How to reset an iPad to factory settings | Asurion (2024)

Is your iPad® having problems that you can't seem to fix? Is it running so slow that you can barely use it? Or are you getting ready to sell itand want to protect your privacy? If the answer to any of these questions is yes,it may be time tofactory resetyour device. But how do you dosowithout losing all your data?

Don't worry, at Asurion our experts help millions of customers resolve iPad repair issues like this every day, fromproblems getting an iPad to updateto atablet touch screennot working. When your favorite tech breaks, we fix it. Here's our guide on how toreset your iPad to factory settingsas well as how to back it up and restore it.

Why shouldyoufactory reset your iPad?

An iPad factory reset will erase all the information stored on your iPad—that includes apps, photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, browsing history, settings, and more.Only the original software and apps preinstalled by Apple® will remain. So, why shouldyoufactory reset your iPad?

There are two main reasons. The first is if you are planning to sell your tablet or give it away. Since you don't want your personal information in someone else's hands,resetting your iPad to factory settingsis an easy way to delete everything at once.

You also may need to complete a factory reset if your iPad has a serious issue. While this should be a last resort—aforce restart(holding the Power button until it shuts down and then rebooting) fixes many common problems—it may be necessary if nothing else can resolve the issue. But before you resetyour devicetofactory settings, you should back up your data so you can restore it to your device later.

How to back up your iPad

The simplest way to back up your iPad is with iCloud®. Here's how to do it:

1. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Go toSettings>[your name]>iCloud.
3. TapiCloud Backup>Back Up Now.
4. Stay connected to Wi-Fi until the backup is finished. If your device says it doesn't have enough iCloud storage space to complete the backup, follow the prompts to buy more storage.

How to factory reset your iPad or iPad Mini

Once it's backed up, you canreset your iPad to its factory default settings. Again, you should only do this if you're selling your device or trying to troubleshoot a major issue, since a reset will delete all your data.

Before you start the factory reset process, sign out of the Find My™ app. Then follow these instructions for factory resetting either on your iPad itself or through a Mac® or PC.

To complete afactory reset from your iPad:

Go toSettings>General>Reset>Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your screen lock passcode if prompted.

To complete an iPadfactory reset from your Mac or PC:

If you're using a Mac running macOS® Mojave 10.14 or earlier or a PC, you'll use iTunes® tofactory reset your iPad.

1. Open iTunes.
2. Connect your device to your computer with a cable. Enter your passcode if prompted.
3. Click on the iPad icon in the top-left corner.
4. SelectSummaryin the left column.
5. ClickRestore iPad, then clickRestoreagain to confirm.

For a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or newer, you'll use the Finder® tofactory reset your iPad.

1. Open Finder.
2. Connect your device to your computer with a cable. Enter your passcode if prompted.
3. Click on your device under Locations in the left column.
4. SelectGeneralat the top of the window.
5. ClickRestore iPad, then clickRestoreagain to confirm.

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See Also

Force restart iPad

How tofactory reset your iPadwithout the passcode

If you're unable to get into your iPad because it won't start or is frozen, you can still complete a factory reset. Here are two ways to do it without a passcode.

How tofactory reset your iPadin recovery mode:

1. On a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or a PC, open iTunes (make sure it's updated to the latest version). On a Mac running Catalina 10.15 or newer, open the Finder.
2. Connect your device to your computer with a cable.
3. Place your iPad into recovery mode.For iPads without aHomebutton:Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until the recovery mode screen appears.For iPads with aHomebutton:Press and hold the Home and the Volume buttons at the same time until the recovery mode screen appears.
4. Selectyour iPad onthe left side of your iTunes or Finder window.
5. ClickRestore.

If you're signed into the Find My app, you may run into an issue removing your Activation Lock. If this is preventing you from resetting your iPad, our experts can help. Visit your

How tofactory reset your iPadusing iCloud.com:

This method requires you to have Find My set up on your iPad.

1. Go toiCloud.com,andsign in with your Apple ID and password.
2. Click on theFind [device]iconin the menu.
3. Select your iPad from theAll Deviceslist.
4. SelectErase iPad.
5. Follow the prompts to delete all data from your device.

How torestore your iPadfrom a backup

After you've completed a factory reset, you can restore your information to youriPadfrom a previous backupusingeitheriCloud or a computer.

How torestore your iPadfrom iCloud:

1. Follow the prompts to set up your device until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
2. TapRestore from iCloud Backup,and signin toiCloud with your AppleID.
3. Go toChoosebackupandselect from the list of iCloud backups. Each one should have a date and size. You may be asked to update your software.
4. When prompted, sign in with your Apple ID to restore your apps and purchases.

How torestore your iPadwith iTunes:

If you have a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or a PC, you can use iTunes torestore your iPad.

1. Open iTunes.
2. Connect your device to your computer with a USB-C or USB cable. Enter your passcode if prompted.
3. Click on the iPad icon in the upper-left corner.
4. ClickRestoreBackup.
5. Select the backup you want, then clickRestore.
6. After your iPad restarts, keep it connected to your computer and wait for it to sync, then disconnect it.

How to restore your iPad without iTunes:

If you have a Mac running Catalina 10.15 or newer, you can use the Finder torestore your iPad.

1. Open Finder.
2. Connect your device to your computer with a cable. Enter your passcode if prompted.
3. Click on your device under Locations in the left column.
4. ClickRestoreBackup.
5. Select the backup you want, then clickRestore.
6. After your iPad restarts, keep it connected to your computer and wait for it to sync, then disconnect it.