Resetting your iPad to factory settings can help fix certain software issues, erase all of your personal data before selling or giving away your iPad, or simply give you a fresh start on your device. Here are step-by-step instructions for forcing a factory reset on any iPad model.
What Does a Factory Reset Do on an iPad?
A factory reset will erase all data and settings on your iPad and restore it to the state it was in when you first unboxed it. This includes:
- Deleting all your apps, photos, music, movies, books, contacts, notes, messages, email accounts, and any other personal content
- Resetting system settings to their defaults
- Unlinking the iPad from any Apple ID it’s associated with
- Unlinking the iPad from any third-party services or accounts
- Deleting any paired Bluetooth devices
Essentially, it will be like you just purchased a brand new iPad straight from the Apple store. Your iPad will run faster and free up significant storage space after a factory reset.
When Should You Factory Reset an iPad?
Some common reasons to factory reset an iPad include:
- You’re selling or giving away your iPad – Factory reset deletes all personal data
- You’re experiencing performance issues or software bugs – Resetting can often fix software-related problems
- You forgot your passcode – A factory reset lets you regain access to a locked iPad
- You want to start fresh – Erases all data and custom settings
- You’re upgrading to a newer model – Lets you transfer your data to the new iPad cleanly
If you’re passing your iPad onto someone else, a factory reset is highly recommended. It protects your privacy by removing all of your personal information, messages, photos, and accounts from the device.
How to Backup Your iPad Before Factory Reset
Before factory resetting your iPad, it’s important to backup your data first. This allows you to restore your settings, photos, contacts, notes, and other information after the reset.
There are two ways to backup an iPad – via iCloud or iTunes.
iCloud Backup
To backup your iPad to iCloud:
- Connect your iPad to a Wi-Fi network
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
- Tap iCloud Backup
- Tap Back Up Now
- Your iPad will now backup your latest data and settings to iCloud. This can take several minutes depending on how much data you have.
As long as you are connected to the internet, your iPad automatically backs up to iCloud each day. But it’s a good idea to manually trigger a backup right before a factory reset.
iTunes Backup
To backup your iPad using iTunes:
- Connect your iPad to your computer using the USB cable that came with your device.
- Open iTunes on your computer
- Select your iPad under the Devices section
- Go to Summary > Back Up Now
- iTunes will now backup your latest iPad data and settings. This process can take awhile depending on how much data needs to be backed up.
An iTunes backup stores your content locally on your computer. It can be a smart alternative if you don’t want to rely solely on iCloud.
How to Factory Reset iPad Using Settings
Resetting your iPad to factory settings using the Settings app is quick and straightforward. Here’s how:
- Tap Settings on your iPad’s home screen
- Tap General
- Scroll down and tap Reset
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Tap Erase [iPad] to confirm
- Your iPad will now erase all data and reset itself. This takes a few minutes.
- When done, you’ll be greeted by the Hello screen to set up your iPad like new.
This method will completely reset your iPad in just a few taps. All of your data, settings, and content will be permanently erased.
How to Factory Reset iPad Using iTunes
You can also use iTunes on a computer to reset your iPad. Here’s how:
- Connect your iPad to your computer using the USB cable.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Select your iPad under Devices in iTunes.
- Under Summary, click Restore iPad.
- iTunes will download software for your iPad model.
- Click Restore again to confirm.
- iTunes will erase your iPad and install the latest iOS software.
- After it reboots, you’ll be prompted to set up your iPad as new.
Using iTunes to reset your iPad can be helpful if you want to wipe your device AND install the latest iOS at the same time. Just make sure to backup your iPad first.
How to Factory Reset iPad Without Passcode
If you forgot your iPad’s passcode and can no longer unlock it, you can still reset it to factory settings. Here are a few options:
Erase iPad via Find My
- On a trusted device, open Find My app or iCloud.com/find
- Select your locked iPad
- Tap Erase iPad at the bottom
- Tap again to confirm
- Your iPad will now erase and can be set up as new
This quickly resets your iPad remotely, without needing the passcode.
Erase iPad Using iTunes
- Connect your locked iPad to a computer running iTunes
- While iTunes detects your iPad, hold down the Home button on your iPad
- Keep holding the Home button until the iTunes logo appears on your iPad screen
- Your iPad will now enter recovery mode
- In iTunes, click Restore
- Your iPad will reset back to factory settings
Using recovery mode via iTunes lets you reset an iPad without the passcode. Just press and hold the Home button at the right time.
Erase iPad at Apple Store
As a last resort, you can schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store. Let them know you forgot your passcode. They can factory reset your iPad for you.
Bring proof of purchase or your Apple ID used on the iPad to verify it’s your device.
How to Fix iPad if Apps Freeze After Factory Reset
In some cases, your iPad may freeze on the Hello screen during setup after a factory reset. Or apps freeze and crash right after resetting your iPad. This is typically caused by residual software bugs or corrupt files that persisted through the reset process.
Here are some solutions to try if your iPad is freezing after a factory reset:
- Hard reset your iPad – Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This will hard reboot your iPad.
- Try resetting again – The first factory reset may have gotten interrupted. Try doing a reset again.
- Update iOS – Make sure your iPad is running the latest iOS version.
- Restore iPad using iTunes – Rather than resetting directly on your iPad, connect to iTunes and restore.
- Take iPad to Apple Store – As a last resort, have an Apple technician diagnose software issues causing the freezing.
Repeating the factory reset or updating iOS commonly fixes most post-reset freezing issues. If not, a trip to the Apple store may be required.
Factory Reset iPad Without Password – Summary
Here are some key tips to summarize how to factory reset an iPad:
- Always backup your iPad to iCloud or iTunes before resetting
- Use Settings > General > Reset to erase your iPad with just a few taps
- Hold Home + Sleep to force a hard reboot if your iPad freezes after resetting
- Find My and iTunes can both reset a locked iPad without needing the passcode
- Updating to the latest iOS version can fix bugs causing crashes after a factory reset
Resetting your iPad to factory default settings is a quick and easy way to erase all of your personal data, fix software issues, remove any passcode, and give you a fresh start on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a factory reset bad for iPad?
No, periodically factory resetting your iPad is not bad. Resetting helps clean up software issues, frees up storage space, and boosts overall performance. Your data is erased, but you can always restore a backup after the reset.
Can you factory reset a stolen iPad?
If an iPad is stolen, factory resetting it using Find My iPhone remotely will erase all data. This protects your privacy if someone else tries accessing your stolen iPad.
How do I factory reset iPad without Apple ID?
To reset an iPad without needing the Apple ID, you can use Find My, iTunes in recovery mode, or get help at an Apple Store. Your Apple ID won’t be required if you perform the steps to erase before setting up the iPad.
Does factory reset delete everything?
Yes, a factory reset will delete all user data, reset settings to default, and uninstall all apps and accounts on your iPad. Be sure to fully backup your iPad before doing a factory reset.
Will I lose everything if I reset iPad to factory settings?
You will lose all personal data, apps, accounts, and settings if you factory reset your iPad without a backup. However, you can restore your data and settings from an iCloud or iTunes backup after the reset completes.
Conclusion
Factory resetting your iPad is an easy process and can fix many common issues with frozen apps, software bugs, storage space, and sluggish performance. Just remember to fully backup your iPad first and have your Apple ID login details ready in order to restore your data.
Resetting your iPad to factory default settings gives you the assurance that all of your personal data has been removed before selling or gifting the device. It also gets you a fresh start if you just want to wipe your iPad clean of all unused apps and start over.
While the process differs slightly depending on your specific iPad model and iOS version, the general steps are the same – head to Settings > General > Reset and tap Erase All Content and Settings. If your iPad is locked or unresponsive, you can force a factory reset through iTunes or iCloud as well.