS is fully updated. Restart both the computer and the iPad (by force-restarting it into Recovery Mode again).

If the computer still won't recognize the iPad or the restore fails repeatedly, the iPad may have a hardware problem that a factory reset can't fix. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the passcode?

Yes. A factory reset erases the passcode along with everything else on the iPad. After the reset, you set up a new passcode (or choose not to use one) during the setup process.

Can I factory reset an iPad without a computer?

Not if the iPad is disabled and you can't access Settings. If the iPad is working but locked, you can go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. If the iPad won't respond at all, you need a computer with iTunes or Finder and a USB cable.

What happens to my Apple ID after a factory reset?

Your Apple ID account itself is not affected. After the reset, the iPad will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID again. You'll need your password or recovery key to reactivate the device and restore your data.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Restoring your data from a backup can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

You should not unplug the iPad or close the computer during the reset. If you do, the iPad may not work properly afterward. If the reset seems stuck for more than an hour, force-restart the iPad and try again.