The term “restore” on an iPad refers to the process of erasing the device and returning it to its factory settings. When you restore your iPad, all of your settings, apps, data, and content will be deleted. This can be useful if you’re experiencing software issues, want to wipe your device before selling or giving it away, or simply want to start fresh. Some key things to know about restoring an iPad:
Reasons to Restore an iPad
There are several common reasons you may want or need to restore your iPad:
- You’re experiencing technical issues or glitches that aren’t resolved even after updating your software. Restoring can help eliminate any corrupted files or settings.
- You want to sell or give away your iPad. Restoring it erases all of your personal content and settings.
- You forgot your passcode. Restoring is the only way to regain access to your iPad.
- You want to switch Apple IDs on your iPad. Restoring will unlink the current Apple ID.
- You simply want to wipe your iPad clean and start fresh.
Backup Your iPad Before Restoring
It’s highly recommended that you create a backup of your iPad before restoring it. This will allow you to recover your data if needed. You can back up your iPad in a few different ways:
- Via iCloud – If you have iCloud Backup enabled on your iPad, it will automatically back up your device each day when connected to WiFi, power, and have a strong signal. You can also manually trigger an iCloud backup.
- Via iTunes – Connect your iPad to a computer and back up to iTunes. This will save a copy of your iPad data locally on your computer.
- Via Finder – If you have a newer iPad model, you can also back up your iPad by connecting it to a Mac computer using Finder instead of iTunes.
Backing up ensures you have a copy of your data and can restore your iPad if needed after wiping it.
How to Restore an iPad
Restoring an iPad essentially resets it back to factory default settings. Here are the steps to restore:
- Backup your iPad data first if possible.
- On your iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap General > Reset.
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Tap “Erase iPad” to confirm and begin the restore process.
- Wait for your iPad to reboot. The restore process can take several minutes.
- After restoring, you’ll be walked through setting up your iPad from scratch, like when you first got it.
What Data Gets Deleted When You Restore?
Restoring an iPad will delete:
- All apps and games downloaded to your iPad
- Music, photos, videos, and other media
- Contacts, calendars, and email accounts
- Text messages
- Settings and preferences
- Home screen layout and folders
- Apple ID password
- WiFi networks and VPN connections
Essentially, all user data, content, and customization will be erased. The iPad reverts to its original factory settings.
Will a Restore Fix iPad Issues?
In many cases, performing a restore can resolve common software issues on an iPad. Things it may fix include:
- Apps freezing or crashing
- iPad running slow
- Problems with contacts, calendars, or email
- Strange battery drain
- WiFi connectivity issues
- Unresponsive touchscreen
- Stuck on an Apple logo during bootup
- Unexplained error messages
By wiping your iPad completely clean and starting fresh, a restore can eliminate problematic files, settings, or apps causing issues.
When to Avoid Restoring Your iPad
There are a couple scenarios when you’ll want to avoid restoring your iPad:
- When you don’t have a backup – Never restore without backing up first. Otherwise you risk permanent data loss.
- To resolve minor issues – Don’t immediately resort to a full restore to fix small problems. Try simpler troubleshooting first.
- Right before a software update – Wait until after updating to the latest iOS version, as that may resolve your issues.
Only restore your iPad as a last resort when troubleshooting other options have failed.
How to Restore an iPad From a Backup
Once your iPad is wiped clean after a restore, you have the option to reload your data and content from a previous backup:
- During initial setup, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from iTunes backup” when prompted.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and select the desired backup.
- Allow time for your iPad to download and restore the backup.
- Your downloaded apps will reinstall and data like photos, contacts, etc will restore.
Things to keep in mind when restoring from backup:
- Make sure your backup is current before restoring.
- Restoring is faster with iCloud vs. iTunes.
- Your iPad data will reflect the state it was in during your last backup.
- Any data created after your last backup will be lost when you restore.
How to Restore Select Data From a Backup
If you don’t want to restore your entire iPad backup, you can choose to only restore certain types of data:
- Contacts – Sign in to iCloud and re-sync your contacts after restoring.
- Calendars – Enable iCloud Calendar syncing to recover your events.
- Photos – Enable iCloud Photo Library to re-upload your photos and videos.
- Music, movies, books – Redownload items purchased via iTunes or the App Store.
- Text messages – You can’t selectively restore texts, unfortunately.
While inconvenient, selectively restoring data may be your only option if your full backup is outdated.
How to Restore iPad Without a Backup
What if you need to restore your iPad but don’t have a backup? You still have options:
Restore and Start Fresh
Follow the normal iPad restore process, but don’t load any backup when setting up your iPad again. All of your apps, data, and settings will be erased, but your device will be clean and fresh again.
Use iPhone Backup
If you don’t have an iPad backup but do have an iPhone backup, you can use that to help restore some data. Log into iCloud during setup and enable contacts, calendars, etc syncing to pull data from your iPhone backup over the air.
Third-party Backup Tools
Some third-party apps claim they can recover lost or deleted data after restoring your iPad without a backup. Examples include PhoneRescue and iMyFone D-Back. But results will vary.
Restore from iCloud Website
On iCloud.com, you can selectively restore certain data like contacts and calendars down to your iPad from the cloud. Limited but useful if you really need key data.
Manually Transfer Data
For media like photos, music, or videos, you can manually transfer them from your computer back onto your iPad after restoring without a backup using the file sharing feature in iTunes or the Files app. Tedious but doable.
Common Questions About Restoring an iPad
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about restoring iPad:
Will Restoring Delete Photos?
Yes, restoring your iPad will delete any photos stored on the device if you don’t have them backed up. Always make sure your photos are backed up.
Can You Undo an iPad Restore?
No, there is no way to undo or cancel a restore once started. That’s why maintaining backups is so important.
Will Restoring Fix iPad Stuck on Apple Logo?
Yes, if your iPad is stuck on the Apple logo at startup and won’t boot properly, a restore can typically resolve this by wiping out any corrupted files causing issues.
Does Restoring iPad Delete Everything?
Essentially yes, restoring erases all of your personal content, data, settings, and installed apps from your iPad. It reverts back the factory default state.
Can You Restore an iPad Without a Computer?
Yes, you can restore an iPad wirelessly over-the-air via iCloud. You don’t need a computer to trigger a restore. Although a computer makes backing up and restoring easier.
Will Restoring iPad Remove Screen Passcode?
Yes, restoring your iPad will reset the passcode, allowing you to regain access if you previously forgot your screen passcode.
Conclusion
Restoring your iPad can fix many common problems and wipe your device completely clean if desired. Just be sure to backup important data first, as everything will be erased. Restoring is quick and simple to do by tapping Erase All Content and Settings, allowing you to reset your iPad to factory conditions. Overall, it’s a useful troubleshooting technique for when your iPad is misbehaving or you want to sell it or give it away. Handle restores with care and ensure you have recent backups.
