Look, we’ve all been there. Maybe your iPad is acting like a paperweight because the software is glitching out, or perhaps you’re finally upgrading to the new M4 OLED model and need to wipe your old slate clean for a buyer on eBay. Whatever the reason, knowing how to factory reset a iPad isn't just a "nice to have" skill—it’s the digital equivalent of knowing how to change a tire. It’s essential.
But here’s the thing. Most people jump straight into the settings menu without a second thought. That is a massive mistake. If you don't do this right, you end up with an Activation Lock nightmare that makes the device useless to the next person, or worse, you lose a decade of family photos because you thought iCloud was "just handling it."
Why a simple restart isn't enough
A factory reset is the nuclear option. It’s not a "force quit." When you perform a full reset, you are effectively telling the iPad to forget everything it has ever known. This includes your Apple ID, your saved Wi-Fi passwords, that weird third-party keyboard you installed in 2019, and every single photo in your library.
Apple calls this "Erase All Content and Settings." It’s different from a "Reset All Settings," which just puts your wallpaper and Wi-Fi back to default while keeping your apps. If you are selling the device, you need the nuclear version.
The Backup Mandate
Before you even touch that reset button, you have to back up. Seriously. Don't skip this. You can use iCloud, which is the easiest way, or plug it into a Mac or PC. If you're on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, you'll use Finder. On older Macs or Windows, it’s still iTunes.
Make sure you know your Apple ID password. If you’ve forgotten it, reset it now at iforgot.apple.com. You cannot bypass the Activation Lock easily once the reset starts, and if you're selling the iPad, the buyer will be knocking on your door (or blowing up your inbox) because they can't sign in.
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How to factory reset a iPad the right way
First, let's talk about the "On-Device" method. This is what 90% of people should do. It’s clean, it’s fast, and it’s built right into iPadOS.
- Open Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom. You’ll see Transfer or Reset iPad.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Now, the iPad is going to try and stop you. It will ask for your passcode. Then it might ask for your Apple ID password to turn off "Find My." This is a security feature to prevent thieves from wiping a stolen iPad and selling it.
Once you confirm, the screen will go black. You’ll see the Apple logo and a progress bar. Don't touch it. Just let it sit. If it’s an older iPad with a slower processor and a lot of data, this might take a few minutes. If it’s a newer Pro model with an M-series chip, it’s surprisingly quick.
What if the iPad is frozen?
Sometimes, you can't even get into the Settings menu. If your screen is unresponsive or stuck in a boot loop, you have to use a computer.
Connect your iPad to your computer. On a Mac, open a Finder window. On a PC, open iTunes. You’ll need to put the iPad into Recovery Mode. The steps vary depending on whether you have a Home button or not.
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For iPads with Face ID (no Home button): Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the top power button until you see the recovery mode screen (a cable pointing toward a computer).
For iPads with a Home button: Hold both the Home and the top buttons simultaneously. Keep holding them even when you see the Apple logo. Only let go when the recovery screen appears.
Once your computer sees the iPad in recovery mode, it will give you two options: Update or Restore. Choose Restore. This will download a fresh copy of iPadOS and wipe the device completely.
Dealing with Activation Lock
This is the "gotcha" moment. If you are giving this iPad to a friend or selling it, and you didn't sign out of iCloud before resetting it via a computer, the Activation Lock will remain active.
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Even after a factory reset, the iPad will ask for your email and your password during the initial setup. To avoid this, always sign out of Find My in your iCloud settings before you wipe the device. If you already wiped it and forgot to sign out, you can do it remotely. Go to iCloud.com/find, sign in with your Apple ID, select the iPad from the list of "All Devices," and click "Remove from Account."
Honestly, this is the most common reason people have trouble with used iPads. Apple's security is tight. It’s meant to make stolen devices worthless, but it also makes honest mistakes a huge headache.
Common Myths and Mistakes
People often think that "Reset Network Settings" is a factory reset. It’s not. That only fixes your wonky Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections.
Another misconception is that deleting your apps one by one is the same as a reset. It isn't. Traces of your data, cached files, and system logs remain. If you want a fresh start or a secure sale, the "Erase All Content and Settings" method is the only way to ensure your privacy is protected.
What about the eSIM?
If you have a cellular-model iPad with an eSIM, the iPad will ask if you want to keep or delete your data plan during the reset process. If you're keeping the iPad and just want to fix a bug, keep the plan. If you're selling it, delete the plan. Otherwise, the next owner might have trouble activating their own service, or worse, you might keep getting billed for a device you don't own anymore.
Preparing for the next step
Once the iPad shows the "Hello" screen in multiple languages, you're done. It’s back to the state it was in when it first left the factory in Shenzhen.
If you are setting it up for yourself again, you can now bring your iPhone or old iPad close to it to use "Quick Start." This will migrate your settings and data back over wirelessly. If you're selling it, just turn it off by holding the power button. Let the buyer have the satisfaction of seeing that "Hello" screen for themselves.
Immediate Action Items
- Check your iCloud storage: Ensure your last backup was successful (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup).
- Disable Find My: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My and toggle it off to ensure a smooth transition.
- Remove physical SIM cards: If your iPad has a SIM tray, pop it out with a paperclip. Don't give away your phone number and data plan by accident.
- Clean the hardware: Since the software is now pristine, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe to get those fingerprints off the screen. It makes a world of difference for the resale value.
The process of learning how to factory reset a iPad is straightforward once you understand the safeguards Apple has put in place. Just take it slow, verify your backups, and make sure you've signed out of your accounts. Your data—and your sanity—will thank you.