Factory resetting (also known as hard reset) your iPad erases all data, settings, and applications back to its original factory state, just like when you first took it out of the box. This can be helpful in several situations:
- Selling or giving away your iPad: A factory reset ensures your personal information and data are completely wiped clean before it goes to someone else.
- Troubleshooting software issues: If your iPad is experiencing software problems like freezing, lagging, or unexpected behavior, a factory reset can sometimes resolve these issues by wiping away any corrupted data or settings.
- Restoring storage space: Over time, apps, data, and files can accumulate and fill up your iPad’s storage. A factory reset clears everything, giving you a fresh start with maximum storage space available.
Things to Know Before Resetting:
- Data Loss: The most important thing to remember is that a factory reset wipes out everything on your iPad. Once you perform the reset, you cannot recover that data unless you have a recent backup.
- Backup is Crucial: It’s vital to back up your iPad before resetting. You can back up to iCloud or your computer. https://support.apple.com/en-us/108366
There are two main ways to factory reset your iPad, depending on whether you have access to the Settings app or not:
Method 1: Using Settings (If you can access your iPad)
- Back up your iPad data: This is crucial! A factory reset erases all your data and settings. You can back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer. Here’s how to back up to iCloud: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108366
- Go to Settings: Tap on the Settings icon, which looks like gears.
- Tap on “General”.
- Tap on “Transfer or Reset [Device]”. Depending on your iPad model, you might see “Reset” instead of “Transfer or Reset”.
- Tap on “Erase All Content and Settings”.
- Enter your iPad passcode if prompted.
- Confirm the reset by tapping “Erase iPad” again.
Method 2: Using Recovery Mode (If you can’t access Settings)
This method is useful if you forgot your iPad passcode or your iPad is disabled.
- Put your iPad in recovery mode: The method for entering recovery mode depends on your iPad model. Here’s a resource from Apple that shows the steps for different models: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108925
- Connect your iPad to your computer: Use the cable that came with your iPad and connect it to your computer.
- Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Your computer should detect your iPad in recovery mode. You might see an alert asking you to restore or update your iPad.
- Click “Restore” to erase your iPad and install the latest iPadOS.
Additional Notes:
- Whichever method you choose, make sure your iPad has enough battery power (at least 25%) before starting the reset process.
- The reset process might take some time, depending on your internet speed (if restoring from a backup) and the amount of data on your iPad.
- Once the reset is complete, your iPad will restart like new. You will need to set it up again from scratch.